Ovation Club E-Newsletter

- Courtesy of The Lawyers' Travel Service May 19, 2010 In This Issue...
	HIGH COURT BLOCKS STRIKE BY BRITISH AIRWAYS CABIN CREWS
	UPDATE: AIRSPACE RESTRICTIONS IN EUROPE LIFTED
	INT'L PREMIUM AIR TRAFFIC BUILDS IN MARCH

	THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM

	- FLATOTEL, New York City
	- GRAND HYATT DENVER, Denver
	- THE JEFFERSON, WASHINGTON, D.C., Washington, D.C.
	- RAFAELLO, Chicago
	- ST. REGIS HOUSTON, Houston
	- VITALE, San Francisco
	- W BOSTON, Boston

HIGH COURT BLOCKS STRIKE BY BRITISH AIRWAYS CABIN CREWS
(source: USA TODAY)

The decision by a High Court judge to block a planned lengthy strike by British Airways cabin crews on a technicality just hours before they were due to cause travel chaos by walking out has sent a chill through Britain's unions.

The surprise ruling on the planned 20-day walkout by BA was the third court injunction preventing a major transport strike in less than six months and legal experts warned on Tuesday that unions will have to do more to meet intricate industry laws on future walkouts.

The rising interference of the courts at the behest of targeted companies adds to union woes as strike action becomes increasingly unpopular with a recession-weary British public.

The power of the courts to veto strikes is viewed by some as a necessary check on the privilege of unions to take strike action with immunity from any relating financial damages. But others see the recent legal challenges as an affront to the long-held democratic right of workers to walk off the job in industrial disputes.

A planned walkout by BA over Christmas and New Year over the same dispute about changes to pay and working conditions was also thwarted at the last minute on a technicality by the High Court, as was a strike by national rail workers over Easter.

Another two planned walkouts, by London train drivers and national journalists, are currently being challenged by legal action brought by the targeted companies on the grounds of technical breaches.

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UPDATE: AIRSPACE RESTRICTIONS IN EUROPE LIFTED
(source: The Lawyers' Travel Service NewsAlert)

Lingering delays and cancellations of flights to and from the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands are likely through May 20 due to a backlog created by a significant number of canceled flights over the past few days. To further aid the situation, the UK Civil Aviation Authority on May 18 will introduce new rules that allow aircraft to fly in higher ash densities for a limited time, provided an approval from the aircraft and engine manufacturers.

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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INT’L PREMIUM AIR TRAFFIC BUILDS IN MARCH
(source: Business Travel News)

The number of international first and business class passengers grew by nearly 11 percent in March compared with the same month last year, the International Air Transport Association reported, though the association expects Icelandic ash to have "put a dent" in ongoing recovery in April, though official figures have yet to be released.

IATA expects the volcanic ash situation to drag down the total number of April international passengers by about 4 percent, though it "hopes" that is merely a temporary hiccup in the ongoing traffic recovery.

Business travelers are leading the growth in both economy and premium travel worldwide, IATA said. "As business confidence and world trade have turned up sharply business travelers have returned," IATA said. "Consumer confidence has not recovered in the same way as business confidence."

IATA reported economy travel grew in March, but at a slightly more moderate rate of 9 percent year over year. "Looking at the pace of expansion from the fourth quarter to the first it is clear that premium travel had the stronger impetus," IATA said. Though the direction is resoundingly positive for premium traffic, IATA said travel volumes in the front of the plane remain around 15 percent below pre-recession levels.

IATA said premium travel in the Asia region is seeing the strongest growth trends, while Europe and North America regions remain the laggards.

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
FLATOTEL
135 West 52nd Street
New York City

another hotel
The Flatotel Hotel, New York City, a Contemporary, Intimate and Cosmopolitan hotel, is located in midtown Manhattan. Featuring 288 deluxe rooms and suites with custom designed furniture and state of the art amenities, Flatotel offers boutique hotel intimacy with apartment size rooms.

The new design is based on the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright's concept of the hearth being the heart and soul of a house. They have created a place that draws its spirit from the bed, a custom-designed piece that becomes the central element of the room.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Flatotel is $229 (compared to a corporate rate of $262) through June 30, 2010.*

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

another hotel
Be treated to an exceptional hotel experience at Grand Hyatt Denver. This Four-Diamond downtown Denver luxury hotel welcomes travelers with unparalleled services and gracious amenities. Host impeccable parties and business events in their elegant venues, featuring the renowned Pinnacle Club. Relax in the city's most spacious guestrooms, with stunning views and sumptuous Grand Beds. Dine on exquisite cuisine, even play tennis. Enjoy a concert at the Pepsi Center minutes away. Check out the Denver Calendar of Events for more information. Formerly the Hyatt Regency Denver, this perfectly situated downtown Denver Colorado hotel gives travelers immediate access to all this vibrant area offers, whether one wishes to meet clients, attend a convention, take in a show or stroll along the 16th Street Mall. Discover the true meaning of personalized service at this distinguished Hyatt hotel in downtown Denver, Colorado.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Grand Hyatt Denver is $199 (compared to a corporate rate of $237).*

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE JEFFERSON, WASHINGTON, D.C.
1200 16th Street NW
Washington, D.C.

another hotel
Presiding over the corner of 16th and M Streets, The Jefferson, Washington, DC enjoys a powerhouse location just four blocks from the White House. A top-to-bottom renovation has transformed this Beaux Arts gem into Washington's finest small hotel. Both European and distinctly Washingtonian in style, it is rich in historical details and Jeffersonian influences, evoking a stay at a grand and gracious home. Service is intuitive, flawless and personal, for a guest experience without parallel at any other hotel in the capital.

