| |
-
Courtesy of The Lawyers' Travel Service
February 6, 2008
In This Issue...
|
 |
UNITED TO CHARGE FOR SECOND CHECKED BAG |
|
EUROPE PUSHES FOR GREENER AVIATION |
|
FEMALE BUSINESS TRAVEL TAKES OFF |
|
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM |
|
- OMNI SAN FRANCISCO, San Francisco |
|
- INTERCONTINENTAL CHICAGO, Chicago |
|
- LOEWS REGENCY, New York City |
UNITED TO CHARGE FOR SECOND CHECKED BAG
(source: USA Today)
On Monday, United became the first major U.S. carrier to impose a $25 fee each way on domestic passengers who buy the cheapest tickets and check two suitcases, citing the extraordinary cost of jet fuel. Checking a third bag will cost an additional $100 each way.
Luggage is heavy, and extra weight requires more fuel to transport. In the October-December quarter, fuel cost United $1.4 billion, 26% more than a year earlier. Fuel is airlines' largest expense, eclipsing wages. "The passenger who checks two bags should pay the extra cost of carrying two bags," said Robin Urbanski, spokeswoman for the Chicago-based carrier.
Starting May 5, passengers will be able to pay the fee with a credit card at check-in kiosks or with cash or a credit card at check-in counters. Until now, checking two bags on flights has been free on United, the USA's No. 2 airline, and every other major carrier.
The new bag fees will apply to United and United Express passengers who are not elite members of United's Mileage Plus frequent-flier program and who book non-refundable economy-class tickets for trips within the USA and between the USA and Canada. Elite status requires members to log at least 25,000 miles a year.
Historically, about one in four passengers checks more than one bag, United says. It estimates this change will generate more than $100 million annually in fuel savings from fewer checked bags and revenue from the fee.
EUROPE PUSHES FOR GREENER AVIATION
(source: BBC News)
Some of the biggest names in European industry have begun a public-private partnership with the EU to produce greener aircraft. Airbus, Dassault, Saab and Rolls Royce are all taking part in the 1.6bn euro "clean sky" initiative. Half the money will be raised by the European Union and half by industry.
Myriam Goldsztejn of Dassault Aviation told the BBC News website that a public-private partnership was the right approach. "There is no other way," she said. "The program is so huge that if we don't work with the European Commission we'll never succeed. It's too big for one company."
Last month the European Commission proposed a package of measures aimed at cutting carbon emissions by a fifth by 2020. Launching the clean sky project in Brussels, EU Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik said aeronautics accounted for 3% of current emissions. "But with passenger numbers increasing by five per cent every year, these emission levels will grow over coming decades."
He said there would have to be improvements in fuel-efficient engines as well as breakthroughs in wing technology. Research institutes and universities will also be involved. The investment would keep Europe at the cutting edge and help combat climate change.
FEMALE BUSINESS TRAVEL TAKES OFF
(source: Emirates Business 24/7)
In a recent survey 65% of female travelers said hotels did not adequately cater to their needs – which, in a market where 40% of people traveling for business are women, is not good news.
Hotels are broadly incorporating improvements with special female appeal such as upgraded beds and linen, lighter diet menu options and small conveniences, such as fresh flowers in every room. In Dubai, business hotel Jumeriah Emirates Towers has a women-only floor catering to the “executive woman seeking sophistication, luxury and exclusivity.” With yoga mats, a cosmetic fridge and all female staff, it is a new initiative for the emirate and the region.
Figures show internationally women account for nearly half of all business travelers, but this is rising steadily year-on-year according to the Travel Industry Association.
Hans Heijligiers, general manager of Jumeriah Emirates Towers hotel, believes women- only floors are a welcome facility for female guests and make them feel safer when travelling alone. “With the number of female business travelers increasing all the time, we wanted to offer something unique to women. We cater to that by having all female staff, extra security in the form of a special floor access card – only available to women, and, of course, luxuries inside the rooms.”
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
OMNI SAN FRANCISCO
San Francisco
Convenience:
* 20 minutes from San Francisco International
* Located in the heart of the financial district
* On the famous California cable car line
Guest Comfort:
* 400 square foot guestrooms
* Executive desk
* 24-hour Room Service
* Twice-daily housekeeping
* Windows that open
* Pillow top mattresses
Complimentary Services:
* T-1 high speed internet access
* 24-hour fitness center
* Downtown car service
* In-room laptop safes
* Wireless in public areas
Awards & Recognition:
* AAA Four Diamond Award
* Conde Nast 2005 Gold List
* DiRona Award winning Bob's Steak & Chop House
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Omni San Francisco is $275 (compared to a corporate rate of $499).
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
INTERCONTINENTAL CHICAGO
Chicago
As the only hotel with a front entrance on the world famous Magnificent Mile, the InterContinental Chicago offers the perfect setting to enjoy the best of Chicago.
*Located at 505 N. Michigan Avenue, Magnificent Mile shopping, dining and entertainment is at your doorstep
*The hotel is within walking distance or a short trolley ride to the Chicago Loop business district, Navy Pier, Millennium Park and the theatre district
*Choose from two distinct guest room styles, the chic, contemporary main building or the elegantly appointed historic tower
*All guest rooms include Wireless high speed internet, Flat Panel High Definition Televisions, hairdryer, terry cloth robes, in-room safe, coffee maker, and new luxurious bed linens
*Around-the-clock services including Room Service, Fitness Center and Business Center
*Starbuck's full-service coffee bar is conveniently located off the lobby
*Zest, the hotel’s full-service restaurant features fresh, regional foods and views of Michigan Avenue
*The Lobby Bar, provides a 1920's club atmosphere
*ENO - a wine, chocolate and cheese tasting room with professional sommeliers
*12 miles from Midway airport and 16 miles from O'Hare Airport
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at InterContinental Chicago is $164 (compared to a consortia rate of $199) through March 31, 2008.
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
LOEWS REGENCY
New York City
February is a Time to ...RELAX
Guests making reservations for a Suite at Loews Regency Hotel through Ovation and The Lawyers' Travel Service will receive a 25% discount on any spa treatment or personal training with Verve. Located on LL (Lower Level), Verve clients are granted access to every luxury, including the private training facility, showers, massages and beauty treatments.
*This offer is valid February 1-29, 2008 when booking an Executive Suite, Luxury One Bedroom Suite, Luxury Two Bedroom Suite or Grand Suite. Based on Availability.
The Lawyers' Travel Service rate at Loews Regency is $395 for a Superior Room and $475 for a Luxury Room through March 28, 2008.
___________________________________________________________________________
The Lawyers' Travel Service
www.lawyerstravel.com
info@lawyerstravel.com
800.431.1112 |
|