- Courtesy of The Lawyers' Travel Service May 21, 2008 In This Issue...
	AMERICAN TO HIKE FEES, CUT FLIGHTS, TRIM STAFF
	ATLANTA AIRPORT MOVES CLOSER TO SECURITY FAST LANES
	TAKING A BUSINESS TRIP?  BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY
	E-NEWSLETTER READERS VOTE AGAINST IN-FLIGHT CELL USAGE
	OVATION CLUB E-NEWSLETTER WEEKLY SURVEY
	THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
	- ZAZA, Houston
	- LONDON NYC, New York City
	- ST. REGIS, Washington, DC
	- 51 BUCKINGHAM GATE LUXURY SUITES & APARTMENTS, London
	- HOTEL SAX, Chicago
	- HYATT REGENCY, San Francisco

AMERICAN TO HIKE FEES, CUT FLIGHTS, TRIM STAFF
(source: WFAA.com and AA.com)

American Airlines, hit hard by escalating fuel prices, said Wednesday, May 21 passengers will be hit with fees to check any bag, starting with tickets purchased after June 15. American and its American Eagle subsidiary will also trim their fleets, cut their flight schedules and lay off workers in the coming months.

Speaking at the annual meeting of AMR Corporation, the parent company of both airlines, chairman, president and CEO Gerard Arpey said travelers would face a $15 charge for the first piece of luggage checked, the first time any major domestic airline has used this method to increase revenue. "These are difficult but necessary steps," Arpey said, noting that rising oil prices have inflated the airline's annual fuel costs by nearly $3 billion since the start of the year.

Customers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after May 12, 2008 but before June 15, 2008 may check one bag for free and check a second bag for $25 each way. Customers who purchase domestic economy class tickets on or after June 15, 2008 will be charged $15 each way for the first checked bag and $25 each way for the second checked bag. The carry-on policy of one personal item (such as a purse or laptop bag) plus one bag remains in place.

Arpey said other passenger fees will be increased, including surcharges for pets and for unaccompanied minors.

The following customers will not be charged a service fee to check a bag provided the bag is within the weight allowance:

*For the first checked bag, customers who buy a ticket before June 15, 2008, or who fly before June 15, 2008
*For the second checked bag, customers who purchased a ticket before May 12, 2008
*Customers traveling on an international itinerary to destinations beyond the U.S., the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, or Canada
*Customers who purchase full-fare tickets in Economy Class
*Customers who purchase Business or First Class tickets
*Customers flying on AA codeshare flights not operated by American Airlines, American Eagle or AmericanConnection®
*Customers traveling on government or military fares
*Military passengers on active duty
*AAdvantage Executive Platinum®, AAdvantage Platinum® or AAdvantage Gold® members
*oneworld Alliance Emerald, Sapphire or Ruby members
*Customers flying on the same reservation as an AAdvantage Executive Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum or AAdvantage Gold member or oneworld Alliance Emerald, Sapphire or Ruby member regardless of frequent flier status or fare type (not applicable to group bookings)
*AAnytime® Economy Class AAdvantage award tickets, MileSAAver(SM) or AAnytime First and Business Class AAdvantage award tickets
*First and Business Class upgrades confirmed prior to check in
*AAirpass travel

AMR plans to cut its domestic capacity by up to 12% by retiring 40 to 45 American Airlines jets and 30 to 35 American Eagle aircraft starting in the fourth quarter. Some of the planes will be retired; others will be parked at a desert storage facility.

ATLANTA AIRPORT MOVES CLOSER TO SECURITY FAST LANES
(source: The Atlanta-Journal Constitution)

New York-based Clear said the Atlanta airport has picked the company to run a high-speed security line for paying members, although the pilot program still will require approval from the City Council.

The tentative approval means the world's busiest airport could soon have one or two designated lanes handling passengers who hope to breeze through security in a few minutes.

Clear Chief Executive Steven Brill said he hopes to have the program in operation at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport before the summer rush of vacation travelers. "We'll have 100,000 members in the Atlanta airport very quickly," he said, predicting that it will speed up security lines for both paying members and other travelers.

However, Ben DeCosta, the airport's general manager, said the pilot program still faces a number of steps before it starts, including the council approval. Airport officials will also consult with the Transportation Security Administration and Delta Air Lines and AirTran, the two largest airlines at the airport, "to make sure everyone's on the same page," said DeCosta.

TAKING A BUSINESS TRIP?  BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY
(source: USA Today)

Eager to generate more sales from families, hotels are increasingly stepping up efforts to please guests' children. Even hotels that cater to business travelers have introduced child-friendly amenities to boost leisure bookings and encourage customers to bring family members.

