- Courtesy of The Lawyers' Travel Service April 2, 2008 In This Issue...
	HEARING VOICES: CELL PHONES ON PLANES
	WAGING THE BATTLE OF THE OVERHEAD BIN
	ABSENCE (FOR BUSINESS TRAVEL) DOES MAKE THE HEART GROW FONDER
	THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
	- AFFINIA, Chicago
	- OMNI, Austin
	- GRAND HYATT, Denver
	- HYATT REGENCY, Irvine

HEARING VOICES: CELL PHONES ON PLANE
(source: MSNBC)

The European Union’s equivalent of the Federal Aviation Administration—the European Aviation Safety Agency—recently ruled there were no technical reasons why in-flight voice communication wouldn’t be safe and efficient.

Since the first of the year, technologically savvy Air France has been testing in-flight text messaging and e-mail service on Airbus A318s flying short-haul routes in EU airspace. Over the next three months, Air France plans to expand its trial to include voice communications. Qantas, Emirates, Ryanair and the UK's bmi are also considering trial runs of mobile phones in the sky.

In the U.S., the Federal Aviation Authority has ruled out personal cell phones in-flight since 1991, saying their signals may interfere with an airliner’s avionics and compromise safety, or scramble wireless networks on the ground.

Although cabin crews dread eruptions of air rage between, say, a passenger who wants to sleep or read and one who can’t sleep and wants to talk, the ubiquity of cell phones in modern life and the fact that charging fliers to use them could generate revenue is tempting U.S. airlines to give it a try.

Recently JetBlue Airways began trialing in-flight instant messaging and e-mail for passengers with smart phones or laptops, and Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and Virgin America plan to follow suit soon.

WAGING THE BATTLE OF THE OVERHEAD BIN
(source: The New York Times)

After the Transportation Security Administration began cracking down on liquids and gels in carry-on luggage last summer, fliers experienced a brief respite from crowded overhead bins. Many passengers chose to check bags rather than deal with the security hassle. Airport luggage systems, however, couldn’t handle the volume, and the rate of mishandled bags skyrocketed. Now the carry-on pendulum has swung the other way.

The carry-on wars have gotten so out of hand that at least one airline has begun to crack down on rule-breakers. This month Delta Air Lines began requiring that all carry-on items be tagged with a special approval tag before passengers board any international flight.

The best way to ensure your carry-on makes it onboard is to follow the rules yourself and check any oversize bags before boarding. Boarding first also helps. Most airlines allow families with small children, passengers with disabilities and frequent fliers with elite status to board ahead of others.

Susan Foster, author of “Smart Packing for Today’s Traveler,” has a simpler solution. “Just take less,” she advised. “The smaller the carry-on, the better the odds of finding a space.” Moreover, she continued, “flight attendants have sympathy for the traveler with one small carry-on who cannot find a space, much less for the overloaded person with briefcase, suitcase, tote bag and purse.” A squishable bag that can fit either in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you can help, too.

ABSENCE (FOR BUSINESS TRAVEL) DOES MAKE THE HEART GROW FONDER
(source: International Herald Tribune)

Having the "space" to think about loved ones when away on business can actually enhance relationships and promote domestic harmony.

This is the conclusion of an online survey of 740 business travelers based in Britain conducted by Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts. Three quarters of travelers said "I love you" more often when away from home, and 40% admitted to sending text messages to their partner during business meetings. Distance is an important factor, with 60% of travelers saying that the farther away they are from their loved ones, the more likely they are to call them.

Over half the respondents said they would "check in" with their loved ones at least once a day, with two thirds waiting until the evening to call from their hotel room so that they could catch up properly - and privately. And over 55% said that when away, they learn more about their partner's day through phone conversations than they would normally.

"For business travelers, the experience of being away can be quite an alienating one," said Susan Quilliam, a relationship psychologist in Cambridge. "You're in a foreign town, an anonymous hotel, the challenge of meeting new clients, so the need to go back to your roots and contact with the people you love is much greater."

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
AFFINIA CHICAGO
166 E Superior St
Chicago

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

The multimillion-dollar renovation of the Affinia Chicago is complete! The hotel’s stylish interior renovations and the new restaurant and roof-top bar are 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. The Cityscape hotel 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, the 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 $239 (compared to a corporate rate of $385) through June 30, 2008.

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
OMNI AUSTIN
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 your doorstep, the hotel is just 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 is $199 (compared to a corporate rate of $269).

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
GRAND HYATT DENVER
1750 Welton Street
Denver

The Four Diamond AAA award winning Grand Hyatt Denver is located in the heart of the business and financial district of the Mile High City.

Complete with a host of comforts, each spacious accommodation, one of the largest in the region, features the Grand Bed. Guests also enjoy complimentary access to the 24 hour fitness facility, an indoor pool, room service around the clock, well-lit and comfortable work stations, granite touched baths with massaging shower heads, high-speed internet access, restaurant, lobby bar with twenty foot sandstone fireplace, full service Starbucks and more. Grand Hyatt Denver is walking distance to the City and County Building as well as State, Appellate, Federal, Bankruptcy, District and Circuit Court Houses.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Grand Hyatt Denver is $215 (compared to a corporate rate of $299) through October 31, 2008.

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
HYATT REGENCY IRVINE
17900 Jamboree Road
Irvine

At the Hyatt Regency Irvine, travelers will encounter an experience unparalleled in Irvine hotels - comfort, relaxation and easy access to fun and excitement that only Southern California can provide. Among Irvine, California hotels, the Hyatt Regency provides an extensive selection of upscale amenities, special services and premier dining for business travelers.

Enjoy amenities such as free breakfast and local calls, in-room wireless Internet and 24-hour access to copying, printing and business supplies. City, mountain or pool views complement modern decor including marble bath with Kohler fixtures and one king or two double Grand Beds featuring plush pillows, soft sheeting and thick down blankets piled upon pillow-top mattresses.

The Lawyers’ Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Hyatt Regency Irvine is $219 (compared to a corporate rate of $289).

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