IS THE AIRLINE BAGGAGE SCALE ACCURATE? Eight percent of the baggage scales at New York's Kennedy and LaGuardia airports failed an initial accuracy check, according to the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs. After airlines had five days to fix the inaccurate scales, all scales at JFK passed and only two scales at LaGuardia failed and were condemned. That failure rate was lower than a similar check of all airport scales in New York City last year, when 12% of scales had readings that were inaccurate by more than one pound, DCA said Friday. Overall, 92% of the 608 luggage scales at Kennedy passed the department's accuracy test, which requires that airport scales cannot read inaccurately by more than one pound. At LaGuardia, 93% of the 133 luggage scales at LaGuardia passed city inspection the first try. Airline baggage scales are big business these days, and should be inspected just as gasoline pumps, produce scales in grocery stores and wherever else you get charged by weight. In practice, airlines rarely charge customers if baggage weight is within one pound of acceptable limits. Many airline workers give some leeway, with a stern look or a wink and nod, when readings are close. CONTINENTAL SHIFTING TOWARD CASHLESS CABIN Continental Airlines Inc. said that only credit and debit cards will be accepted for purchases onboard most its aircraft starting this week. Flight attendants will use new hand-held devices to process the card payments for purchases of alcoholic beverages and headsets. Houston-based Continental said in a statement that the new cashless system will be available on all Continental Airlines mainline flights, except for service to and from China. Cash is still being accepted for duty-free purchases, which are available on international flights. Cash also is still being accepted on Continental Express, Continental Connection and Continental Micronesia flights. Continental is on track to switch to a cashless cabin on those flights in the first quarter of 2010. F.A.A. CLARIFIES WHAT CAN BE STOWED IN SEAT BACK Common sense has prevailed, for once. The Federal Aviation Administration recently issued new guidelines that clarify formerly confounding policies on whether passengers may put personal items in airplane seat-back pockets. Major airlines said they were baffled by the regulation and were not enforcing it on their mainline flights, even if one of their regional contractors was. The answer, the F.A.A. now says, is yes you can — despite what some airlines may have been telling you. Airline seat pockets are designed to safely hold about three pounds of weight, the F.A.A. said in a recent clarification notice sent to airlines. Therefore, the notice stated, "if small, lightweight items, such as eyeglasses or a cellphone, can be placed in the seat pocket without exceeding the total designed weight limitation of the seat pocket, or so that the seat pocket does not block anyone from evacuating the row of seats, it may be safe to do so." Les Dorr, an F.A.A. spokesman, said that while, "strictly speaking," the cabin stowage regulations say that nothing can be in the seat pockets except for "company materials" like airline in-flight magazines and safety cards, "what we're saying in this clarification is that it's O.K. to put small items in there, as long as it's not posing any problem with the weight limitation of the seat-back pocket." That, of course, has always been the status quo on most airlines. The seat-back pockets are supposed to be for passenger use. We all know it is wrong to use the seat-back pocket to stow something heavy that could be dislodged in turbulence or block access to emergency exits. But by and large, passengers and flight attendants applied common sense to the matter until some regional F.A.A. officials got into the act with the outright bans starting this year. TIPS FOR SMART, HEALTHY HOLIDAY TRAVEL FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY --Juggle your dates. Travel the week of Christmas rather than the following week and you could save more than $100 a ticket. Those airline surcharges we are hearing so much about are only for the busiest travel days. --Book a direct flight, even if you have to pay more. And if you have to connect, allow at least three hours between flights. The planes will be packed and if you miss your connection -- all it takes is one major storm somewhere -- you won't find enough seats on the next flights for your family. Make sure you get seat assignments too. It will be next to impossible to get seats together when you arrive at the airport for a packed flight. --Look for "family designated" security lanes at airports to avoid the icy glares of harried business travelers behind you and your stroller. Allow at least an hour more than you think you'll need and check in online. --Travel with carry-on bags not only to save fees, but also to save time. You'll get to the gate -- and out of the airport at the other end -- significantly quicker. If necessary, ship suitcases, snow sports gear and holiday gifts ahead. --Buy a seat for the baby and toddler and bring their safety seats onboard. Yes, they can fly free until they are two, but everyone from the FAA to the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that young children are far safer -- not to mention more comfortable -- in a safety seat, especially when a flight hits turbulence. You'll have a more comfortable flight too. --Stash sandwiches, snacks and reusable water bottles that you can fill when you get through security. This way you not only feed the kids healthier en route but also save considerable money and time. --Keep that hand sanitizer handy and use it often. "Parents should not be afraid to travel due to H1N1," says Dr. Gwenn O'Keeffe, a pediatrician and editor of www.pediatricsnow.com. We've just got to travel smarter. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has an excellent guide for parents (www.flu.gov) and you'll also find tips at the American Academy of Pediatrics' Website, www.aap.org. " Cough into a tissue or the crook of your elbow," Dr. O'Keeffe says. And stay home if you are sick. Don't go visit relatives who are sick either. --Just in case someone gets sick, bring along common over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, Dr. Tolcher suggests. Ask your pediatrician to recommend a physician in the area you'll be visiting, particularly if any of your kids has a chronic condition. And consider travel insurance. According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, you'll be covered if one of you gets sick away from home or if you have to cancel for H1N1 or other illnesses, as long as you have medical documentation. --Make sure kids who are flying as unaccompanied minors know where they are going. Give them a cell phone and all of the phone numbers they might need. Teens need to know that if their flight is diverted or if they miss a connection, they've got to speak up and tell the gate agents and flight attendants they are alone. You don't want them to get lost in the shuffle.
