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AIR TRAFFIC IN EUROPE SLOWLY APPROACHING NEAR-NORMAL LEVELS
(source: The Lawyers' Travel Service Travelgram)
Air traffic in Europe slowly approaching near-normal levels; most airspace open. Restrictions only in southern Scandinavia. Confirm flights.
Updated Information
Air traffic volume in Europe reached 60-70 percent of normal levels April 21 as almost the entire airspace over the continent was open. The UK, which opened its airports late April 20, lags behind in terms of the number of flights allowed, but is catching up. Restrictions remain in effect only in some parts of southern Scandinavia and it is likely that they will be lifted by late April 21.
Most European airlines are operating flights and trying to return to regular scheduled operations, though this will likely not happen fully before April 26. Airlines still face a deluge of rebooking requests and backlogs, which will cause delays and random cancellations Europe-wide April 21-22. However, airlines continue their efforts to prioritize destinations that experienced a high number of stranded travelers.
Meteorologists forecast that ash emissions from Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano will move over the Atlantic rather than towards Europe. There are currently no indications that the prevailing ash cloud or a new one will disrupt air traffic in Europe anytime soon.
Due to the overwhelming demand for changes to existing travel plans, Ovation Corporate Travel continues to provide region-specific re-accommodation policies and provide alert notifications to inform and assist travelers. Contingency plans are in place to handle the increase in call volume and reduce caller wait time. Contingency planning includes increasing frontline staff, extending office hours where applicable and rerouting calls to on-duty agents.
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NEW RULE WILL ALLOW TRAVELERS TO EXIT STUCK PLANE
(source: MSNBC.com)
New government rules make it less likely that you'll be stranded for hours on the ground inside an airplane this summer.
But could you be grounded for days instead?
Starting April 29, passengers will have the right to get off a plane if it's stuck on a tarmac for three hours unless doing so would jeopardize safety.
Two airlines — Continental and US Airways — are already telling pilots to return planes to the gate in time to beat the deadline. Airline officials say hundreds of flights are likely to be canceled at the hint of bad weather as carriers try to avoid potential fines in the millions of dollars for violating the 3-hour rule. With planes expected to be full this summer, bumped travelers will have difficulty finding an empty seat on a later flight.
Some industry experts say cancellations aren't likely to be as severe as many fear. They argue that financially strapped carriers won't risk losing revenue and passenger loyalty at a time they desperately need both. Government officials say they rarely impose the maximum penalties.
Travelers won't know who's right until the first big summer thunderstorm paralyzes a major hub, such as New York, Chicago or Dallas. Weather is the biggest cause of long tarmac delays.
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MAJOR AIRLINES VOW NOT TO FOLLOW SPIRIT'S CARRY-ON BAG FEE
(source: Business Travel News)
Spirit's plan to charge for carry-on bags is gaining no traction with other carriers, said Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.). Executives from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, United Airlines and US Airways all called Schumer over the weekend to assure him they would not follow Spirit's lead and charge for carry-on bags in the overhead bin, the senator said.
"We have begun to put the brakes on runaway and out-of-control airline fees," Schumer said.
Spirit CEO Ben Baldanza told the Associated Press on Sunday that neither the senator's concerns nor the other airlines' reluctance to follow suit would dissuade the airline from implementing carry-on fees on Aug. 1.
Spirit plans to charge $30 for each bag in the overhead bin if paid for in advance or at airport check-in. It intends to charge $45 at the gate.
However, the government may end up getting a piece of that money. Schumer and five other Democratic senators plan to push for a law to designate carry-on bags as essential air travel items, making it possible for the federal government to tax any revenue carriers collect from carry-on fees.
Also, Benjamin Cardin (D-Md.) and Mary Landrieu (D-La.) recently introduced a Senate bill that would ban all airlines from charging fees to use overhead bins.
