- Courtesy of The Lawyers' Travel Service February 10, 2010 In This Issue...
	SNOW CANCELS/DELAYS FLIGHTS WORLDWIDE
	JAPAN AIRLINES TO STICK WITH ONEWORLD, FORGE JOINT VENTURE WITH AA
	WHAT TO SEE, DO (WHEN NOT WORKING) IN AMERICA'S TOP BUSINESS SPOTS
	WHY A SIX-HOUR FLIGHT NOW TAKES SEVEN
	THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
	- ALDEN-HOUSTON, Houston
	- FAIRFAX AT EMBASSY ROW, Washington DC
	- NINES, Portland
	- THREADNEEDLES, London
	- W SAN FRANCISCO, San Francisco - ZAZA-UPTOWN DALLAS, Dallas

SNOW CANCELS/DELAYS FLIGHTS WORLDWIDE
(source: USA Today)

The second major winter storm in a week is causing major headaches for air travelers all across the country and worldwide.

Even those outside the hard-hit areas of the Northeast and Midwest are seeing problems as delays and cancellations in places like New York, Chicago and Washington begin to cascade across the USA. Delays and cancellations resulting from the storm are being reported as far away as Ireland, Florida and California.

Travelers across the nation should expect to feel the effects of today's schedule disruption. At least eight different U.S. carriers operate a hub or major base at an airport where flights grounded or severely curtailed. Among those affected: AirTran (BWI), American (New York JFK), Continental (Newark), Delta (JFK), JetBlue (JFK), Southwest (BWI), United (Washington Dulles) and US Airways (Philadelphia, Washington National).


JAPAN AIRLINES TO STICK WITH ONEWORLD, FORGE JOINT VENTURE WITH AA
(source: BNTonline.com)

Counter to reports last week that Japan Airlines would partner with Delta, and following more than two months of indecision as to whom it would pick as its U.S. alliance partner, Japan Airlines today reaffirmed its loyalties to Oneworld and affirmed plans to bolster its standing in that alliance through a transpacific antitrust-immune joint venture with American Airlines.

The decision to select American's $1 billion-plus offer of financial aid over a competing proposal from Delta Air Lines and its SkyTeam alliance ends months of speculation as to which carrier would emerge as the U.S. partner to Japan's largest carrier.

American Airlines CEO Gerard Arpey said today that the carrier soon would finalize and present to the U.S. Department of Transportation and Japanese authorities the carriers' plans to operate a joint venture through which it would jointly sell, plan networks and share revenue on transpacific routes with JAL.

Though JAL's decision leaves Delta and SkyTeam without a Japanese partner, Delta, thanks to its acquisition of Northwest Airlines, commands the highest marketshare of any single carrier between the U.S. mainland and Japan. According to December 2009 OAG data for seat share between the two countries—excluding Hawaiian markets—Delta held nearly 31 percent marketshare without an Asian partner.


WHAT TO SEE, DO (WHEN NOT WORKING) IN AMERICAN'S TOP BUSINESS SPOTS
(source: MSNBC.com)

Attention Road Warriors: Business travel doesn't have to be all business. And timing need not matter, either. A stay of only 24 hours is easily squandered, with sights as exciting as an airport landing strip, a complimentary buffet line or your hotel bathtub. But if you can find just a couple of hours to get away, exciting distractions await — sure to sweep you off your power heels.

While the shaky economy may have forced many business professionals into a stay-put mentality, the reality remains that business travel is key to attracting and retaining clients. A 2009 report by The U.S. Travel Association found that 28 percent of current business would be lost without in-person meetings, and for every dollar invested in business travel companies realize $12.50 in incremental revenue.

Plus, according to an August 2009 National Business Travel Association study, a typical business trip lasts just three days or less. So most travelers are in and out of a city without giving it so much as a glance.

If you happen to bounce through Philadelphia, for example, take just an hour or two between meetings to check out the most historic square mile in the city: Independence National Historical Park. Now home to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, this is the site where colonists first met to plan independence from the King of England. It's a must-see for every first-time visitor.

Stopping by Tampa, Fla., and want to see more than the sunny coast or stark convention center? Head to nearby St. Pete to check out the city's little-known wonder, The Dalí Museum. Holding the largest collection of Salvador Dalí works outside of Spain, it also exhibits rare surrealist jewelry designed by the artist in the 1940s and '50s. Perhaps the break will rouse a burst of creativity for your next presentation or client meeting.

The U.S. Travel Association study reported that $206 billion was spent on business travel within the U.S. in 2008 and that three-quarters of businesses believe that increasing travel further can build market share and client relationships.


WHY A SIX-HOUR FLIGHT NOW TAKES SEVEN
(source: Wall Street Journal)

Your airline seat may not have much padding, but the airline's schedule sure does.

Delta Air Lines Flight 715 from New York to Los Angeles now takes more than seven hours to fly across the country, according to the airline's March schedule. That's an hour longer than the same flight in the same type of aircraft took in 1996. A Phoenix-Las Vegas flight at Southwest Airlines that used to be scheduled at 60 minutes now gets 80 minutes. What was once a two-hour American Airlines trip from Chicago to Newark, N.J., now is two-and-a-half hours, according to the airline's schedule.

Across the airline industry, carriers have been adding minutes to "block times"—the scheduled durations—baking delays into trips so that late flights officially arrive "on-time" and operations run better because flights pull into gates more often on schedule. Even though the recession has led airlines to cut flights and reduce congestion at many airports and in the skies, the move to pump up schedules has continued: Last year, most airlines added padding to scores of flights.

For some airlines, longer scheduled times for flights reflects the reality of inefficiency in the nation's air travel system, which often can't handle the volume of planes without delay, especially when bad weather hits. For others, lengthening scheduled arrival times boosts on-time rankings charted by the Department of Transportation: Those numbers can have a real effect on public perception. And in some cases, block times have grown simply because airlines have been making so many schedule changes as they have reduced capacity over the past two years. Flights that took off without a wait can now end up stuck waiting behind a line of jets because departure times have been changed.

Airlines say they have to build in delays so schedules reflect reality, especially at congested airports in the Northeast and at big, crowded hub airports. Actual flight performance has gotten more unpredictable because of problems in the air-traffic control system. In addition, planes are flying about 2% slower to save fuel costs, airlines say. Also, carriers have switched many flights to smaller regional jets, which don't fly as fast as bigger planes and can also force planes behind them to slow down. Some airlines have bunched up schedules at big airports to increase connecting opportunities, adding to congestion at peak hours.

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
ALDEN-HOUSTON
1117 Prairie Street
Houston

The Alden-Houston will appeal to anyone who understands that life is more than just 'getting by' and who believes that a hotel is more than just a place to sleep at night. Located in the heart of downtown Houston, the Alden is an ideal destination for business or pleasure. The Alden-Houston is the epitome of modern luxury offering an array of amenities including complimentary wired and wireless high-speed internet access, complimentary transportation service within a 3-mile radius, gourmet in-room mini-bar, 24-hour room service, 24-hour fitness center, complimentary wine and cheese evening receptions on Monday – Wednesdays, and much more. The critically acclaimed restaurant *17 is sure to tempt, offering distinctive New American cuisine complemented by an extraordinary wine selection and an array of decadent desserts.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Alden-Houston is $155 including complimentary hot breakfast and all travelers booked for the month of February will receive a complimentary $15 certificate redeemable in the stylish a+ bar and grille (compared to a corporate rate of $175).*

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
FAIRFAX AT EMBASSY ROW
2100 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington DC

For more than seventy-five years, The Fairfax at Embassy Row has served as the home away from home for generations of leadership in the nation's capital, including such dynasties as the Gore and Bush families. Built upon the foundations of impeccable service, grand elegance, and stately luxury, its modern elements combine with antique treasures to create a beloved and grand destination. It was a sanctuary for soldiers during World War II and has been a friend to the world's diplomats since it first graced Embassy Row. In Washington DC the pomp and circumstance that surround each presidential inauguration make these events the city's ultimate social occasions and the Fairfax has been a center of these festivities since the Eisenhower Administration. The hotel is also the home of Washington DC's most legendary restaurant, The Jockey Club.