Driving the trend:

*More family travel. A survey by travel marketing firm Y Partnership says 38% of adults traveled at least once with children in 2007, compared with only 26% in 2000.

*Empty rooms on weekends. Demand for rooms in business hotels drops sharply on weekends, and owners are eager to find other sales opportunities.

*More marketing aimed at kids. Children are exposed to advertising and marketing from more media channels, says John Lee, marketing vice president for Embassy Suites. "A lot of research shows that kids 6 to 11 are big influencers of their parents," Lee says. "Do we hope to get bookings out of it? Certainly."

Steve Ording, a frequent traveler and sales manager from Columbus, Ohio, says he doesn't mind hotels accommodating travelers who bring their children. But "the one drawback is the noise. I've been in hotels where kids of all ages are running the halls and slamming doors at midnight when I am trying to sleep," he says. "If the noise can be curtailed, I would tell the hotels to go for it."

E-NEWSLETTER READERS VOTE AGAINST IN-FLIGHT CELL USAGE
(source: Ovation Club E-Newsletter Weekly Survey)

The verdict is in and the large majority of Ovation Club E-Newsletter readers have voted against the allowance of in-flight cell phones whether or not the technology is available.

The #1 response: 67% of you voted against in-flight cells because you did not want to be forced to listen to others' annoying conversations. Another 18% said, "no thanks" because you value your in-flight time as forced down time. Still, 8% of respondents said that even though they are against the service in theory, they would probably use it; and 3% are all for the new technology. 4% of respondents remain undecided on the issue.

OVATION CLUB E-NEWSLETTER WEEKLY SURVEY!

The Ovation Club E-Newsletter Weekly Survey gives you the opportunity to weigh in by voting your opinion on hot topics in business travel.  You can also post comments online on the topic of the week.

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
ZAZA
5701 Main Street
Houston

Simply irresistible…

This decadent urban resort is a mix of glamour and warmth, of high style and creature comforts. With exquisite lighting and swooping drapes, it’s a theater to entice the senses and intrigue the mind.

This is Hotel ZaZa. An unexpected blend of history, business and fashion, brilliantly located in Houston’s beautiful Museum District. Hotel ZaZa is the luxury hotel of luxury hotels, welcoming you dealmakers, fun-lovers and trendsetters into a delightful world of possibilities.

With amazing attention to detail and a careful balance of work and pleasure, Hotel ZaZa will make sure your Texas stay is wonderfully unforgettable. Hotel ZaZa Houston – almost mystical, always memorable.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Hotel ZaZa is $229 (compared to a corporate rate of $249).

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
LONDON NYC
151 West 54th Street
New York City

Announcing the "Luxury Suite Collection" at The London NYC.

The London Sky Suites - Welcome to a luxurious retreat fifty stories above Manhattan. The Sky Suites, generously proportioned from 650 to 950 square feet, occupy the top two floors (53rd and 54th), placing one at the top of the city.

The London Sky Apartments - Located on the top floors of The London Hotel each apartment boast 1,800 square feet of living space with complimentary high-speed Internet access, including wireless connection. Suites also include separate study area with oversized executive desk, dining room that seats 6-8 for formal or casual in-room dining,  Sub-Zero refrigerator and a well-stocked automated personal bar brimming with essentials and indulgences.

The London Atrium Suite - Situated underneath an expansive glass atrium ceiling surrounded by the Manhattan skyline, The London Atrium Suite presents panoramic views of Central Park and the Hudson River, as well as all the stars the eye can see. Designer David Collins has created more than 1,500 square feet of luxurious living in a most rare setting.

The London Penthouse - In addition to this unforgettable setting, guests of the Penthouse enjoy amenities as spectacular as the surroundings they reside in. This experience is complimented by additional amenities such as a personal concierge, an evening Chef's Table in the inner sanctum of Gordon Ramsay's kitchen, breakfast delivered daily to your suite, daily traditional afternoon tea service and access to a private car and drive to take you anywhere you want to go in Manhattan.

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
ST. REGIS
923 16th and K Streets, N.W.
Washington, DC

The St. Regis Washington, D.C. – Open and Unforgettable.