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
DRISKILL
604 Brazos Street
Austin
Welcome to The Driskill Hotel. Built in 1886 as the showplace of a cattle baron, The Driskill remains a landmark of legendary Texas hospitality. Located on Sixth Street in the heart of downtown Austin, the luxurious, historic hotel is convenient to all that the city has to offer, including the Texas State Capitol, convention center, opera, symphony, fine dining and shopping. Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World,®" Austin is home to nearly 200 music venues, many within walking distance of The Driskill.
Restored to its original opulence, The Driskill sets the standard for elegance in Austin, Texas. From the magnificent columned lobby with its marble floors and stained-glass dome to the classic décor of the 189 guestrooms and suites, The Driskill ensures that every stay is a memorable one. As a member of The Historic Hotels of America, The Driskill is among the world's finest hotels, offering an unforgettable level of luxury and service.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Driskill is $199 (compared to a corporate rate of $209).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE FAIRFAX AT EMBASSY ROW
2100 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, D.C.
The Fairfax at Embassy Row
For more than seventy-five years, The Fairfax at Embassy Row has served as the home away from home for generations of leadership in the nation's capital, including such dynasties as the Gore and Bush families. Built upon the foundations of impeccable service, grand elegance, and stately luxury, its modern elements combined with antique treasures to create a beloved and grand destination. It was a sanctuary for soldiers during World War II and has been a friend to the world's diplomats since it first graced Embassy Row. In Washington, D.C. the pomp and circumstance that surround each presidential inauguration make these events the city's ultimate social occasions and the Fairfax has been a center of these festivities since the Eisenhower Administration. The hotel is also the home of Washington, D.C.'s most legendary restaurant, The Jockey Club.
From its elegant, classic fare and impeccable service to its signature décor, the grand legend of The Jockey Club has been an irresistible temptation for famous faces from within the Beltway and beyond. Since 1961, The Jockey Club has hosted eight American Presidents and their First Ladies. The new Jockey Club's classic menu, created by Chef Daniel Bruce of the Boston Harbor Hotel, has been reinterpreted with modern presentation, innovative ingredients, and an extensive wine list that celebrates the international flavors of its neighborhood along Embassy Row. Executive Chef Richard McCreadie, who now leads the culinary team at The Fairfax at Embassy Row, The Jockey Club and Fairfax Lounge, offers inspired dishes that pay homage to the iconic restaurant's storied history.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at The Fairfax at Embassy Row is $259 (compared to a corporate rate of $409).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
INTERCONTINENTAL CENTURY CITY
2151 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles
Hollywood Glamour on the Avenue of the Stars
The InterContinental Los Angeles Century City is a taste of true Hollywood style. The convenient Westside address is within walking distance of 20th Century Fox Studios, MGM Tower, Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive and upscale shopping at Westfield Century City. A quick drive will take one to the Getty Center, Los Angeles city centre, UCLA or the beach.
Elegantly decorated suites make travelers feel like they are at a home away from home. The Presidential suite has a spacious 1575 sq ft and the Royal Suite 3300 sq ft both with walk out balconies with beautiful views. All suites equipped with Flat screen HDTV's as well as HSIA.
The Park Grill Restaurant serves French-influenced California cuisine. Park Grill Lounge offers light fare and cocktails aptly named after neighbouring Fox Studios stars.
Spa InterContinental is an urban oasis of Zen-inspired villas and treatments for women and men. Their Road Rage Massage comes with a Rush Hour Martini to help travelers unwind.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the InterContinental Century City is $249 (compared to a corporate rate of $299).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
OMNI BERKSHIRE PLACE
21 East 52nd Street
New York City
Surprise, the Omni Berkshire Place's rooms are getting a makeover.
Designed for the savvy and sophisticated New York traveler.
The Omni Berkshire Place will soon be a perfect blend of timeless charm and contemporary appeal. The new guestrooms are modern and functional with sophisticated accents and clean classic design. The decor creates a calming retreat, simple and elegant with residential-styled comforts. The smart design allows the busy traveler to say connected and feel at home.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Omni Berkshire Place is $299 through June 27, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $323).*
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* All rates are subject to availability.
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