- Courtesy of The Lawyers' Travel Service March 12, 2008 In This Issue...
	AIRLINE DELAYS WORSENED IN JANUARY
	VIRTUALLY THERE’S “ADD TO CALENDAR” NEW SERVICE PLANS
	FAA TO IMPROVE AIRCRAFT BLACK BOXES
	THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
	- OMNI AUSTIN HOTEL DOWNTOWN, Austin
	- AFFINIA, Chicago
	- INTERCONTINENTAL, Boston
	- W, Seattle

AIRLINE DELAYS WORSENED IN JANUARY
(source: USA Today)

Last year was among the worst for airline delays and 2008 did not start any better. Nearly one-third of commercial flights in the U.S. were late or canceled in January, the Transportation Department's Bureau of Transportation Statistics' data show. The results were an improvement from December when almost 40% of flights by the nation's 20 largest carriers were delayed or canceled.

A quarter of domestic flights failed to arrive on time in 2007 — the industry's second poorest performance on record — and analysts say things are likely to get worse as rising passenger demand and an industry preference for smaller planes magnifies congestion in the skies and on runways. Airlines continue to replace larger aircraft with smaller ones in an effort to maximize profit margins by flying with fewer empty seats.

To further help curb delays, the airlines and the FAA are pressing for a new $15 billion satellite-based air traffic control system, dubbed NextGen. The system will take nearly 20 years to complete to improve operations.

VIRTUALLY THERE’S "ADD TO CALENDAR" NEW SERVICE PLANS

Sabre Virtually There is an online resource with itinerary confirmations for travelers who have booked their travel through The Lawyers' Travel Service.  The "Add to Calendar" feature allows travelers to download their trip details to the individual’s calendar software.  As of March 15, 2008, travelers will be prompted to sign up for a free 30-day trial of a new service plan for this feature.  After 30 days, travelers will be prompted to choose between 3 service plans where they can select the specific level of service that best meets their needs.

With the "Add to Calendar" feature, travelers can download their trip details to their desktop calendar software and then synchronize to their handheld devices.  Their organizers are automatically updated with their trip information. With a simple button click, travelers can download:

*Complete airline flight itineraries
*Hotel confirmations with room details and directions
*Rental car confirmations with type, time and pick-up details

FAA TO IMPROVE AIRCRAFT BLACK BOXES
(source: CNN.com)

The Federal Aviation Administration announced it is mandating that cockpit voice recorders record for longer periods of time and continue recording after a loss of power. Voice recorders will be required to capture the last two hours of cockpit audio instead of the current 15 to 30 minutes, and to continue recording for nine to 11 minutes once the main power is disrupted.

Voice recorders also must use solid-state technology instead of easily damaged magnetic tape. Digital flight data recorders, which record speed, altitude and other critical information, must now also record more data more frequently.

The FAA rule comes 9 years after the National Transportation Safety Board called on the agency to improve the recorders and does not go as far as the board recommended. The FAA said the costs of some of the recommendations would be too great to justify any potential benefit.

The new standards for the recorders will apply to all aircraft manufactured after March 7, 2010. Many builders, however, are already installing the newer equipment. Existing commercial airplanes -- but not helicopters -- must be retrofitted with some of the equipment by March 7, 2012. The new rule affects airplanes and helicopters with 10 or more seats.

In addition to new voice recorder requirements, all new aircraft will be required to record 25 hours of digital flight data. Some helicopter manufacturers said 25 hours would be excessive given the relatively short duration of their flights.

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
Omni Austin Hotel Downtown
700 San Jacinto at 8th Street
Austin

Sophisticated Luxury in Downtown Austin

The Omni Austin Hotel in downtown Austin, Texas is a magnificently appointed, luxury hotel that surrounds you with comfort and style. Inside, one will find thoughtfully appointed accommodations with spectacular views. Outside, is Texas at its best.

With the heart of the thriving downtown business center at the doorstep, one is steps away from the Austin Convention Center and the Texas State Capitol. For pleasure, the lively 6th Street Entertainment District is located nearby. Quite simply, the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown provides the ultimate in luxury, comfort and convenience. Just 11 miles from Austin Bergstrom International Airport.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown is $199 (compared to a corporate rate of $269).

