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4 WEEKS OF STRIKES TO HIT BRITISH AIRWAYS
(source: CNN.com)
British Airways cabin crews will go on strike for 20 days between May 18 and June 9, the union that represents them said.
"Crews are to take strike action on the following days: May 18-22 inclusive, May 24-28 inclusive, May 30-June 3 inclusive and June 5-9 inclusive," the Unite union said.
The rolling strikes end just days before the World Cup soccer tournament -- one of the biggest sporting events on the planet -- opens in South Africa on June 11.
The Lawyers' Travel Service has generated passenger reports in order to identify, notify and re-accommodate travelers who may be affected. We will continue to monitor this situation closely.
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CLEAR AIRPORT SECURITY SPEEDUP PROGRAM TO RELAUNCH
(source: MSNBC.com)
The Clear program, which allowed members to breeze through airport security before it abruptly shut down last year, is expected to be up and running again by the fall.
The company was taken over by Alclear LLC, whose board includes Michael Chertoff, former Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Alclear bought Clear's former owner, Verified Identity Pass, which filed for bankruptcy.
When the program shut down in June, there was a lot of concern among members because of the sensitive personal data they volunteered in exchange for quick passage through security gates.
Although the former owner, Verified Identity Pass, was private, Clear had to report personal information to the Transportation Security Administration.
The data is currently stored by a large unnamed security company. Former Clear customers will soon be sent a notice, asking if they want their personal data transferred to Alclear. If not, the data will be destroyed.
To join, passengers must be fingerprinted and have their irises scanned for positive identification, plus turn over information including Social Security numbers that the company shares with the TSA. In return, they get access to shorter security lines at about 20 airports across the country.
A Clear membership will cost $179 for unlimited use.
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TICKET-CHANGE FEES SURPASS BAGGAGE CHARGES AT SOME AIRLINES
(source: WSJ.com)
Question: Which is more important to airlines, baggage fees, ticket-change penalties or frequent-flier mileage sales?
Answer: All of the above.
Last year U.S. airlines collected $2.7 billion in baggage fees, another $2.4 billion in reservation cancellation penalties, and $2.7 billion in other ancillary fees, mostly sales of frequent flier miles to credit card companies and other partners, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
Considering that the U.S. industry had a net loss of $2.5 billion in 2009, according to BTS, it's easy to see how important fee revenue has become to airlines.
The BTS said total ancillary revenue at Spirit Airlines, which plans to add carry-on baggage fees in August, totaled 21% of operating revenue, the highest percentage of any airline.
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LUXURY HOTELS BOUNCE BACK FASTER THAN OVERALL MARKET
(Source: USA TODAY featuring Michael Steiner, Executive Vice President, Ovation Travel Group, parent company of The Lawyers' Travel Service)
The hotel industry's luxury segment — dominated by familiar names such as Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and St. Regis — is rebounding faster than the overall hotel market as business travelers return to the road, executives of three luxury hotel companies say and new data confirm.
Executives say that luxury hotels in world capitals and big business cities are rebounding first.
Yet, even as demand "roars back with a vengeance," hotel rates are down, says Jan Freitag, a vice president of Smith Travel Research.
Luxury hotel guests paid 7% less in the first quarter (an average of $247 a night) compared with last year's $265 a night. If demand keeps growing this briskly, however, Freitag says that rates could rise this year.
So what's contributing to the uptick?
•Attractive offers. Bargain-happy travelers are snapping up packages and cheap rates.
•Fewer perception worries. "A year ago, as we were in the depths of this crisis, there was a high level of paranoia about luxury travel," says Frits van Paasschen, CEO of Starwood. "That's clearly gone away."
•More Wall Street deals. Financial services firms are back on the road doing deals, says Michael Steiner of Ovation Travel, which handles travel for some of Wall Street's top firms. Ovation's Wall Street clients spent 31% more on hotels in the first quarter than a year earlier, Steiner says.
•More business activity. The Ritz-Carlton in Westchester, N.Y., which is near the headquarters of giants such as PepsiCo and IBM, has been packed with international business travelers lately, says Simon Cooper, Ritz-Carlton's top executive. At the area's only five-star hotel, the Ritz-Carlton, revenue per available room leapt 33% this year vs. a year ago, he says.
Kathleen Taylor, chief operating officer for Four Seasons says the return to luxury goes beyond the USA. She says strengthening world economies are contributing to an uptick in people's confidence in the future.
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
HILTON NEW YORK
1335 Avenue of the Americas
New York City
The 1,980-room Hilton New York, located in the heart of midtown Manhattan on Sixth Avenue between West 53rd and West 54th Streets, is a sophisticated international hotel that appeals to savvy travelers seeking an ideal location that is in close proximity to all that New York City is famous for. The hotel is within a short walking distance of Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Carnegie Hall, and just a few blocks away from Times Square, Broadway theaters and renowned Fifth Avenue shopping. Equipped with modern conveniences to meet all business and travel needs. Renovated guest rooms feature the Hilton Serenity Collection® and exclusive Crabtree & Evelyn La Source® bath amenities that indulge the senses. Each room provides travelers with wired/wireless high speed internet access, large flat screen TV with remote control, new easy-to-set Hilton Family alarm clock with MP3 connectivity, dual-line phones with voice mail, eye-level computer data ports, spacious work areas with retractable desk and chair, modern light fixtures and floor-sensor night lighting. All rooms have hairdryers, irons and ironing boards, Cuisinart® dual-cup coffee makers, refreshment centers, and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating units.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Hilton New York is $299 through June 30, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $329).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE JAMES CHICAGO
55 East Ontario
Chicago
The James Chicago defines luxury liberated from tradition. With warm, modern design, seamlessly intuitive service and numerous amenities to keep guests both culturally engaged and professionally connected, The James Chicago is an ideal destination for both the individual business traveler and an entire corporate event.
