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SPIRIT AIRLINES TO CHARGE A $20-$45 FEE FOR CARRY-ON BAGS
(source: USA Today)
Spirit Airlines has become the first U.S. carrier to charge passengers for carrying on a bag, upping the stakes for travelers who are increasingly charged for everything from pillows to snacks.
Spirit, the first domestic airline to charge for checking a bag, will now charge fliers $20 to $30 for carry-ons that go in the overhead bins and $45 if the bag is paid for at the gate. The new fees apply to trips bought beginning Tuesday for travel on and after Aug. 1. The fee doesn't apply to carry-ons that fit under the seat.
"In addition to lowering fares even further, this will reduce the number of carry-on bags, which will improve in-flight safety and efficiency by speeding up the boarding and deplaning process," Spirit Chief Operating Officer Ken McKenzie said in a statement.
Some passenger advocates and travel experts say the new fees take the trend of tacking on extra charges too far and could cost Spirit customers.
Spirit, which calls itself an ultralow-fare carrier, has often been a magnet for controversy, criticized for its customer service and fined in 2008 for not including some fees in base fares it cited online.
In 2008, airlines began charging passengers to check bags to offset rapidly rising fuel costs and then to shore up recession-battered finances.
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US AIRWAYS HEADS TOWARDS CASHLESS CABINS
(source: US Airways)
Effective April 2, US Airways is only accepting credit and debit cards for US Airways MarketPlace™ food, premium drinks and Power-Nap Sacks on most flights. Moving toward a cashless system will help US Airways be more efficient and reduce costs. They are taking Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club and debit cards with the Visa or MasterCard logo.
US Airways will continue to accept cash, credit or debit cards on flights to and from Europe, South America and the Middle East and cash only on US Airways Express.
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APPLE’S IPAD EASIER THAN LAPTOPS FOR AIRPORT SECURITY
(source: USA Today)
Apple's iPad tablet is friendlier than a traditional laptop when it comes to airport security.
The Transportation Security Administration said Tuesday that in general you should not need to remove your iPad from your bag. That's because it's relatively small and people who carry the device often don't have bulky accessories like plugs and external drives that clutter the image when computer bags are screened.
Screeners may still ask you to remove your iPad if they can't get a clear image of the device.
Strong marketing and the wow-factor of the iPad have caused enormous interest, which means security screeners are bound to see more of the devices come through airports.
The TSA, which is in charge of airport security, is in the process of telling officers about how the iPad figures into screening procedures, spokesman Greg Soule said.
Laptops generally have to be removed from computer bags and placed on the security conveyor belt separately.
But several manufacturers sell a laptop sleeve with a removable shoulder strap. It can unfold to lie flat on the airport X-ray machine belt. TSA will allow you to keep your laptop in those bags during the screening process if security can capture a clear and unobstructed image of the laptop.
TSA does not approve specific bags or offer guarantees that a traveler will not have to remove the computer, but it has encouraged manufacturers to design bags that will allow screeners to obtain clear images and give travelers the best shot at being able to keep computers in their bags.
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
MANDARIN ORIENTAL SAN FRANCISCO
222 Sansome Street
San Francisco
Towering above downtown, Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco guests have stupendous views of the city's iconic sights, from the Golden Gate Bridge to San Francisco Bay. At street level, key business and leisure destinations are all nearby. Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco is a fine luxury hotel offering legendary service and legendary views.
Spacious rooms and expansive views in the center of the financial district; convenience and luxury make business a pleasure.
In the room, one will find the level of comfort one of the most enjoyable aspects of any business trip. When it comes to work, the layout of every room gives travelers adequate working space and the technical back up one needs away from the office.
The hotel provides a business center that will become a remote office with reliable efficient staff and high levels of technology.
For entertainment the hotel offers Silks, which is consistently voted as one of the finest restaurants in town and combines the very best flavors of Pacific Rim and American cuisine. Unwind in a warm and elegant atmosphere to the sound of soft piano music. MO Bar is a popular choice for afternoon tea or cocktails.
Shops, banks and transport are all within easy reach.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Mandarin Oriental San Francisco is $295 (compared to a corporate rate of $375).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
PALOMAR ATLANTA
866 West Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta
A Luxury Boutique Hotel in Midtown Atlanta
Hotel Palomar Atlanta Midtown, Kimpton Hotels' first hotel in Atlanta, sets in motion a new and exciting level of artful sophistication and style in the vibrant community of midtown Atlanta. Just a few blocks from the campus of Georgia Tech, Hotel Palomar Atlanta's 21-story building features 304 guest rooms, all of them as luxuriously comfortable as they are effortlessly unique. Ready access to the sights and sounds of midtown Atlanta along with beautifully designed accommodations and unparalleled amenities expected of a Kimpton Hotel are what await guests at this midtown Atlanta boutique hotel.
