- Courtesy of The Lawyers' Travel Service March 17, 2010 In This Issue...
	AMERICAN AIRLINES EXPANDS MOBILE BOARDING PASSES PROGRAM
	BRITISH AIRWAYS STRIKE
	AIRLINES THREATEN TO CANCEL FLIGHTS
	TRAVEL-SAVING TIPS
	OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
	- ALDEN-HOUSTON, Houston
	- ROCCO FORTE HOTEL DE RUSSIE, Rome
	- ST. REGIS SAN FRANCISCO, San Francisco
	- W NEW YORK, New York City

AMERICAN AIRLINES EXPANDS MOBILE BOARDING PASSES PROGRAM
(source: American Airlines)

American Airlines customers departing from select airports can choose to receive their boarding passes electronically on their mobile phones or PDAs, saving time and bypassing the need to print and present a paper boarding pass at the airport. Airports that are now featuring this amentity include Albuquerque International (ABQ), Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE), Denver International (DEN), El Paso International (ELP), Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Jacksonville International (JAX), Little Rock Adams Field (LIT), Memphis International (MEM), New York La Guardia (LGA), Oklahoma Will Rogers World (OKC), Orlando International (MCO), Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), Salt Lake City International (SLC), San Antonio International (SAT), San Diego International (SAN), San Francisco International (SFO), Tulsa International (TUL), and Washington Dulles International (IAD).

Mobile boarding passes, which use a two-dimensional (2-D) barcode, were introduced by American in late 2008, and were previously available for passengers departing on domestic flights from Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS), Chicago's O'Hare International (ORD), Dallas-Fort Worth International (DFW), Los Angeles International (LAX), John Wayne Orange County (SNA), Las Vegas McCarran International (LAS), Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) and Minneapolis–St. Paul International (MSP) airports.

To use the mobile boarding pass option – either with the traditional desktop version of AA.com or the mobile version – customers must have an active e-mail address where their boarding pass may be sent and an Internet-enabled mobile device where the 2-D barcode can be received. At this time, customers may list only one person in their reservation. Domestic destinations include those within the United States, as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

The mobile boarding pass process is simple. When customers check in for their flight using American's Web site, AA.com – either the desktop or mobile versions – they have the option to receive their boarding passes on their cell phones or PDAs. With this option, they will receive an e-mail with an Internet link to the boarding pass. The mobile boarding pass contains a 2-D barcode that can be scanned at TSA security checkpoints and at American Airlines gates. At the airport, customers simply scan their cell phone or PDA screen when going through security (proper identification must be presented) and when boarding, just as they would with a traditional paper boarding pass.

Customers who wish to check bags can also use the option by scanning the boarding pass on their cell phone or PDA screen at American Airlines self-service machines or ticket counter check-in facilities.

BRITISH AIRWAYS STRIKE
(source: British Airways)

British Airways plans to operate as many flights as possible during the strike period and are hopeful to adding to the schedule announced today, Wednesday March 17 in the days ahead.

The schedule aims to fly around 45,000 customers each day between 20 and 22 March. This represents around 60 percent of customers originally booked to fly on these days. In addition, many thousands of customers will be able to rebook on to alternative British Airways flights or on services operated by other airlines.

Key points of British Airways' schedule are:

-They plan to operate all long haul flights to and from London Gatwick and more than half of short haul flights at the airport.

-All flights to and from London City airport will be unaffected by the strike action, including Club World London City service and all British Airways Cityflyer services.

-At Heathrow the airline will continue to operate more than 60 percent of its long haul flights to and from the airport during the first three days of action, however some long haul flights will operate with a simplified on board service.

-The airline will operate some of its own short haul flights at Heathrow but will also supplement its schedule by chartering up to 22 aircraft with pilots and crews from seven different airlines based in the UK and Europe.

-This will enable the airline to operate more than 30 percent of its short haul schedule. As many of these chartered aircraft are much larger than BA's own aircraft it is estimated that up to 50 percent of short haul customers will be able to fly close to their intended departure time.

-Flights operated by subsidiary OpenSkies, between Paris and New York will operate as normal

-Flights operated by British Airways franchise partners (Comair in South Africa and Sun Air in Scandinavia) will operate as normal.

-Flights operated by other carriers (including oneworld Alliance partners) which have a BA codeshare flight number will operate as normal.

-All dedicated cargo freighter services continue to operate as normal.


