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BRITISH AIRWAYS STRIKE UPDATE
(source: Dow Jones Newswires)
British Airways Tuesday said it planned to expand flight schedules through the next period of planned industrial action, as increased numbers of its cabin crew wanted to work as normal.
BA said in a statement that due to the higher-than-expected number of crew reporting for work, it would run a full operation at London's Gatwick and London City airports during the planned four-day strike action, starting March 27. At Heathrow airport, it planned to operate 55% of short-haul flights and 70% of long-haul flights.
BA said it will continue to supplement its short-haul schedule by leasing up to 11 aircraft, with pilots and crews from six different U.K. and European airlines. In addition, BA will re-book passengers on 60 other competitor airlines to try to limit disruptions to passenger travel.
"As a result of the numbers of crew wanting to work, we are increasing significantly our flying schedule and will be operating a full schedule at Gatwick and London City airports," Chief Executive Willie Walsh said in a press statement. "We will do all we can to rebook affected customers onto other British Airways flights, offer seats on alternative airlines or give a full refund."
Cabin crew at the U.K. carrier begun a three-day strike action March 20, after talks with management broke down.
BA and unions have been battling for 12 months over how to save the airline money. After failing to come to an agreement, BA Nov. 16 took the step of reducing cabin crew on long-haul flights from London's Heathrow Airport to 14 personnel from 15 without union support. Last month, the High Court ruled that those changes weren't a breach of contract, meaning BA won't be forced to reverse the changes or to pay damages to staff.
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LUFTHANSA AIRLINES PLANS STRIKE
(source: The Lawyers' Travel Service News Alerts Index)
Pilots at Deutsche Lufthansa AG are set to stage a new four-day strike in mid-April after their union and the airline failed to resolve a dispute over pay and job security.
The Cockpit union said Monday that it had called a walkout at all German locations from April 13-16.
The start of the planned strike was delayed until then to avoid disruption during the Easter vacation and give Lufthansa's management "time to realign its course," the union said in a statement.
The pilots went out on strike last month, but the planned four-day-walkout was cut short after a day with an agreement to resume negotiations.
Cockpit said Lufthansa is offering no pay rise over a 21-month period combined with worsening conditions.
The dispute at Germany's biggest airline also affects Lufthansa Cargo and the low-budget Germanwings subsidiary.
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DELTA TO LAUNCH LAGUARDIA SHUTTLE TO CHICAGO O’HARE
(source: Business Travel News)
Delta Air Lines in its summer schedule released last week said it plans to launch hourly shuttle service from New York's LaGuardia Airport to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, replacing the carrier's service to Chicago Midway International Airport.
Beginning June 10, Delta will operate 11 daily roundtrips between LaGuardia and O'Hare, "replacing existing, less-frequent service between LaGuardia and Chicago Midway," Delta said in a statement, noting the service will operate out of the Marine Air Terminal at LaGuardia, where it hosts its other shuttle operations.
"With the addition of Chicago O'Hare, Delta will be the only airline offering shuttle services to New York's top three business markets: Chicago O'Hare, Boston Logan and Washington, D.C. Reagan National," Delta said in a statement.
The carrier also said it would launch service from Los Angeles International Airport to Columbus, Ohio; Hartford, Conn.; Raleigh-Durham, N.C., and San Francisco.
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U.S. SET TO EXPAND ROLE IN PROTECTING AIR TRAVELERS
(source: New York Times)
The federal government is about to take a larger role in protecting airline passengers, starting with a new rule allowing travelers to get off a plane stuck on the tarmac for more than three hours.
That rule, which passenger advocates have long wanted, and others adopted by the Transportation Department signal a shift from a grass-roots fight for passenger rights to an era of stronger government-enforced consumer protections. The rules, officially labeled Enhancing Airline Passenger Protections, take effect April 29.
Other policies may affect far more travelers, including one that requires more disclosure about airline delays before a ticket purchase so customers can avoid flights that perform poorly. That marketplace pressure could provide an incentive for the industry to address the causes of delays.
Airlines will have to publish within their search results the on-time record for each flight and how often it has arrived more than 30 minutes late, highlighting flights that have arrived more than a half hour late more than half the time. Airlines will also have to note the cancellation rate for any flight canceled more than 5 percent of the time.
Continuing to operate a chronically delayed flight will be considered "an unfair and deceptive practice," under the new requirements, and subject to regulatory penalties. And airlines will have to publish contact information for consumer complaints on their Web sites and all e-ticket confirmations.
The Transportation Department is also requiring airlines to publish plans outlining how they will deal with long tarmac delays. Besides giving passengers the option to get off a plane after three hours (with exceptions for safety and security reasons), airlines will have to provide food, drinking water, working lavatories and medical attention.
The Transportation Department is considering extending the deadline for publishing flight delay data until June 14, to give the airlines more time to update their ticket databases.