Located between the acclaimed Georgia Tech and beautiful Piedmont Park, in the heart of the city that "has it all," Hotel Palomar Atlanta Midtown builds on the energy and motion of the neighborhood, showcasing the best of what Atlanta offers. Just minutes from Centennial Olympic Park, CNN Center and the Georgia Dome, Hotel Palomar's Midtown Atlanta location puts the best of this exciting city within easy reach.
As if the convenient location and exemplary comforts of this Atlanta boutique hotel weren't already enough, the four-star level of services and amenities keep things moving. Hotel Palomar Atlanta Midtown not only goes to great lengths to practice being an eco friendly hotel in Atlanta, this pet-friendly hotel invites guests to bring pets along. If it's a meeting or special event location, their 10,000 square feet of event space makes the hotel an ideal location for business meetings or other events. Their Atlanta boutique hotel is also home to Pacci Ristorante, an amazing destination restaurant and rooftop terrace lounge, the place to be in midtown Atlanta. At Hotel Palomar, the mission is creating memorable experiences that keep guests satisfied and eager to come back for more.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Palomar Atlanta is $169 (compared to a corporate rate of $179).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
ROGER WILLIAMS HOTEL
131 Madison Avenue
New York City
Quite simply, there's no destination quite like it. The Roger offers astute travelers something special, something rarely encountered at traditional Midtown NYC hotels - a warm sense of place. Upon arrival, the design amazes as their staff's friendly welcome soothes. Atrium ceilings and soft candlelight set a dramatic complement to bold architectural strokes and rich, jewel-toned-colors. Cosmopolitan and exclusive but never flashy, the Roger is an oasis of warm hospitality and sophistication, nestled in the heart of midtown Manhattan. A granite-floating staircase leads you to the Mezzanine Lounge, the chic yet playful mood is an escape from the midtown bustle.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Roger Williams Hotel is $245 through June 30, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $269).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE WESTIN CITY CENTER
650 N. Pearl Street
Dallas
In the heart of downtown Dallas, The Westin City Center, Dallas, awarded "Hotel of the Year for Starwood" in 2005 for all of North America, is perfect whether one is traveling for business or leisure. Located in the center of the city's arts and financial district, and the hotel is just a short walk from such cultural attractions as the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Majestic Theatre.
The staff will welcome guests at The Westin City Center, Dallas. Get energized in the WestinWORKOUT® Gym. Host an event in one of their 14 newly renovated meeting spaces with gorgeous views of the city.
Westin City Center invites guests to join unwind...a Westin evening ritual in 650 North Bar, Monday – Friday from 5pm – 7pm. Enjoy interactive cooking as well as jazz entertainment. The chef will also demonstrate the concept of cooking with Hot Rocks.
Step into one of the guest rooms or suites and experience the height of relaxation. Each room comes standard with their signature Heavenly Bed®, complete with a pillow top mattress and a variety of pillows. Each of their oversized rooms has views of the city, as well as a coffeemaker with complimentary Starbucks® coffee.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Westin City Center Dallas is $159 (compared to a corporate rate of $209).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE WESTIN TABOR CENTER
1672 Lawrence Street
Denver
The Westin Tabor Center experience has just been rejuvenated. Unwind at this downtown Denver hotel in one of the redesigned Denver guestrooms featuring the Westin Heavenly Bed®, Westin signature style, 37" LCD flat screen televisions, smart desk with laptop, iPod and television interfacing capabilities. Book a stay at The Westin Tabor Center, a downtown Denver hotel and let the hotel transform and renew guests from the inside out.
The hotel is a four-diamond downtown Denver hotel featuring an outdoor whirlpool and sundeck, on-site spa, newly transformed guestrooms and a fitness center with a half basketball court. Enjoy the downtown Denver location and be within walking distance of various convention and performing arts centers. Catch a game at Coors Field or Invesco Field at Mile High.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Westin Tabor Center is $195 (compared to a corporate rate of $239) including complimentary transportation within 5 miles of the hotel.* *
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* All rates are subject to availability.
______________________________________________________________
The Lawyers' Travel Service
www.lawyerstravel.com
info@lawyerstravel.com
800.431.1112 |
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