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BA STRIKE: UNITE UNION PREPARES FOR NEW STRIKE BALLOT
(source: BBC News)
The Unite union has confirmed that it is preparing to ballot its members again on further strike action at BA.
Unite, which represents BA cabin crew, said the legal protection granted to employees who go on strike lasts for 12 weeks and will expire on 11 June.
Its comments come as cabin crew enter the final day in the last of a series of five-day walkouts.
BA boss Willie Walsh has said he will hold out against striking cabin crew members "for as long as it takes".
Unite has been involved in a long-running row with the airline.
The union says the main outstanding grievance now is the removal of travel concessions for those who went on strike.
Unite could legally call another strike under its existing mandate, but as its members would not be entitled to legal protection against repercussions from management it said it would not expose them to that risk.
Today marks the 22nd day of strike action this year in the dispute.
BA says it has continued to run a good service during the latest walkout, saying more crew than previously had turned up for work.
It has been aiming to operate about 80% of long-haul flights from Heathrow, up from 70% and 60% during the previous two five-day strikes.
The percentage of short-haul flights operating from Heathrow was up to 60%, from 55% and 50% respectively, it added.
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AMTRAK MAKES FREE WI-FI STANDARD ON ACELA EXPRESS
(source: USA TODAY)
Free wireless will become a standard service for passengers on Amtrak's Acela Express trains.
Amtrak made the announcement Tuesday. It follows a three-month trial run in which all 20 of Amtrak's Acela Express cars provided free service.
Amtrak says about 115,000 passengers per month have used the service, or about 39% of ridership. It plans to expand the wireless service to other routes starting in the late fall of 2010.
This year is the 10th anniversary of the Acela Express train service, which began operating in 2000. The trains make the trip from Washington to Boston in about six and a half hours, about an hour and a half faster than regional trains.
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REVIVING FAST LANES AT SECURITY
(source: The New York Times)
The stereotype of the business traveler dashing to catch a plane with minutes to spare was long ago retired; 9/11 and unpredictable security lines took care of that. And hopes that private companies could run faster alternative lanes proved too optimistic after the companies closed down a year ago.
But there may be life yet in the E-ZPass-style lanes.
A new crop of successors has risen up, and in recent weeks two airports, Indianapolis and Denver, have been named as the first airports to get the revived programs. While the companies' odds of success this time around remain uncertain, one factor working in their favor may be pressure from members of Congress, business travel groups and some airports for a reprieve from the sometimes lengthy waits at checkpoints.
Legislation is pending in Congress that would direct the Transportation Security Administration, which balked at the earlier private efforts, to support a new registered traveler program for passengers deemed to be low risk.
At the same time, a two-year-old United States Customs and Border Protection program called Global Entry, which allows fliers undergoing background checks to bypass immigration lines returning home at the end of the trip, is getting a lift from a new publicity campaign aimed at increasing enrollments. Global Entry is now at 20 airports in the United States, including Kennedy Airport in New York, Miami, Los Angeles and other large international gateways.
Enrollment increased to 54,000 members from 16,000, in the last nine months, said Joanne Ferreira, a spokeswoman for Customs. She estimated that a user could swipe an ID card at a kiosk and clear immigration in 60 seconds.
Travel experts say that while these security and immigration programs differ in many details, including price — Global Entry costs $100 for five years, while the private programs charge from about $150 to $180 a year — the result is the same to the business traveler: both can eliminate hours of unproductive time.
Airports are predicting fuller flights this year, which could contribute to peak-hour backups at checkpoints. At busy airports like Atlanta's, wait times at security checkpoints have sometimes exceeded 30 minutes at peak times this year, according to information posted on the T.S.A.'s Web site.
Kevin Mitchell, chairman of the Business Travel Coalition, a consortium of corporate travel managers, described interest in the renewed registered traveler programs as "medium to high," but said that ultimately, "The new business model will need to be sound."
"No one will want to stick his neck out twice on this one," he said.
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J.D. POWER FINDS RISE IN AIR TRAVELER SATISFACTION
(Source: Business Travel News)
Traveler satisfaction with U.S. carriers improved for the first time in three years, according to a J.D. Power and Associates survey.
Ten of the 12 North American carriers ranked in the survey saw their scores improve this year, helping to lift the overall average score by 15 points to a three-year high of 673 on a scale of 1,000. Satisfaction with cost and fees and in-flight services drove the improvements, J.D. Power said. The results of the 2010 North America Airline Satisfaction Study are based on responses from 12,300 business and leisure passengers who flew on a major North American carrier between April 2009 and April 2010.
"The fact that overall satisfaction with airlines has improved is particularly notable in light of a difficult economic year, in which add-on fees have continued to proliferate and two major airlines have merged," said Stuart Greif, vice president and general manager of the global travel and hospitality practice at J.D. Power and Associates. J.D. Power said the findings suggest that passengers may have grown to accept the proliferation of ancillary fees levied by carriers.
J.D. Power annually measures customer satisfaction in seven categories: cost and fees, flight crew, in-flight services, aircraft, boarding/deplaning/baggage, and check in and reservations.
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE ALEX
205 East 45th Street
New York City
The Alex heralds a new generation of luxury accommodations in midtown Manhattan. Impeccable guestrooms & suites in a serene and welcoming environment awaiting guests arrivals. With service beyond expectation, all that's left for the Alex to ask is "What can we do for you?"
Located in Midtown Manhattan within walking distance to Grand Central Station, Midtown business district, United Nations, Park, Madison and Fifth Avenues. Easy access to Times Square, Theater District, SoHo-Tribecca and Wall Street. Public transportation near the hotel, private transportation available upon request. 12 miles to LaGuardia Airport, 17 miles miles to JFK International Airport.
203 guest rooms, suites and apartments beautifully designed by David Rockwell: custom furnishings, T1 Lines, Flat Screen LCD TVs, Frette Linens, Mini-Bars, 2 Line telephones, DVD & CD Stereo systems, Limestone Baths and Fully Equipped Gourmet Poggen Pohl Kitchens.
Riingo's award-Winning Chef, Marcus Samuelsson, from New York City's famed Aquavit, brings his unique blend of American and Japanese cuisines to this stylish, upbeat restaurant and bar. Riingo also provides The Alex's full room service and private dining menus.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at The Alex is $295 through August 31, 2010 compared to a corporate rate of $434).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
INTERCONTINENTAL LOS ANGELES CENTURY CITY
2151 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles
Get in on the scene. The InterContinental Los Angeles Century City, California is the place for living life in true Hollywood style with designer suites, a deluxe Zen-inspired spa, a sunny outdoor swimming pool, a gourmet restaurant and a host of superstar amenities. With shopping on Rodeo Drive, Hollywood hot spots, fine dining and the Los Angeles Convention Center nearby, this is the place to be in LA.
LA Century City Hotel Location. Wonderfully close to everything, the Century City location offers an incomparable location central to Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and Hollywood. Within walking distance of Rodeo Drive and Westfield Century City, the location also boasts proximity to such must-see attractions as Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Walk of Fame and Getty Center to the Hollywood Bowl and UCLA. The InterContinental Los Angeles Century City, California is the ultimate address for rocking the LA scene.
LA Luxury Hotel Rooms & Suites. