- Courtesy of The Lawyers' Travel Service February 17, 2010 In This Issue...
	COMMERICAL FLIGHTS TO HAITI TO RESUME FRIDAY
	TSA TAKES EXPLOSIVES SCREENING TO FLIERS
	THE PARADOX OF AIRLINE BAGGAGE FEES: HIGHER CHARGES, LOWER PROFITS
	AMERICAN TO CHARGE $8 FOR BLANKETS, PILLOWS
	THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
	- LA VALENCIA, La Jolla
	- RAFFAELLO, Chicago
	- ST. REGIS WASHINGTON DC, Washington DC
	- THOMPSON BEVERLY HILLS, Beverly Hills
	- W BOSTON, Boston

COMMERICAL FLIGHTS TO HAITI TO RESUME FRIDAY
(source: CNN.com)

American Airlines announced Tuesday, February 16 that it will resume commercial flights into Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Friday, making it the first airline to do so.

Commercial flights ended on January 12, when a 7.0-magnitude earthquake killed more than 200,000 people and damaged many of the country's buildings, including some at Toussaint Louverture International Airport, in the capital.

The first flight will depart Miami International Airport in Florida at 6:40 a.m., arriving at 8:35 a.m. in Port-au-Prince, American Airlines said in a news release.

"We'll start out with three main flights a day from south Florida, two from Miami and one from Fort Lauderdale. Then we'll also fly a JFK New York flight into Haiti four days a week," spokesman Tim Smith told CNN Radio.

Also beginning March 12, American Eagle will commence new service into Port-au-Prince from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and daily flights from the Dominican Republic cities of Santo Domingo and Santiago.

Since the day after the earthquake, American Airlines and American Eagle have continued flying into and out of Haiti -- carrying relief workers, medical personnel, humanitarian aid and evacuating hundreds of people.


TSA TAKES EXPLOSIVES SCREENING TO FLIERS
(source: USA Today)

Airport screeners for the first time will begin roving through airports taking chemical swabs from passengers and their bags to check for explosives, the Transportation Security Administration said Tuesday.

The program, already tested at five airports after the attempted Christmas Day bomb plot on a U.S.-bound airliner, begins nationwide in a few weeks, TSA spokeswoman Sterling Payne said. Screeners will push carts with bomb-detection machines around airport gates and checkpoint lines to randomly check passengers' hands and carry-on bags for explosive residue.

Shortly after the Dec. 25 incident, the TSA ran a 17-day test at the five airports to see whether bomb-sensing equipment could be rolled on carts to check random passengers.

The microwave-oven-size detectors are usually stationary and are a common sight at airport checkpoints, where screeners swipe a small swab along a bag or a passenger's hand. The swab is then run through a reader that can detect minute amounts of explosives.

The machines are so sensitive that alarms can sound for passengers who have recently taken heart pills containing nitroglycerin, or if they have recently fired guns, RAND Corp. security analyst Brian Jenkins said. The machines also are used on checked luggage.

The TSA plans to spend $40 million next year to buy 800 new briefcase-size bomb sensors that are even more portable, according to the 2011 budget.


THE PARADOX OF AIRLINE BAGGAGE FEES: HIGHER CHARGES, LOWER PROFITS
(source: USA Today)

"Ancillary fees" for checked luggage, priority seating, itinerary changes and a whole lot more can add significantly to the cost of an airline ticket. In 2009, the top nine U.S. airlines reported nearly $10 billion in "other revenues," and that number may be significantly understated as there is no standard for reporting ancillary fees.

The International Air Transport Association says ancillary fees now account for more than 12% of airline revenues and projects ancillary fees to top $58 billion worldwide in 2010.

Checked baggage fee revenues alone have increased by 50% in the past year and U.S. airlines collected more than $2.5 billion in baggage fees in the 12 months ending September 30, 2009 according to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) data.

Yet, even after collecting those many billions of dollars in surcharges for services that were once standard, the five major network or "legacy" airlines (American, Continental, Delta/Northwest, United, and US Airways) still managed to lose a combined $3.8 billion in 2009. Of course, those losses would be substantially higher without ancillary fees.

Though some passengers will invariably pay those higher rates, business travelers often take trips of shorter duration and carry their bags on board, and the airlines waive checked baggage fees for elite members of their frequent flier programs.

At some point even the least experienced traveler is bound to recognize it's prudent to pack less and carry on than be hit by hefty fees. Then again, ancillary fees could go to another sector entirely: At a minimum of $23 for the first bag and $32 for a second, you may find it less expensive to pack light and send your laundry out for cleaning each night — by your hotel.


AMERICAN TO CHARGE $8 FOR BLANKETS, PILLOWS
(source: MSNBC.com)

If you want a pillow and blanket in coach on American it's going to cost you.

The airline will charge $8 for a pillow and blanket in coach class for domestic trips and some international flights longer than two hours, beginning May 1. The international flights are to and from Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Central America.

Spokeswoman Andrea Huguely said Monday it was an economic decision.

Huguely said blankets will remain complimentary in premium-class cabins and in all cabins for other international flights.

The airline will sell a blue fleece blanket with an inflatable neck pillow in a clear zippered pouch, and will throw in a coupon for $10 off a $30 purchase at Bed, Bath and Beyond, Huguely said.

US Airways already charges $7 for a blanket-and-pillow set, but includes eye shades and earplugs.

Airlines have steadily added and increased fees for other services such as checking luggage and buying tickets from a reservation agent since 2008, first to help cover jet fuel costs, then to offset large losses.