The Jefferson features 99 guestrooms, including 20 suites. Among these are three expansive, individually decorated Presidential, Bridal and Spa suites. Custom furnishings and design details call to mind a grand private residence and are inspired by two of Thomas Jefferson's great loves: Monticello and Paris. Three small meeting rooms, a striking boardroom, a private dining room and several parlor-like rooms will comprise The Jefferson's meeting space. While each room will be utterly distinctive in design, all will evoke the spirit of the hotel's namesake, who unquestionably presided over some of the most influential gatherings in history. An exclusive spa and 24-hour fitness facilities offer guests an escape from the energy of the city that surrounds them.

One of the finest restaurants in the capital, Plume at The Jefferson caters to hotel guests and Washingtonians in the know and showcases the culinary talents of award-winning Executive Chef Damon Gordon. Complementing Plume is The Jefferson's elegant lounge, Quill, whose house-made mixers and herbal-infused alcohols have enlightened Washington's cocktail culture.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at The Jefferson, Washington, D.C. is $365 (compared to a corporate rate of $495).*

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
RAFFAELLO
201 East Delaware Place
Chicago

another hotel
A Downtown Chicago Hotel, the Raffaello, is a 4-star boutique luxury hotel that is centrally located in Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile in the heart of the Gold Coast. The famed Magnificent Mile is just steps from Raffaello Hotel's front door, as is Michigan Avenue Shopping, Drury Lane Theater, Rush Street nightlife, restaurants, clubs, Navy Pier, Hancock Observatory, Museum of Contemporary Art, Lincoln Park Zoo and the North Avenue Beach.

Their new restaurant, Pelago is now open and serving room service, and has also been nominated by the James Beard Foundation for best new restaurant in the US. In addition, the hotel recently added new iHOME/iPOD players to all of the rooms and serves Metropolis local organic coffee in the lobby daily.

Appreciate a true boutique experience in Chicago in the best location right off the Magnificent Mile at the Raffaello.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Raffaello is $125 (compared to a corporate rate of $176) including complimentary local and domestic long distance, wireless internet and upgrade to a deluxe suite based upon availability.*

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
ST. REGIS HOUSTON
1919 Briar Oaks Lane
Houston

another hotel
At the Heart of it All
Near the vibrant epicenter of the nation's energy capital, the St. Regis Houston is perfectly located between River Oaks, the city's most exclusive residential neighborhood, and the Galleria, an international mecca for luxury shopping and world-class entertainment.

Genuine Hospitality
The St. Regis Houston is committed to delivering its guests an unrivaled dimension of bespoke service - from arrival to departure, and beyond. An impeccable staff, including their legendary butler service, prides itself in far exceeding expectations. There is no address like The St. Regis.

Legendary Luxury
Expect unforgettable ambience every time one walks through their doors. Instantly relax into the sumptuous surroundings created through rich decor, glistening marble, and unparalleled personalized service.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the St. Regis Houston is $255 (compared to a corporate rate of $329).*

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
VITALE
8 Mission Street
San Francisco

another hotel
Hotel Vitale is a full service luxury hotel with 24-hour room service, daily town car service, full business center, large work stations with ergonomic chairs, complimentary Wi-Fi in all guestrooms, morning yoga, an on-site spa and Americano Restaurant. The landmark building overlooks the waterfront and is located across from the historic Ferry Building Marketplace at the corner of Mission Street and The Embarcadero in San Francisco.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Vitale is $239 (compared to a corporate rate of $256).*

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
W BOSTON
100 Stuart Street
Boston

another hotel
Boston Uncommon
Colonial history, meet revolutionary modern. W Boston makes its dramatic entrance into the fashionable and storied theater district, an icon of contemporary sophistication where culture, shopping and nightlife buzz across a Victorian landscape.

Wicked Cool
In their colony of cool, pilgrimage to pleasure takes travelers from Jean-Georges' vibrant Market and cosmopolitan cool in their W Lounge to getting cheers on in their sizzling lounge. Then work up a SWEAT®. And don't miss out on Bliss Spa®.

A Revolutionary Concept
In 235 rooms featuring the signature W bed, panoramic views, fully wired technology, state-of-the-art entertainment and the fabulous Munchie Box, call on their Whatever/Whenever® service to make New England wishes come true with old-fashioned fun.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the W Boston is $230 (compared to a corporate rate of $322).*

* All rates are subject to availability.
______________________________________________________________

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