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
FAIRMONT WASHINGTON, DC
2401 M Street NW
Washington, DC
Located in Washington's fashionable West End and adjacent to historic Georgetown, The Fairmont Washington, DC hotel welcomes guests in capital style. A sunlit urban oasis that soothes the spirit, the Fairmont, perfect for business or leisure travel, celebrates many local Washington traditions. Known for its engaging service and stylish surroundings, this Washington, DC hotel offers 415 spacious guest rooms and suites that provide guests with a welcome retreat. A relaxing visit to the hotel's fitness center, indoor pool and serene courtyard garden also provide guests with an array of rejuvenating experiences.
Discerning travelers will enjoy the Fairmont Gold floor, a luxurious exclusive lifestyle hotel experience. Guests will savor a private check-in and attentive, personalized service when staying on the Washington Gold Floor. Spacious and luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites will be paired with the Gold Floor's exclusive lounge which offer guests complimentary breakfast and evening hors d' oeuvres, an honor bar and private computer workstations.
The finest meeting space, accommodations and personal service will draw guests back to The Fairmont's 4-diamond hotel in Washington, DC time and time again.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Fairmont Washington, DC is $259 through June 30, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $399).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
INTERCONTINENTAL HOUSTON
2222 West Loop South
Houston
Standing at the gateway to one of the world's great urban centers, the Four-Diamond InterContinental Houston near The Galleria is regarded for its beautifully appointed guestrooms and top-of-the-line amenities. The superb location puts guests just one block from world-class shopping and entertainment at The Galleria and minutes from the Museum District, the Theater District and the world-renowned Texas Medical Center. Take advantage of the hotel's full-service Business Center, Fitness Center and complimentary transportation to destinations within a three-mile radius of the hotel.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the InterContinental Houston is $169 (compared to a corporate rate of $180).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE MANSION ON PEACHTREE
3376 Peachtree Road; NE
Atlanta
Located in the heart of Buckhead, Atlanta's premier dining, shopping and entertainment sector, The Mansion on Peachtree, A Rosewood Hotel & Residence, offers luxury accommodations for a variety of client needs. The Mansion's location is unmatched, a convenient distance from Monarch Tower, Atlanta Financial Center, Terminus, Pinnacle and Sovereign. Named as one of the top ten "Best Hotels of 2010" by Trip Advisor, The Mansion boasts creative meeting space options, a complimentary hotel car service within a two mile radius and 29 Spa by Lydia Mondavi. The property also is home to Craft Atlanta, Tom Colicchios's renowned Atlanta outpost and upscale dining establishment, ideal for entertaining clients.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at The Mansion on Peachtree is $199 (compared to a corporate rate of $309).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
OMNI AUSTIN DOWNTOWN
700 San Jacinto
Austin
The Omni Austin Hotel in downtown Austin, Texas is a magnificently appointed, luxury hotel that surrounds guests with comfort and style. Inside, guests will find thoughtfully appointed accommodations with spectacular views. Outside is Texas at its best. With the heart of the thriving downtown business center at travelers' doorstep, guests are just steps away from the Austin Convention Center and the Texas State Capitol. The hotel features 292 spacious guest rooms, 46 club rooms, 18 one-bedroom suites and 19 two-bedroom suites. Guest room décor is thoughtfully designed to ensure business trips go smoothly. Guest rooms feature dazzling views of the city or hotel atrium, and are appointed with first-class amenities for the modern traveler. Quite simply, the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown provides the ultimate in luxury, comfort and convenience.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Omni Austin Downtown is $179 (compared to a corporate rate of $189).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
SOHO GRAND
310 West Broadway
New York City
The Soho Grand is downtown Manhattan's original hotel pioneer; the first to introduce the luxury boutique hotel experience to downtown Manhattan. The hotel is located in two of New York City's most sought after neighborhoods, alongside world renowned art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Since its debut, the hotel has emerged as a modern classic, offering a refined clientele impeccable service, luxurious accommodations, stunning decor and a vibrant, local take on dining, nightlife, and entertainment.
This summer Soho Grand will unveil ten new, beautifully designed, custom suites; each will feature separate living and sleeping quarters, hardwood floors and custom furnishings, allowing for over 650 square feet of luxurious living. Also being introduced for summer is Soho's Club Room, the new exclusive lounge that will for certain transform into one of the most popular and sophisticated nightlife destinations in New York City.
The newly unveiled Soho Grand's spacious Penthouse Lofts include expansive private outdoor areas with stunning city views. Guestrooms and Suites combine luxury and comfort with state of the art technology to reflect the needs of both the business and leisure traveler. Equipped with Frette Egyptian Bed and Bath Linen, toiletries from Malin + Goetz, complimentary high speed wireless internet connection as well as flat screen TVs and Sony speaker docks. Through a combination of eye catching interiors and 24 hour guest services, Soho Grand offers visitors an unparalleled downtown New York experience.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Soho Grand is $265 through April 4, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $355).*
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* All rates are subject to availability.
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The Lawyers' Travel Service
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info@lawyerstravel.com
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