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
LA VALENCIA
1132 Prospect Street
La Jolla

Overlooking the Pacific since 1926, La Valencia is a charming boutique hotel offering a tradition of elegance and unparallel service. Situated atop La Jolla Cove and just steps from miles of stunning coastline, world-class museums, shopping and galleries, La Valencia is a perfect blend of location and recreation. The Mediterranean inspired architecture and décor, including beautiful courtyards, hand painted murals and exquisite Spanish mosaics, evokes old-world charm.

Boasting perfectly appointed accommodations, the 113 luxury guest rooms, suites and Ocean Villas are decorated using warm tropical hues, luxurious textiles, custom furnishings and feature stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the lush tropical landscaping, or the picturesque La Jolla village. With three distinctive restaurants including the award winning Sky Room, and full conference, catering, and wedding facilities with both indoor and outdoor banquet space, La Valencia's extensive menu of services and amenities make it an ideal location to vacation, host a meeting or celebrate a wedding.

Travelers are invited to experience the beauty of Southern California in one of San Diego's most elegant and historic hotels, and to become a part of La Valencia's history.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at La Valencia is $215 (compared to a corporate rate of $279).*

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
RAFFAELLO
201 East Delaware Place
Chicago

A Downtown Chicago Hotel, the Raffaello, is a non-smoking 4-star boutique luxury hotel that has the perfect location, centrally located in Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile in the heart of the Gold Coast. The famed Magnificent Mile is just steps from Raffaello Hotel's front door, as is Michigan Avenue Shopping, Drury Lane Theater, Rush Street nightlife, restaurants, clubs, Navy Pier, Hancock Observatory, Museum of Contemporary Art, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the North Avenue Beach.

Personalized service blends with modern technology and luxurious furnishings to create 4-star boutique service. Amenities include room service, massage treatments, manicure and pedicure by Windy City Massage, concierge services, 24-hour business center, PC computer kiosks, 24-hour fitness center, valet parking, valet laundry, mini-bars, microwaves, rain forest showerheads, flat screen LCD TV's, DVD players, electric shoe shine machines, in room safes, luxurious bathrobes, all cotton pima bath towels, 300 plus thread count sheets overlaying goose down duvets and coming soon Ihome Ipod/MP3 players in each room. 18th floor meetings and convention center will be the perfect fit for any small to medium size event. Recently opened in the lobby is the critically acclaimed, Pelago Ristorante, by Michelin star rated chef/owner Mauro Mafrici; now serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Raffaello is $99 through March 31, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $109).*

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
ST. REGIS WASHINGTON DC
923 16th Street NW
Washington DC

Following a recent landmark renovation and preservation, The St. Regis Washington DC has emerged to reclaim its title as Washington DC's premier venue for meetings and social events. The combination of exquisite, unrivaled spaces and an exceptional staff ensures that meetings and events are executed flawlessly.

WEEKEND GROUP PACKAGE INCLUDES:
* Daily continental breakfast served in Adour restaurant
*General session meeting room rental and set-up
*Wireless high-speed Internet access in meeting room
*Two complimentary staff rooms
*Two Suite upgrades at group rate
*Signing bonus of 2,500 Starpoints

*Valid for new group business only; based on Thursday–Saturday arrivals between January 1 and December 31, 2010 with a minimum of ten paying rooms per night. Daily continental breakfast in Adour is for one person per room. Upgrades are available for main group dates only. Meeting room rental is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Components of offer cannot be used with any other offers. Subject to availability. Other restrictions apply.

The St. Regis Washington DC offers a total of 11,727 square feet of function space, ensuring successful gatherings from executive roundtable meetings to regal occasions. Along with the stunning Astor Ballroom and Astor Terrace, they provide six additional venues to suit specific needs.

MEETING DAY PACKAGE IS $100 per person (plus tax and gratuity) INCLUDING:
*General session meeting room rental and set-up
*Continental breakfast
*Morning and afternoon breaks
*Working lunch

*Valid for new group and catering business only. Available seven days a week. Meals are served in the general session meeting room.
Other restrictions apply.

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THOMPSON BEVERLY HILLS
9360 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills

Merging the sophisticated cool of the late 70's and 80's design with the casual elegance of California's modernism, Thompson Beverly Hills is an outpost of decadence in the heart of Los Angeles.

Designer Dodd Mitchell has outfitted the sleek 107 room hotel with authentic exotic materials and custom made furniture and fixtures.

Thompson Beverly Hills features uniforms by Jenni Kayne in collaboration with style guru Rachel Zoe, and artwork throughout the rooms and hallways by world renowned fashion photographer Steven Klein.

ABH, the guest and friends-only rooftop bar and pool lounge offers signature cocktails and menu selections and breathtaking 360 degree views of Los Angeles.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Thompson Beverly Hills is $199 through February 28, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $269).*

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
W BOSTON
100 Stuart Street
Boston

Boston Uncommon
Colonial history, meet revolutionary modern. W Boston makes its dramatic entrance into the fashionable and storied theater district, an icon of contemporary sophistication where culture, shopping and nightlife buzz across a Victorian landscape.

Wicked Cool
In the colony of cool, guests' pilgrimage to pleasure takes one from Jean-Georges' vibrant Market and cosmopolitan cool in the W Lounge to getting their cheers on in the sizzling lounge. Then work up a SWEAT®, just don't miss out on Bliss Spa®.

A Revolutionary Concept
In 235 rooms featuring the signature W bed, panoramic views, fully wired technology, state-of-the-art entertainment and the fabulous Munchie Box, call on their Whatever/Whenever® service to make New England wishes come true with old-fashioned fun.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the W Boston is $179 through April 10, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $269).*

* All rates are subject to availability.
______________________________________________________________

The Lawyers' Travel Service
www.lawyerstravel.com
info@lawyerstravel.com
800.431.1112