Named to Travel + Leisure's list of the "World's Best Hotels 2009," The James offers guests the best in technology and amenities, complimentary Wi-Fi in all areas of the hotel, 24/7 concierge assistance and smart, personalized in-room perks, such as iPod compatibility.
The James recognizes the importance of comfort and luxury as a backdrop to a business trip, providing restaurant-style in-room dining with menus by celebrated chef David Burke.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at The James Chicago is $189 (compared to a corporate rate of $227).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
LA VALENCIA
1132 Prospect Street
La Jolla
Overlooking the Pacific since 1926, La Valencia is a charming boutique hotel offering a tradition of elegance and unparallel service. Situated atop La Jolla Cove and just steps from miles of stunning coastline, world-class museums, shopping and galleries, La Valencia is a perfect blend of location and recreation. The Mediterranean inspired architecture and décor, including beautiful courtyards, hand painted murals and exquisite Spanish mosaics, evokes old-world charm.
Boasting perfectly appointed accommodations, the 113 luxury guest rooms, suites and Ocean Villas are decorated using warm tropical hues, luxurious textiles, custom furnishings and feature stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the lush tropical landscaping, or the picturesque La Jolla village. With three distinctive restaurants including the award winning Sky Room, and full conference, catering, and wedding facilities with both indoor and outdoor banquet space, La Valencia's extensive menu of services and amenities make it an ideal location.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at La Valencia is $215 (compared to a corporate rate of $220).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
OMNI PARKER HOUSE
60 School Street
Boston
Experience one of the Top Ten Historic Hotels in America, as designated by the AAA inspectors. Located in the heart of downtown Boston along the renowned Freedom Trail, this hotel is only 10 minutes from Logan International Airport, 5 minutes from the BCEC and within walking distance of the Boston Common, Public Gardens and Theater District. The Omni Parker House continues its tradition of timeless charm, modern amenities and green initiatives, recently receiving a Green Eco-Leaf rating. Join Omni's Select Guest program for the ultimate personalized service experience which includes complimentary high speed internet access, choice of morning beverages and newspaper. Beautifully appointed guestrooms feature desks, in-room laptop size safes and plush bathrobes, perfect for the everyday business traveler. Visit any of their 3 restaurants, including the famous pub, The Last Hurrah, and take advantage of the 24-hour room service, 24-hour gym access, business center and knowledgeable concierge services. Become a part of their history and discover why the Omni Parker House has been an institution of hospitality excellence since 1855.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Omni Parker House is $219 through September 12, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $259).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
ROSEWOOD CRESCENT HOTEL
400 Crescent Court
Dallas
As culturally vibrant as the neighborhood in which it sits, Rosewood Crescent Hotel is a refreshing experience of contrasts. Ideally located in the cultural heart of Dallas, the hotel consistently wins hearts and accolades as one of the best hotels in America. With a bold palette of rich colors, chic European-style guestrooms with modern amenities, innovative New American cuisine and the serenity of The Spa, Rosewood Crescent Hotel offers discreet and professional service with Texas charm.
The hotel's 191 rooms range from 350 to 625 sq. ft., with a living area and bath. Each has a large closet with an automatic light, vanity with cosmetic lights, full–length mirror, individually controlled air–conditioning, flat–screen television, desk and down–feather love seat.
The 29 one– and two–story suites range from 770 to 3,035 sq. ft., and some offer private kitchens. A variety of additional luxuries such as spiral staircases, hardwood floors, dining rooms, flat–screen televisions, original works of art, antique porcelains and HiFi sound systems are found in individual suites.
With its signature transformative ambience and innovative menu, Nobu, the most innovative new style Japanese restaurant in America serves dinner, and the Nobu Lounge is open daily for cocktails.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Rosewood Crescent Hotel is $215 (compared to a corporate rate of $325).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THREADNEEDLES
5 Threadneedle Street
London
Threadneedles 5 star boutique hotel in the City of London serves an excellent breakfast. So much so, the hotel won 'Best Breakfast Award' by readers of the local newspaper City AM. The traditional English 'Bacon Sandwich' is served with a stack of 10 rashers, a mix of Sweet Cure back and Smoked Streaky bacon on freshly baked bread. To accompany, good old fashioned HP brown sauce makes one feel at home. Priced at a very reasonable £9.50 – this breakfast will keep travelers motoring for the rest of the day. The new breakfast menu includes an Energy, Healthy, American, and traditional English theme – or have a simple tasty coffee and croissant.
Converted from a former Victorian bank, Threadneedles is located in the City of London, almost opposite the regal Bank of England and Bank underground station. Only a 25 minute DLR journey from the London City Airport.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Threadneedles is £220 (compared to a corporate rate of £325).*
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* All rates are subject to availability.
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The Lawyers' Travel Service
www.lawyerstravel.com
info@lawyerstravel.com
800.431.1112 |
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