AIRLINES THREATEN TO CANCEL FLIGHTS
(source: WSJ.com)

Airlines are pushing back against new rules that give fliers more rights.
They are threatening to cancel scores of flights in response to a new rule that would prohibit airlines from keeping passengers on the tarmac for more than three hours without giving travelers the opportunity to get off the plane. As of April 29, carriers that break the rule would face steep fines of up to $27,500 per passenger, or more than $4 million on a full Boeing 737 or Airbus A320.

Carriers say that to avoid those fines, they will aggressively cancel flights before and during storms—even if the bad weather never materializes. The threats could foreshadow significant changes in air travel, making it even less reliable for millions of road warriors and vacationers. By canceling flights, it could take days for all travelers to get home when storms strike.

Of course, the warnings from carriers could simply be posturing to pressure the government into leniency. Passenger-rights advocates say airlines are trying to scare fliers. And the Department of Transportation says carriers have a lot of other options to avoid fines.

Still, on Tuesday, Continental Airlines Inc. Chief Executive Jeff Smisek threw down the gauntlet, "Here's what we're going to do," he said, "We're going to cancel the flight."

Other airlines have also raised warning flags. Both JetBlue Airways Corp. and Delta Air Lines Inc. have asked the DOT for waivers from the new rules at New York's Kennedy International Airport, where the longest runway is currently closed for resurfacing, adding to delays at one of the nation's most-congested airports.


TRAVEL-SAVING TIPS
(source: Delta Airlines)

•Check in online up to 24 hours before departure or on-the-go from a Web-enabled mobile device in select cities, including LaGuardia. Or if you've printed your itinerary, simply scan the barcode at self-service airport kiosks.

•Be aware of recent check-in changes at JFK.

•Arrive at least 1 hour and 30 minutes prior to domestic departures and 2 hours prior to international flights to meet required check-in times and clear security.

•Review baggage rules, including size requirements and fee information. Then, check baggage at the counter or curbside.

•Stay up-to-date on the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Secure Flight program, as well as passport and visa requirements.

•Know the requirements for security checkpoints and pack your 3-ounce containers of liquids in a single quart-size, clear plastic, zip-top bag.

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 lay down a head 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. All LTS reservations include complimentary hot breakfast and enjoy last room availability.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Alden-Houston is $155 (compared to a corporate rate of $169) including breakfast.*

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
ROCCO FORTE HOTEL DE RUSSIE
Via del Babuino 9
Rome

City of Rome Marathon, 21st March 2010

If one is looking for the ideal combination of athletic challenges and a nice weekend of sight-seeing, Rome Marathon is the place to go. Held annually in March, when nice days exceed hot days and the herds of tourists haven't arrived yet, Rome Marathon attracts more and more runners each year.

Do not miss the chance to experience this incredible event and also to enjoy the finest address in Rome: Hotel de Russie. Often described as one of the most exclusive Hotels in the Eternal City, Hotel de Russie is the perfect setting for a totally unforgettable stay.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Rocco Forte Hotel De Russie is €322 (compared to a corporate rate of €357).*

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
ST. REGIS SAN FRANCISCO
125 Third Street
San Francisco

The St. Regis San Francisco, neighboring the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art represents the crowning jewel of San Francisco's Yerba Buena Gardens neighborhood. The hotel is steps from Yerba Buena Gardens, Moscone Center, Sony Metreon and Union Square. An array of the city's finest restaurants, shopping destinations, cultural attractions and the financial district are just moments away. The 260-room St. Regis San Francisco includes 214 guestrooms, averaging 450 square feet, and 46 suites ranging in size from 700 to more than 3,200 square feet. Hotel guests have access to St. Regis' personalized services and amenities, including 24-hour concierge and room service, nightly turndown service, and the legendary St. Regis Butler service. A full-service business center is also available for guests. The St. Regis is proud to showcase Ame, a 95-seat signature fine dining restaurant operated by Hiro Sone and Lissa Doumani. Vitrine, a separate 74-seat restaurant located on the fourth floor of the hotel, is open for breakfast and lunch. Guests also enjoy the signature Remède Spa featuring nine treatment rooms. A 3,700-square-foot private fitness center includes a 50-foot heated indoor lap pool and state-of-the-art fitness equipment with built-in LCD panels. iPods provide guests with a selection of workout music.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the St. Regis San Francisco is $285 (compared to a corporate rate of $399).*

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
W NEW YORK
541 Lexington Avenue
New York City

WHO
W New York

WHAT
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WHERE
W New York

WHY
Because today is extraordinary and tomorrow's even better at the irresistible W Hotel New York, that's why!

WOW
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The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the W New York is $229 through April 4, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $379).*

* All rates are subject to availability.
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