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UPDATE: BRITISH AIRWAYS CABIN CREW STRIKE CONTINUES
(source: The Lawyers' Travel Service NewsAlert)
British Airways cabin crew walked out for the 14th day Monday in an on-and-off strike over pay, benefits and working conditions, and a union leader said disruptions could continue into the summer.
Striking cabin crew walked off their jobs May 24 for five days and began the new round of strikes after the latest round of talks collapsed. The cabin crew union has called for another five days of strikes beginning on June 5 if there is no settlement.
The airline says it plans to fly more than 80 percent of its long-haul flights, compared to the 60 percent it had operated during last week's strike, and 60 percent of short-haul flights, up from 50 percent last week.
British Airways plans to operate all flights to and from London City and London Gatwick normally.
BA advises that all passengers confirm their bookings before arriving at the airport.
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SUMMER OF FULL FLIGHTS AND HIGH FARES
(source: The New York Times, featuring Michael Steiner, Executive Vice President, The Lawyers' Travel Service)
This summer air travelers face a potential combination of crowded flights, high fares and labor disruptions. And that does not even consider the possibility of more canceled flights because of new penalties for airlines that encounter long tarmac delays or the potential of continued disruption in Europe from the volcano ash drifting from Iceland.
Demand for business and leisure travel is expected to be stronger this summer than last, which means travelers will be fighting for seats that have been reduced significantly during the recession.
According to an analysis of first- and business-class travel in the first quarter by the International Air Transport Association, the trade group for the airline industry, the number of passengers traveling in these classes was 7.6 percent higher than in the period a year earlier. The number of passengers in economy was up 7.4 percent in the same period.
Growth in all classes of service is "being driven by business travel, rather than leisure," the group's analysis said. "As business confidence and world trade have turned up sharply, business travelers have returned. Consumer confidence has not recovered in the same way as business confidence."
Michael Steiner, executive vice president of Ovation Corporate Travel (sister company of The Lawyers' Travel Service) in New York, said the number of airline transactions by [The Lawyers' Travel Service]'s corporate customers was 22.5 percent higher in the first four months of 2010, compared with the same period in 2009, while the number of airline transactions by its leisure customers was up 39 percent.
These double-digit increases in demand are in no way being matched by similar increases in the number of seats. The Air Transport Association, the trade group of the American airline industry, said domestic capacity will be only 0.2 percent higher this summer than last, while capacity on international routes will be up 6.6 percent.
The inevitable outcome of limited seats and stronger demand will be higher fares, at least compared with the greatly depressed levels of 2009.
Business- and first-class fares are up 10 percent globally from their "low point in mid-2009, but they're still a lot lower than they were prerecession," said Brian Pearce, chief economist of the international airline industry group. "It indicates the development of a relative shortage of seats."
From January to April, the average ticket price booked by a corporate customer of [The Lawyers' Travel Service] climbed 16.2 percent, Mr. Steiner said.
Another result of more crowded flights could be a dearth of desirable seats, like those on aisles or in exit rows.
And upgrades, which have not been plentiful recently — at [The Lawyers' Travel Service], for example, business traveler upgrades plummeted 21 percent from January to April — are expected to be even scarcer during the peak summer months.
To make business air travel as manageable as possible, corporate travel executives suggest booking as far in advance as possible to get the lowest fares and best seats available, and developing a backup plan in case of delays.
To read the entire article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/01/business/01summer.html?emc=eta1
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AIRLINES MAY GET HIT HARDER FOR BUMPING
(source: MSNBC.com)
Federal officials are expected to announce this week a plan to raise the maximum amount that airlines must pay passengers who get bumped off an oversold flight, currently at $400 or $800 depending on how long a trip is delayed.
Bumpings rose in three of the past four years and jumped 10 percent to 762,422 in 2009, the highest total since 2002. They soared 17 percent in this year's first quarter.
Passenger-rights groups have pushed the Transportation Department to raise the payout limits to $800 and $1,200 per traveler if the airline bumps you involuntarily. The agency has signaled that it plans some type of inflation adjustment in the limits, which were last raised in 2008. Officials declined to provide details.
The issue is overbooked flights. Airlines are allowed to sell more tickets than they have seats on the assumption that some passengers — usually those with refundable tickets — won't show up. What travelers' groups such as FlyersRights want is a limit on how many extra seats airlines can sell per flight. But industry insiders say that may be impractical because no-show rates vary by route, day and even hour.
