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DHS LAUNCHES INTERNATIONAL TRUSTED-TRAVELER PROGRAM
(source: Travel Weekly)
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Friday launched the pilot for Global Entry, a program designed to expedite the airport screening and processing of U.S. citizens returning from other countries. The pilot has been implemented at Houston Bush Intercontinental, New York Kennedy and Washington Dulles.
Global Entry applicants voluntarily provide biographic and biometric information, undergo a background check and complete an interview with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. The nonrefundable membership fee for participation in Global Entry is $100.
Once accepted, Global Entry travelers can use an airport kiosk to verify their identity electronically and make any needed customs declarations. They can bypass regular passport-control lanes and enter the U.S. without routine CBP questioning, unless chosen for a selective or random secondary referral.
The National Business Travel Association applauded the launch, and would like to see the program eventually extended to business travelers from other countries.
CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES PROVIDES EARTHQUAKE RELIEF
(source: BT-e)
As the largest airline in The People’s Republic of China, SkyTeam’s newest member carrier, China Southern Airlines, has been helping those in need in any way it can throughout the aftermath of last month’s devastating earthquake. On the afternoon of May 12, just hours after the quake hit the Sichuan Province of China, the company set up an Anti-Earthquake First-Aid Leading Team to call for donations from its staff. More than 60,000 employees responded to the call, contributing to a RMB10 million yuan donation.
Additionally, China Southern Airlines sent four jets, including Boeing 777s and Airbus A330s to fly more than 400 special policemen, more than 150 doctors and nurses and bundles of first-aid material and food to the earthquake area.
The airline also made a special emergency delivery to Beijing aboard a Boeing 747-400 freighter last week. Passengers included eight giant pandas, which flew on a complimentary fare after their enclosures and pens were destroyed in the quake. It’s expected that these recovering pandas, who have relocated to the Beijing National Zoo, will serve as inspiration for the recovering Chinese people in the aftermath of the recent disaster.
WILL AIRLINES START CHARGING PASSENGERS BY WEIGHT?
(source: Bloomberg News)
Imagine two scales at the airline ticket counter, one for your bags and one for you. The price of a ticket depends upon the weight of both. "You listen to the airline CEOs, and nothing is beyond their imagination," said David Castelveter, a spokesman for the Air Transport Association, a Washington, D.C.-based trade group.
"If you look at the air-freight business, that's the way they've always done it," said Robert Mann, head of R.W. Mann & Co., an aviation consultant based in Port Washington, New York. "We're getting treated like air freight when we travel by airlines, anyway."
"Laughter aside, the airlines are just in a desperate situation," said David Swierenga, president of consulting firm Aeroecon in Round Rock, Texas, who dismissed weight-based ticket sales and steep price increases as unrealistic.
Since December, eight companies have ceased flying, largely because of fuel costs - MaxJet Airways Inc., Big Sky Transportation Co., Aloha Airlines Inc., ATA Airlines, Skybus Airlines Inc., Eos Airlines and the charter- flight operator Champion Air. Air Midwest, a division of Mesa Air Group Inc., is ceasing operations this month.
THE LAWYERS’ TRAVEL SERVICE: 6th LARGEST ACCORDING TO BTN SURVEY
Business Travel News' 2008 Business Travel Survey recently named Ovation Travel Group, parent company of The Lawyers' Travel Service, as the 6th largest travel management company in the U.S. This is up a spot from last year’s rank of #7.
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.
Question of the Week: With the recent expansion of the Clear Registered Travel Program into Salt Lake City and Atlanta, Clear cards are now accepted at 18 locations nationwide. Do you think it's worth the membership cost (approximately $128 for the first year) for expedited passage through security?
- Absolutely, I'm already a member and love it!
- I think it's probably worth it and I'm planning to sign up.
- Since I travel mostly for business, I think it's worth it as long as my company covers the membership fees.
- I'm still not sure. Ask me again when they've expanded to a few more airports.
- Not worth it. Traditional security lanes aren't that bad.