From its elegant, classic fare and impeccable service to its signature décor, the grand legend of The Jockey Club has been an irresistible temptation for famous faces from within the Beltway and beyond. Since 1961, The Jockey Club has hosted eight American Presidents and their First Ladies. The new Jockey Club's classic menu, created by Chef Daniel Bruce of the Boston Harbor Hotel, has been reinterpreted with modern presentation, innovative ingredients, and an extensive wine list that celebrates the international flavors of its neighborhood along Embassy Row. Executive Chef Richard McCreadie, who now leads the culinary team at The Fairfax at Embassy Row, The Jockey Club and Fairfax Lounge, offers inspired dishes that pay homage to the iconic restaurant's storied history.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at The Fairfax at Embassy Row is $239 (compared to a corporate rate of $311).*

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
NINES
525 SW Morrison Street
Portland

Ideally situated next to Portland's Pioneer Square and the MAX light Rail, The Nines rests atop the landmark Meier & Frank Building and is a contemporary homage to the structure's storied past, both in its striking decor and impeccable service.

Over 13,000 square feet of meeting space is available to guests, as well as a cutting edge fitness center and club lounge. Two dining and bar options speak to global palates, including the Asian-inspired rooftop Departure restaurant.

A magnificent contemporary art collection by local artists graces each of the 331 luxurious guestrooms, including 13 suites. Plush bedding, 42" HD Televisions, and twice daily maid service completes the picture of approachable elegance.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at The Nines is $145 (compared to a corporate rate of $194).*

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THREADNEEDLES
5 Threadneedle Street
London

Threadneedles 5 star boutique hotel in the City of London serves an excellent breakfast. So much so, the hotel won 'Best Breakfast Award' by readers of the local newspaper City AM. The traditional English 'Bacon Sandwich' is served with a stack of 10 rashers, a mix of Sweet Cure back and Smoked Streaky bacon on freshly baked bread. To accompany, good old fashioned HP brown sauce makes one feel at home. Priced at a very reasonable £9.50 – this breakfast will keep travelers motoring for the rest of the day. The new breakfast menu includes an Energy, Healthy, American, and traditional English theme – or if one fancies a simple tasty coffee and croissant, the staff will gladly oblige.

Converted from a former Victorian
bank, Threadneedles is located in the City of London, almost opposite the regal Bank of England and Bank underground station. Only 25 minutes DLR journey from London City Airport.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Threadneedles is £220 (compared to a corporate rate of £245).*

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
W SAN FRANCISCO
181 Third Street
San Francisco

2010: A new year, new decade and new attitude. The W San Francisco is declaring this the decade of WOW. Everyone has been in the mode of saving and cutting back. Let the new year be a change for travelers. W San Francisco delivers on the unexpected and focuses on creating experiences that last - without breaking the bank. Need to whet the whistle? Grab a spot next to their "warmth window" and partake in W's spin on happy hour: unWound, featuring microbrews, biodynamic wines and organic nibbles.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the W San Francisco is $259 (compared to a corporate rate of $299).*

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
ZAZA-UPTOWN DALLAS
2332 Leonard Street
Dallas

Hotel ZaZa is a sensory experience that is refined yet relaxed. Its sophisticated and sensual interior design and culinary excellence is completed by a staff that pays impeccable attention to each and every guest, making them feel at home. Whether for business, a romantic weekend, or world-famous celebrities, ZaZa blends intimate comfort with Stay ZaZa-style to create inspired accommodations, one-of-a-kind themed suites, and award-winning restaurants and spas.

Nestled in the fashionable Uptown neighborhood and next to downtown, Hotel ZaZa Dallas is a creative mix of warm, Mediterranean elegance and comfortable chic. This exceptional boutique hotel offers 4,500 square feet of function space, 152 rooms, 17 concept suites, the Magnificent Seven Suites, the award-winning Dragonfly Restaurant and Lounge, the enticing Urban Oasis and the relaxing ZaSpa.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the ZaZa-Uptown Dallas is $199 (compared to a corporate rate of $249).*

* All rates are subject to availability.
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The Lawyers' Travel Service
www.lawyerstravel.com
info@lawyerstravel.com
800.431.1112