When a flight is overbooked, airlines must first ask for volunteers before involuntarily bumping ticket holders. While volunteers can get travel vouchers, people forced off flights must be paid in cash or check. Critics say airlines often flout that rule.
The government has been moving to give airline customers more protections. One new rule prohibits the airlines from keeping passengers on a plane on the tarmac more than three hours. The agency will also unveil proposed requirements for more information about advertised fares and checked-bag fees, and for contingency plans when aircraft are stuck on the tarmac for long delays.
Last year one in every 763 passengers got bumped from a flight, according to government figures. That includes volunteers and those forced to give up their seat. The numbers show that more passengers are volunteering to give up their seats, a reversal of the trend a few years ago.
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GAO REPORTS ON CONTINENTAL-UNITED MERGER COMPETITIVENESS
(Source: Business Travel News)
The U.S. Government Accountability Office in a report said the proposed merger between Continental Airlines and United Airlines would result in "the loss of one effective competitor" in more than 1,100 airport pairs, and create a new "effective competitor" in only 173 airport pairs.
GAO said it defines "effective competitor" as any airline that has at least 5 percent of total traffic in a market. If United and Continental merge, according to analysis of 2009 ticket data, GAO said 1,135 markets would lose such a competitor, impacting 35 million passengers, while only 173 airport pairs would gain one, impacting nearly 9.5 million passengers.
"In examining nonstop overlapping airport pairs between United and Continental, the extent of overlap is less than for connecting traffic," GAO said. Citing January traffic data, GAO said there are only 12 nonstop airport-pair routes between the carriers.
The route overlap is a critical part of the Justice Department's upcoming review of the merger. "Under that process, DOJ assesses the extent of likely anticompetitive effects of reducing competition in the relevant markets—in this case, between cities or airports. DOJ further considers the likelihood that airlines entering these markets would counteract any anticompetitive effects," GAO said.
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE CHARLES
1 Bennett Street
Cambridge
Located in the heart of Harvard Square, The Charles Hotel reflects the eclecticism that is Cambridge. An urban oasis, The Charles offers something for everyone who is visiting the Boston area. The 294 guestrooms have panoramic views of Harvard Square, Cambridge or Boston. All are generously appointed with originally commissioned artwork, custom-designed down quilts, Bose Wave® radios, LCD Flat Panel Televisions, DVD players and Séura "in mirror" bathroom televisions.
Guests enjoy amenities including: complimentary wi-fi access; free local and national long distance calling; optional turndown service; and complimentary weekday morning newspaper delivery.
The Charles is home to some of the area's finest restaurants Henrietta's Table and Rialto, a thriving jazz club, The Regattabar; a popular cocktail bar, Noir; and an ice skating rink during the winter months.
The Charles Hotel is the Smart Place to Stay in Harvard Square.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at The Charles is $289 through June 27, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $389).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
JUMEIRAH CARLTON TOWER
On Cadogan Place
London
The essence of Knightsbridge.
Voted 'Best UK Business Hotel' at the Conde Nast Reader's Travel Awards 2008 - Jumeirah Carlton Tower is situated in the heart of fashionable Knightsbridge and located within walking distance from the prestigious Harrods and Harvey Nichols department stores, and luxury designer boutiques lining Sloane Street.
Synonymous with sophistication and luxury, Jumeirah Carlton Tower overlooks the private gardens of Cadogan Place with spectacular views over London's skyline.
The hotel's three restaurants; The Rib Room, Chinoiserie and Club Room, offer an abundant selection of mouth-watering cuisine.
In addition, the hotel has one of the most exclusive health clubs in London. Guests can enjoy the exclusive Peak Health Club & Spa, offering a fully equipped gym, a state-of-the-art golf simulator, aerobics studio, sauna, steam room, award-winning Spa and a 20 metre stainless steel heated indoor pool.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower is £255 (compared to a corporate rate of £475).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
SLS BEVERLY HILLS
465 S. La Cienega Boulevard
Los Angeles
Enviable Locale
Ideally situated at the crossroads of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, the SLS Hotel is a landmark of sleek sophistication, just steps from The Beverly Center, the sparkling storefronts of Rodeo Drive, and favorite celebrity haunts.