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
Affinia Chicago
166 East Superior Street
Chicago

Customized Comforts, Sophisticated Style and Creative Cuisine Meet at Chicago’s New Cityscape Hotel

The multimillion-dollar renovation of the Affinia Chicago is nearly complete! The hotel’s stylish interior renovations will be finished by March 15, 2008 and their new restaurant and roof-top bar will be ready just in time for summer.

Located steps from the Magnificent Mile in the heart of Chicago's shopping, entertainment, culture and business districts -- the hotel features Affinia’s new "Cityscape" positioning. Their Cityscape hotels offer guests an urban escape centered around a sophisticated lobby that flows seamlessly into the restaurant, lounge and bar areas -- drawing unique opportunities for social interaction.

After the extensive renovation, not one corner, wall or fixture of the hotel has been left untouched. All guestrooms now feature chic, yet comfortable décor, their fabulous Affinia beds and signature 6-choice pillow menu. The lobby and meeting facilities have been transformed into beautiful, modern spaces featuring cutting-edge technology and Affinia’s personalized services.

C-house, the hotel's new restaurant, was rated number one on Chicago's "Top 10 Most-Anticipated Openings" of 2008 list by CS magazine. The restaurant is the creation of the award-winning celebrity chef, Marcus Samuelsson and features modern American seafood in a casual setting. C-house will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as room service and banquet catering. The restaurant will also boast a spacious bar and lounge and a year-round roof-top deck ideal for cocktails and small bites.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Affinia Chicago is $179 through March 31 (compared to a corporate rate of $215) and $239 through June 30 (compared to a corporate rate of $285).

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
InterContinental Boston
510 Atlantic Avenue
Boston

A Landmark Luxury Hotel on Boston’s Waterfront

Located on Boston's historic Waterfront - surrounded by Boston Harbor and the new Rose Kennedy Greenway - InterContinental Boston is steps away from exciting Boston attractions, including Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market, Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, North End, Chinatown, Beacon Hill and a plethora of historical attractions such as the Boston Tea Party Museum and Freedom Trail. Exceptionally convenient, InterContinental Boston sits at the base of the Financial District and is 10 minutes from Boston Logan International Airport.

Relax in 424 ultra contemporary guestrooms and elegant suites with stunning Boston Harbor and downtown skyline views. The luxurious, next generation accommodations offer distinctive style, sophistication, innovation and convenience. Enhanced by original artwork, plush furnishings, stylish architectural touches and rich fabric, each beautiful room is graciously designed to help you rejuvenate with details that complement a demanding global lifestyle.

With its exquisitely artful décor, impeccable services, world-inspired facilities and chic atmosphere, the InterContinental Boston is the new symbol of 4 diamond AAA rated luxury and ultra-modern style on the Waterfront. Discover a lifestyle of elegance and ease with innovative services such as a Concierge Team, transportation, Business Center, valet parking, wireless high-speed internet, 32,000 square feet of premier meeting and event space, and 2 elegant ballrooms overlooking Boston Harbor.

InterContinental Boston offers an international feast of chic restaurants and bars that reflect a journey around the world. Their Provence themed brasserie, Miel "Brasserie Provencal" celebrates the intoxicating flavors of France’s Côte d’Azur. East meets West at Sushi-Teq, a chic salsa bar pairing sushi with vintage tequila. RumBa is a sassy rum-themed bar serving international distilled rums, appetizers, and mixes of Latin and Caribbean music.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the InterContinental Boston is $244 through March 24 (compared to a corporate rate of $350) and $275 through September 1 (compared to a corporate rate of $429).

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
W Seattle
1112 4th Avenue
Seattle

The 26-story W Seattle is a beacon welcoming the urban, urbane and contemporary to their refuge in Seattle’s cultural core. In the heart of downtown, W Seattle is close to art and music centers, financial and retail hubs, and the Pike Place Market.

Smart style meets cool comfort in their 417 guest rooms and 9 suites. Renew with the Bliss® sinkside six-pack, collapse into their signature pillow top mattress. One will find élan and ease in every nuance.

The critically acclaimed Earth & Ocean is a must-try for gourmands, where sleek décor is the backdrop for inventive regional delights. Flirty W Bar sets the stage for cocktails, lingering conversation and smoldering glances.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the W Seattle is $249 (compared to a corporate rate of $349).

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