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ANALYSTS SEE MERITS OF UNITED, US AIRWAYS TIE-UP
(source: Business Travel News)
Amid rampant news reports that the two carriers once again are in talks to merge, aviation analysts said a tie-up between United Airlines and US Airways likely would prompt other merger scenarios, such as discussions between Continental Airlines and United, and face significant regulatory hurdles. Such a major consolidation ultimately would reduce supply in the market, remove a competitor and strengthen airline pricing, but also help stabilize the financial basket case that is the U.S. air industry, analysts said.
"We have long viewed a United-US Airways merger as both the most logical and feasible among potential legacy combinations," said J.P. Morgan aviation analyst Jamie Baker in a research note, calling the merits of a such a deal "considerable." Baker said a similar fleet structure, membership in the same alliance and a comparable labor makeup would make for a good fit when compared against other possible domestic mergers.
United and US Airways pursued a deal in 2000 and again discussed a merger in 2008, but the latter talks ceased when oil prices surged and survival dominated both carriers' priorities, UBS aviation analyst Kevin Crissey said. "With the financial outlook better now, renewing talks seems reasonable," he said. Still, Crissey expects "United to also speak with Continental," a partner he considered "probably a better alternative."
Like US Airways, Continental also has been down this road with United before, but after some discussions the carrier in 2008 chose not to merge with United. Calling that "a point-in-time decision," Continental CEO Jeff Smisek during the J.P. Morgan Aviation, Transportation & Defense Conference last month said it was "the right decision at the time."
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IS SHIPPING CHEAPER THAN AIRLINE BAG FEES?
(source: CNN.com)
Luggage fees have some exasperated airline passengers wondering whether shipping bags would be cheaper than paying for them to fly on the same flight.
Neither UPS nor FedEx track luggage shipments separately, but UPS spokeswoman Susan Rosenberg said there's been anecdotal evidence of an uptick in luggage shipments at UPS Stores, particularly in resort locations where travelers are toting things such as ski and golf gear and in cold-weather climates where residents migrate to warmer places in the winter.
Luggage shipments have increased "pretty dramatically" since UPS Store manager Alyssa Kehrig started six years ago. At the store she runs in the Hilton San Diego Bayfront hotel in California, guests frequently come in to weigh their luggage and end up shipping a portion of their things home to avoid steep airline fees for overweight bags, she said.
The large airlines charge from $50 to $125 each way for bags that weigh more than 50 pounds. Bags that weigh more than 70 pounds cost $100 or more on many airlines.
A 74-pound package shipped from New York to Los Angeles via UPS Ground would be in transit for four days and cost less than $90 one way. Faster UPS services rocket up in price in this scenario, ranging from $220 to $450 one way.
Though shipping is usually more expensive than checking luggage with the airlines, the convenience is worthwhile to some travelers.
Most major American airlines charge $25 for the first checked bag and $35 for the second each way for bags weighing less than 50 pounds.
Sending a package that weighs 43 pounds from New York to Chicago via UPS 2nd Day Air would cost more than $100 one way, according to the UPS Web site. The same package shipped via ground would cost about $33 and be in transit for two days.
Some shipping methods may cost more, but they cater to a clientele that wants to skip boxing shipments themselves and get personalized door-to-door service.
One U.S. carrier, Spirit Airlines, has announced it will begin charging passengers for carry-on luggage stowed in overhead bins.
If other American airlines follow suit, shipping luggage may start looking better and better to air travelers.
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WORLD’S STRANGEST TRAFFIC LAWS
(source: MSNBC.com)
In many places around the globe, you'll find incomprehensible road signs and some arcane traffic rules that even the locals don't know about—as well as the occasional cop on the make who demands on-the-spot fines.
Of course, some laws translate very clearly—like speeding. If you're thinking of putting the pedal to the metal in England, for example, think again. Britain has become the speed-camera capital of Europe. The number of traffic cams there has tripled to more than 4,700 in the past nine years.
But what confounds drivers the most is citations for infractions that don't exist in the United States, like driving on superhighways without a permit or lacking stickers to drive in city centers. What's worse are the sneaky tickets, like those handed out to drivers in Wales who fail to notice a speed camera hidden inside an otherwise nondescript horse trailer parked by the roadside.
Penalties can be a large and unwelcome addition to your traveling tab. Driving in Italy's historic zones without the right permission can cost you $75–$120 for each infraction. While one ticket isn't so bad, be careful in Florence, where numerous Limited Traffic Zones (“ZTL”s) connect with one another, and a single wrong turn can result in multiple fines. And not stopping for a South African animal herder? It could cost you more than $500.
The U.S. State Department points out that in many countries a driver, including an American, who violates a traffic law may have to pay a fine directly to the police officer issuing the ticket. Failure to do so could result in having your car impounded, even if it's a rental car. And if you're caught by a traffic cam, you might not even receive the ticket until it's mailed to your home—up to a year later.
