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AIRLINES COMPLETE CONVERSION TO BAR-CODED BOARDING PASS
(source: USA Today)
Airlines worldwide have fully converted to bar-coded boarding passes, the International Air Transport Association announced.
Airlines issue more than 2 billion boarding passes a year. Five years ago, they began phasing out magnetic stripe passes because they're more expensive and less efficient than bar-codes. The conversion will save the industry up to $1.5 billion a year, IATA estimates.
Boarding passes are still evolving as the industry plans to gradually eliminate all paper boarding passes in favor of electronic versions e-mailed to smartphones or other mobile devices.
"The magnetic stripe boarding passes are on their way to a history museum next to the paper ticket. After electronic ticketing in 2008, the conversion to (bar-coded passes) is the next important step to provide passengers with more convenience and choice," says Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's Director General and CEO, in a statement.
The bar-coded pass allows airlines to issue a single, printed boarding pass for multiple flights, simplifying the journey for passengers with flight connections or those traveling on different airlines, IATA says.
It also opens the door for automated access to premium services, such as fast-track security lanes or lounges.
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EUROPE’S TRAVEL CHAOS EASES, BUT SNOW LOOMS
(source: MSNBC.com)
Europe's Christmas travel crisis eased slightly Wednesday but there were still substantial airport and train delays, and London's Heathrow Airport operator warned more cancellations and delays may be ahead as temperatures are forecast to dip in coming days.
A thaw in the U.K. enabled transport operators to increase services and shift part of the backlog of stranded passengers. About 75% of Heathrow's planned departures were expected to operate Wednesday—some 900 flights out its regular 1,200. Extra crews were working to remove ice buildup and clear the airfield of snow.
Germany's Frankfurt airport said schedules were slowly returning to normal after several days of widespread delays caused by winter weather. About 70 flights were canceled Wednesday out of a daily total of about 1,300, a substantial improvement over the 550 cancellations on Tuesday.
In France, the government said 15% of the flights from Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris would be canceled Wednesday because of the winter weather.
BAA late Tuesday reopened its second runway at Heathrow to increase capacity. The runway had been closed since the heavy snowfalls on the weekend. A spokeswoman said Heathrow also had good stocks of de-icer. However, BAA warned on its website that "more cold weather is forecast and there may be further delays and cancellations."
Eurostar Wednesday was operating 90% of its scheduled service and had repatriated almost all of its stranded passengers, a spokeswoman said.
Snow stopped falling in Ireland at around midnight and Dublin Airport pressed hard to catch up after losing most of Tuesday when 90,000 tons of snow had to be cleared from the runways. Aer Lingus leased 10 more planes to operate extra flights to Europe and the U.S. and clear the backlog of delayed customers Wednesday. Ryanair said its flights were at full operations.
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FEES, FARES AND THE FUTURE OF AIR TRAVEL
(source: MSNBC.com)
Last week, the Department of Transportation reported that U.S. airlines collected $2.56 billion in baggage fees during the first nine months of the year, a 29 percent increase over the year before. The biggest hauls went to Delta, $733 million; United, $431 million; and US Airways, $388 million.
Perhaps that explains why US Airways President Scott Kirby recently told analysts that he expects fees for checked bags and other ancillary services to represent 100 percent of the airline’s profitability this year.
Last month, Glenn Tilton, chairman of the recently formed United Continental Holdings Inc., predicted that the U.S. airline industry would post a $4 billion profit this year. If his prediction holds, it represents a stunning turnaround from the $3.4 billion it lost last year.
The industry took in $4.3 billion in fees for checked bags and reservation changes alone during the first nine months of the year. That figure doesn’t include revenues for other ancillary services — everything from pet fees to priority boarding — which the government doesn’t break out, let alone revenues from the last three months of the year.