To cast your vote go to: https://ovationtravel.com/enewssurvey/
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. Located within walking distance of the art, culture and energy of Dallas, the hotel consistently wins hearts and accolades as one of the best hotels in the United States. 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 Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Rosewood Crescent Hotel is $260 (compared to a corporate rate of $360).
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
OMNI
500 California Street
San Francisco
 Convenience:
* 20 minutes from San Francisco International
* Located in the heart of the financial district
* On the famous California cable car line
Guest Comfort:
* 400 square foot guestrooms
* Executive desk
* 24-hour Room Service
* Twice-daily housekeeping
* Windows that open
* Pillow top mattresses
Complimentary Services:
* T-1 high speed internet access
* 24-hour fitness center
* Downtown car service
* In-room laptop safes
* Wireless in public areas
Awards & Recognition:
* AAA Four Diamond Award
* Condé Nast 2005 Gold List
* DiRona Award winning Bob's Steak & Chop House
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Omni San Francisco is $275 (compared to a corporate rate of $499).
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
INTERCONTINENTAL
505 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago
 As the only hotel with a front entrance that opens directly onto the world-famous Magnificent Mile, the InterContinental Chicago offers a luxurious setting unlike any other. Experience the perfect convergence of old-world elegance and modern sophistication. At the InterContinental Chicago, the key components of a successful trip are the ability to relax, and to stay connected. Book your next visit at the InterContinental Chicago, and relax amid plush Chicago accommodations designed for precisely that purpose. Featuring a contemporary, sophisticated décor, guest rooms and suites in the main building boast well-appointed living areas with rich mahogany furnishings.
The historic tower offers luxurious guest rooms featuring opulent European design with soothing russet and gold tones, warm honey-colored wood, and spacious Italian marble baths. Enjoy impressive city or lake views from either tower. Delight in the comfort of modern amenities such as complimentary high-speed Internet access, premium cable television, and twice-daily maid service.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the InterContinental Chicago is $239 (compared to a corporate rate of $299) for the Main Building. From June 1 to August 30, 2008 The Lawyers' Travel Service guests receive an additional $20.00 food and beverage credit.
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
PARK HYATT
1201 24th Street NW
Washington, DC
 Following an extensive renovation and redesign led by celebrated designer Tony Chi, Park Hyatt Washington is the most innovative luxury hotel in the nation's capital combining dynamic modernism with classic American style. Park Hyatt Washington features the largest deluxe rooms in the city at 618 sq. ft offering generously sized spa-inspired bathrooms with dark gray limestone rain showers and deep soaking tubs. The hotel's award-wining restaurant, Blue Duck Tavern (Zagat Survey’s America’s Top Restaurants 2008), invites guests to gather and celebrate in good taste in a welcoming atmosphere with seasonal menu selections focusing on the region's freshest ingredients.
Additional services at Park Hyatt Washington include: 24 hours in-room dining, in-room spa services, daily newspaper of choice, dry cleaning and full laundry services, 24 hour fitness center, wired and wireless high-speed Internet access, and complimentary Audi A8 L sedan with interior and exterior finishes selected by the hotel's designer for transport within the District of Columbia (upon availability, Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.)
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Park Hyatt Washington D.C. is $335 for a Park Room (compared to a corporate rate of $575) and $435 for a Signature Park Deluxe room (compared to a corporate rate of $675).
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
BEVERLY HILTON
9876 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles
 An international crossroad where urban oasis meets virtual office. From the luminous lobby level collection of luxury boutiques and full-service business center to the lap of luxury health and wellness services on the pool level, balancing the fun with faxes is a breeze at the Beverly Hilton.
Conveniently located on the Lobby Level, the Event Technology Center is a full-service business center which assists attendees with all their printing, copying, collating, data entry and file transfer needs. To service business needs after hours, there is a 24-hour Automated Business Center located adjacent to the hotel reception desk which includes four computers, fax machines, copier and printer-on-station.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Beverly Hilton is $275 (compared to a corporate rate of $500).
___________________________________________________________________________
The Lawyers' Travel Service
www.lawyerstravel.com
info@lawyerstravel.com
800.431.1112 |
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