There's no excuse for dangerous driving. And as a driver, you're responsible for knowing the rules of the road, wherever you may be. Traffic laws that encourage safe driving are laudable, whether they're in Berlin, New Hampshire, or Berlin, Germany. But if you want to avoid a ticket, it pays to be aware of the restrictions and other road hazards waiting for you on your next overseas drive.
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
EPIC
270 Biscayne Boulevard
Miami
A sanctuary of indulgence, EPIC fuels ambitions and turns business agenda into creative play. Luxurious amenities, state-of-the-art technology and full service business center make this coveted downtown Miami location the perfect setting to elevate business to new heights. Named among the "Top 10 Luxury Hotels of the Year in the United States" by Trip Advisor's 2010 Travelers Choice Award, EPIC offers an unmatched level of style and service.
EPIC brings new meaning to sophisticated travel with outdoor infinity pools, private cabanas, a full service eco-friendly exhale spa, exclusive marina services, and world-class golf course access. With its convenient location to Brickell Avenue's banking and business district, galleries, museums, boutiques, dining and nightlife, EPIC makes it easy to merge business and recreational pursuits.
With spectacular views and the freshest local seafood, Area 31 Restaurant boasts a stunning setting on the 16th floor, one of Travel + Leisure's "Top 10 Roof Bars in the United States," along with poolside and al fresco dining at its finest. Supporting the sustainable development of its namesake region, Area 31 brings together a dynamic menu, perfect wine selections and exceptional service, resulting in a culinary experience that embodies Miami style.
True to its name, EPIC does everything on a grand scale with an authenticity that attracts travelers from around the globe.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Epic is $179 through April 30, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $269).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
FASHION 26 – A WYNDHAM HOTEL
152 West 26th Street
New York City
Fashion 26 – A Wyndham Hotel, opening in New York's Garment District this Spring, is NYC's first hotel dedicated solely to fashion, and the first full-service Wyndham in New York City. Located where Chelsea meets the Garment District, the hotel offers a quiet alternative to the hustle and bustle of Times Square and midtown. The shimmering-glass and brick tower set back from 26th Street entices travelers with 280 harmoniously crafted guest rooms designed to create a relaxed and uncluttered sense of place through décor and texture. In-room furnishings are custom-designed and amenities include radio frequency room keys, iHome® Clock-Radio Docking Stations, complimentary Wi-Fi, fine chocolates, Gilchrist & Soames bath products and Crumbs® cupcakes upon check-in.
Fashion 26 – A Wyndham Hotel's contribution to New York's restaurant scene is Rare, a new restaurant paying tribute to the great American hamburger, and Rare View, a rooftop bar and lounge that will offer the city's best views of the Empire State Building and the Manhattan cityscape. With its heart-of-the-city location, Fashion 26 – A Wyndham Hotel is an inviting spot for meetings and events, offering intimate space for up to 14 and a conference room for up to 80 attendees. All meeting and event space is equipped with contemporary communication and presentation technologies, with food and beverage selections provided by Rare Bar and Grill. With 24-hour room service and full concierge services, Fashion 26 – A Wyndham Hotel offers the services of a boutique hotel at Wyndham affordability.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Fashion 26 – A Wyndham Hotel is $219 through June 30, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $309).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
OMNI SAN FRANCISCO
500 California Street
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
*Condé Nast 2005 Gold List
*DiRona Award winning Bob's Steak & Chop House
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Omni San Francisco is $230 (compared to a corporate rate of $239).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
RAPHAEL
17, Avenue Kléber
Paris
The Raphael was built in 1925, on a town house site and is remarkably well located, close to the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysées, the Eiffel tower, and situated in a green and peaceful environment. The hotel has 83 very spacious rooms, including 30 suites and sumptuous apartments. The English Bar with its soft lighting and elegant décor is the perfect place to have an appointment or just a drink before dinner. The restaurant "La Salle à Manger" is run by the Chef Philip Delahaye who selects the season's best products. The Rapahel also offers conference rooms, with a capacity of 10 to 60 people. Les "Jardins Plein Ciel" on the rooftop terrace is a unique place in Paris with a private garden-terrace and offers panoramic views over the capital's skyline. The hotel's fitness center is equipped with cardio machines, a hammam and a sauna.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Raphael is 335 EURO (compared to a corporate rate of 348 EURO).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
W NEW ORLEANS – FRENCH QUARTER
316 Chartres Street
New Orleans
Wander in to the extraordinary at W New Orleans – French Quarter. A quiet spot in the city that purrs with nightlife during even the sun-drenched hours, W New Orleans - French Quarter is adjacent to historic Jackson Square and boutique shops, and is a short walk from galleries, the Riverwalk and Harrah's Casino. Reserve the complimentary Acura MDX Experience to wheel around town in or unwind in a courtyard cabana for the afternoon. Named one of Travel + Leisure's Top 500 hotels in the world, W New Orleans – French Quarter brings the WOW to now.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the W New Orleans – French Quarter is $109 through September 30, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $209).*
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* All rates are subject to availability.
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