Personalized Indulgence
Revel in the palpable buzz of The Bazaar by José Andrés, a magical dining and lounge experience woven into an indoor piazza, or indulge in The Private Guest Lobby, Tres, a sophisticated and secluded sanctuary for added privacy.
Intuitive Design
A tempting menu of room options creates a customized experience in each of the 297 guest rooms and suites designed by Philippe Starck for Cassina, including 7 lifestyle suites with personal gym equipment and 32 hypoallergenic Pure Rooms.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the SLS Beverly Hills is $249 (compared to a corporate rate of $330).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
TAJ CAMPTON PLACE
340 Stockton Street
San Francisco
For close to a hundred years, Taj Campton Place has been a sanctuary for sophisticates and discerning business travellers visiting San Francisco. And with good reason.
A historic site, the hotel marries two early twentieth century buildings and has a classical European charm. With an ambience that exudes privacy, warmth and luxury.
Located along Stockton Street, on the prestigious Union Square, this serene retreat is a short distance from the financial district, premier art galleries, renowned museums and the city's best known stores and restaurants.
With 110 rooms, the hotel has a distinctive boutique ambience. A private world, reminiscent of an impeccably designed residence.
The award-winning Taj Campton Place Restaurant, one of San Francisco's finest, is known for its delightful contemporary cuisine embodying Mediterranean inspirations with local California cuisine and gentle Spice Route overtones. It is favored by the city's cognoscenti.
Well suited for small business conferences, it's an ideal meeting place in the San Francisco Bay Area. Expertly trained staff anticipate every need, be it an executive event or an elite gathering.
Taj Campton Place is now part of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces – one of the world's leading group of hotels, known for their landmark properties and unrivalled service for over a hundred years.
One will find the same traditions continue unchanged at Taj Campton Place, along with the legendary hospitality of the Taj.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Taj Campton Place is $215 (compared to a corporate rate of $270).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
TRIBECA GRAND
2 Avenue of the Americas
New York City
The Tribeca Grand is downtown Manhattan's original hotel pioneer; the first to introduce the luxury boutique hotel experience to downtown Manhattan. The hotel is located in one of New York City's most sought after neighborhoods, alongside world renowned art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Since its debut, it has emerged as a modern classic, offering a refined clientele impeccable service, luxurious accommodations, stunning decor and a vibrant, local take on dining, nightlife and entertainment.
The newly unveiled Penthouse at the Tribeca Grand, includes an expansive private outdoor area with stunning city views. Guestrooms and Suites combine luxury and comfort with state of the art technology to reflect the needs of both the business and leisure traveler. Each are equipped with Frette Egyptian Bed and Bath Linen, toiletries from Malin + Goetz, complimentary high speed wireless internet connection as well as flat screen TVs and Sony speaker docks. Through a combination of eye catching interiors and 24 hour guest services, the Tribeca Grand offers visitors an unparalleled downtown New York experience.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Tribeca Grand is $290 through June 27, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $375).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
VICEROY MIAMI
485 Brickell Avenue
Miami
Viceroy Miami presents discerning travelers with an urban resort created for business and leisure pursuits in the city's burgeoning downtown. Opened in 2009 and located at the entrance to Miami's Brickell Avenue financial district, this bayfront enclave offers the intuitive service and unexpected delights recognized as Viceroy signatures. Designed by Kelly Wearstler, 162 residentially-appointed guest rooms are outfitted with the latest technology and luxurious comforts. All accommodations feature complimentary wireless internet, private balconies and convenience kitchens equipped with espresso maker, microwave, stovetop and tableware.
Eos, the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant by Chef Michael Psilakis, poolside Café Icon for casual meals and 24-hour in room dining ensures Viceroy satisfies every culinary craving. Perched atop the hotel is Club 50, an exclusive rooftop lounge offering dramatic skyline views.
The 2-acre terrace on the 15th floor is bedecked by a 300-foot long infinity pool overlooking Biscayne Bay. Designed by Philippe Starck, the full-service spa includes a water lounge with floating library and 10 treatment rooms. Within the spa, a 2,500 square foot exercise facility is available to hotel guests at no charge.
Special offer: For any stays of 2 nights or more during the travel dates of June 1-September 30, 2010, guests will receive a one-time $50 resort credit.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Viceroy Miami is $145 (compared to a corporate rate of $265).*
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* All rates are subject to availability.
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The Lawyers' Travel Service
www.lawyerstravel.com
info@lawyerstravel.com
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