Meanwhile, and even with healthy profits this year, the industry is already bracing for less revenue in the coming months. According to the latest projections from the International Air Transport Association, the global airline industry will make $15.1 billion this year, but drop to $9.1 billion for 2011 due to slowing economic growth and rising oil prices, currently approaching $90 per barrel.
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AIRLINES EYE BOOMING ASIA-PACIFIC TRAVEL MARKET
(Source: USA Today)
As Asian economies boom, U.S. carriers are courting long-haul travelers with more frequent service, cushier seats and amenities.
In February, Delta Air Lines will begin flying between the U.S. and Tokyo's Haneda airport, three months after Hawaiian Airlines became the first U.S. carrier to do so. Delta also plans to resume Atlanta-Shanghai service after suspending it last year, and expand flights between China and Japan. American Airlines is launching flights between New York and Haneda next month, and between Los Angeles and Shanghai in April.
The expansion comes as domestic travel begins to recover, but not as quickly as travel in Asia-Pacific. The region already passed North America last year as the largest aviation market in the world. It remains the "most profitable region of the world for airlines" because of its strong economic growth, according to the International Air Transport Association, which represents 230 carriers.
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
MANDARIN ORIENTAL, TOKYO
2-1-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi; Chuo-ku
Tokyo
Towering 38 floors above Nihonbashi, the financial centre of Tokyo, Mandarin Oriental is amoung the most advantageous places from which to conduct business in this city.
Five minutes from the second largest Stock Exchange in the world the Mandarin Oriental, Toyko offers travelers business efficiency, excellent service and simultaneously a serene retreat.
In the Room
Some of the most spacious rooms in Japan, designed for business and relaxation. Hi technology is matched with subtle creativity, and their stunning bathrooms will be a private spa with spectacular views.
At the Hotel
The hotel promises the highest level of service, reflecting the diligence of the Japanese work ethos and their oriental heritage, an invaluable resource for overseas business. For any secretarial or administrative back up please contact their business center. Throughout the hotel panoramic views offer an exciting perspective of the city; their restaurants set against this backdrop are much sought after as entertainment venues.
And because a relaxed mind is best for business experience they offer the luxurious Spa in the Sky. When one arrives at the hotel the therapists will prepare travelers for business; when travelers have completed their work they will refresh and rejuvenate one’s body and mind.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo until December 31, 2010 is 56000 JPY (compared to a corporate rate of 62000 JPY) including complimentary daily newspaper; mineral water bottle; fitness centre; 1 hotel original fan; and shoe shine service. Additionally as a member of the Mandarin Oriental Fan Club Loyalty Program travelers receive the following exclusive amenities: daily breakfast, upgrade on arrival subject to availability, priority waitlist clearance, no-walk policy and dedicated 24-hour ambassador.
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
MICHELANGELO HOTEL
152 West 51st Street
New York City
The Michelangelo Hotel is recognized by Travel & Leisure Magazine as one of the top 500 "Greatest Hotels of the World" and has been placed on the 'Gold List' for the "Best Place to stay in the whole world" by Condë Nast Traveler.
The Michelangelo is located within a gentle walk from the city's most famous venues: Rockefeller Center, the luxury boutiques of Fifth and Madison Avenues, Central Park, spectacular Broadway shows, the lights of Times Square and more.
Envision a place that captures the imagination and attention of the world. The moment one enters one will feel like the honored guest of a devoted Italian host. Surrounded by oil paintings, crystal chandeliers, and cherished antique furnishings, one might think they have arrived in Florence or Venice.
The interiors reflect an Old World approach to guests' every pleasure and comfort. The lobby and multilingual staff set the tone. The lobby showcases rich Venetian and Florentine fabrics, lighting fixtures inspired by Roman cathedral torcheres and woodwork adapted from original Renaissance period designs.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Michelangelo Hotel is $310 through December 31, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $425).*
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* All rates are subject to availability.
______________________________________________________________
The Lawyers' Travel Service
www.lawyerstravel.com
info@laweyrstravel.com
800.431.1112 |
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