Desirably located just two blocks from the White House and built in the style of an Italian Renaissance palace, the new St. Regis opened in early 2008 after an extensive 16 month renovation of all guest rooms, meeting rooms and public areas. The legendary hotel has introduced an unrivaled standard of hospitality in the nation’s capital. Debuting with the unveiling of 150 Guest Rooms, 25 luxuriously appointed suites and will feature the finest Guest Room materials together with the most updated technology. Designed by celebrated designer Sills Huniford, the St. Regis will represent the finest expression of hotel luxury in the nation’s capital including a 2500 square foot Presidential Suite. Whilst in residence, guests can rely on the ever-attentive, always on call Signature St. Regis Butler to fulfill their personal requests and needs.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at St. Regis is $375 (compared to a corporate rate of $495) though September 7.

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
51 BUCKINGHAM GATE LUXURY SUITES & APARTMENTS
51 Buckingham Gate
London

51 Buckingham Gate offers 86 luxury suites and apartments at an intimate townhouse address in the heart of Westminster. The most sought-after and yet utmost discreet address in London.

51's cool and contemporary suites are the perfect choice for a night's stay or longer; some stay for months. Guests are spoiled with luxuriously spacious suites, award-winning bathrooms, an indulgent personal butler service, fully-equipped kitchens and wireless Internet access.

At the end of a long day, guests may choose to relax in the Spa at Fifty-One, with one of the 100% organic Sodashi Spa treatments.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at 51 Buckingham Gate is £245 (compared to a corporate rate of £305).

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
HOTEL SAX
333 N. Dearborn Street
Chicago

Any visit to Hotel Sax promises a luxurious yet energizing experience, rich with the passion, authenticity and uniqueness of downtown Chicago.

Sophisticated design intersects with old-fashioned pampering. Personalized service meets a serious commitment to luxury. With the heart of the city beating right outside the front doors, this is the perfect urban retreat.

A fusion of interior design elements from around the globe makes for a harmonious, yet alluring affair. Sophistication meets the avant-garde, resulting in a distinctly bohemian style unique to the Hotel Sax experience. Visitors are immersed in a world of traditional elegance with a decidedly modern twist. Exorbitant thread counts, elaborate design schemes and an impressive list of amenities set a new standard of excellence, while guests enjoy being pampered like never before.

The Studio is Hotel Sax’s entertainment lounge. It is the only space of its kind. Powered by Microsoft technology, The Studio brings Hotel Sax Chicago guests together with the latest entertainment technology in a relaxed, welcoming luxury environment: it’s the ideal home-away-from-home theater experience including the latest home entertainment technology:

*Five XBox 360 Elite® game stations with wireless controllers  
*Five Microsoft Zune® MP3 players, pre loaded with music and movies 
*Two HP laptop computers, connected to the Internet 
*A Microsoft Windows home entertainment PC, driven by Windows® Vista Media Center
 
Hotel Sax Chicago boasts Chicago’s newest – and hottest – night spot, Crimson Lounge. The lounge is brimming with elegant touches, rich fabrics and textures, and a whimsical ambience. Crimson will seduce your senses with DJ-driven music, an interesting cocktail menu, unique VIP bottle service, and special surprises at every turn.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Hotel Sax Chicago is $215 (compared to a corporate rate of $269).

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
HYATT REGENCY
5 Embarcadero Center
San Francisco

Luxury and location converge in perfect balance at Hyatt Regency San Francisco. The only Four-Diamond downtown San Francisco hotel situated right on the Embarcadero waterfront. Guests will enjoy immediate access to both the Financial District and the city's most famous attractions. Find the historic Ferry Building on one side of their expansive San Francisco California hotel, the ferry to Alcatraz and the Bay on the other, and stunning views all around. With so many options, one may choose to wander through Chinatown to Fisherman's Wharf, shop in Union Square or board the cable cars for a riding tour of the city. Equally impressive are their extensive in-house amenities, with venues created to host any number of group events, tempting dining choices and, of course, the impeccable service that is the hallmark of the hotel in downtown San Francisco.

Rooms & Amenities:
-802 spacious, modern guestrooms with city or Bay views
-Hyatt Grand Bed™ / iHome stereo with iPod dock
-Generous work desk / deluxe bath with Portico products
-Exclusive new Regency Club now open

Guest Services
-Hyatt Fast Board™ / PDA & Express Check-in
-Car rental / gift shop / babysitting referrals
-Knowledgeable Concierge staff / E-Concierge
-Major transportation hub for BART, cable cars and ferries

Dining & Entertainment
-Eclipse Café
-13 Views Bar
-In-Room Dining

Activities
-24-hour Stay Fit gym
-Fitness Concierge / Yoga Away™
-Preferred access to Club One Fitness
-Jogging / walking paths on waterfront

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Hyatt Regency San Francisco is $235 (compared to a corporate rate of $359).

___________________________________________________________________________

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