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The 203 room hotel offers travelers a stylish & sophisticated environment to stay in whilst visiting London. All rooms are fully air-conditioned and equipped with high speed internet access, business links and in-room entertainment of the highest standard. The Club rooms, King Studios and Signature Suites offer additional enhanced services to guests with complimentary access to the Club Lounge. Indulge with friends or colleagues at one of the hotel's two restaurants or stylish bar. The acclaimed Refettorio restaurant, directed by Michelin starred chef Giorgio Locatelli, is the place to be seen in the city. For those seeking fitness and relaxation, the Spirit Fitness Club with sauna is complimentary to all hotel guests and offers a range of cardio-vascular equipment. The hotel offers five modern and state-of-the-art meeting rooms with a maximum capacity for up to 160 guest theatre layout. The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Crowne Plaza London - The City is £234 (compared to a corporate rate of £285).*
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
Privacy remains the ultimate luxury at Royal Palms Resort and Spa. Enchanting stone walkways curve throughout the property, inviting guests to indulge in a leisurely stroll amongst the fragrant citrus groves and exotic foliage. Set amidst lush courtyards and blooming gardens, their 119 beautifully appointed casitas, guestrooms, and villas surround as an oasis for guests seeking tranquility and solitude. Each room is resplendent in Old World charm, many appointed with a breathtaking collection of European antiques, tiles and artifacts. Set in the Valley of the Sun, the resort is located in the beautiful Phoenix-Scottsdale resort community, with the majestic Camelback Mountain providing a striking visual backdrop. Entering the mansion through mahogany and iron double doors, the atmosphere is that of a lavish private residence. Mirroring the Old World charm of the estate, Royal Palms' Four-Star Alvadora Spa is tranquil, warm and intimate. Nationally acclaimed T. Cook's restaurant boasts select seasonal dishes from the Mediterranean and exotic surrounding regions. The resort also offers swimming, a fitness centre and full-service salon. Featuring over 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, the resort's meeting salons are rich in design, character, detail and history while meeting today's need for advanced technology. Antique furniture, huge stone fireplaces and views of tranquil gardens give conference attendees the feeling they are the honored guests of a grand estate. All aspects of the resort's conference services and venues have been designed to provide a "residential" experience for meeting attendees rather than the traditional commercial ambiance. Conveniently located between the prestigious Biltmore area and popular downtown Scottsdale, Royal Palms Resort and Spa is ideally situated for business and leisure travelers with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport only seven miles from the hotel. Unique ambiance, intimate surroundings and lush gardens evoke the sense of a faraway place, yet the resort is minutes from world-class shopping, galleries, golf and attractions. The Royal Palms Resort and Spa is one of two Phoenix hotels that is a proud member of the Historic Hotels of America National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at The Royal Palms Resort and Spa is $219 (compared to a corporate rate of $429).*
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
The Palace's 552 guest rooms have been newly restored with the latest in modern luxury with traditional mahogany furnishings and updated fixtures and offer a guest room bath beautifully appointed with marble counters, polished brass and chrome fixtures, and lighted mirrors. New shower heads with broader spray and multiple massage settings have been added to each bath. A custom designed amenity line is featured in each room for traveler convenience. The new color palette of soft cream, shades of blue and butter yellow is fresh, warm and inviting. New beds include an ultimate comfort mattress dressed with a down comforter, large fluffy pillows and a cozy throw. Elegant draperies complement the interior and provide maximum privacy. The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at The Palace Hotel is $189 (compared to a corporate rate of $198).* THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
Driven by celebrated two-time James Beard Award winning Chef Art Smith as chef/owner and The Culinary Institute of America-trained, Virginia native Ryan Morgan as executive chef, Art and Soul serves regional cuisine with a southern accent, showcasing fresh local ingredients. The chefs' mission is to provide patrons with "Food for the Soul" – food made with love and care. The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Liaison Capitol Hill is $189 (compared to a corporate rate of $285).* * All rates are subject to availability. The Lawyers' Travel Service |
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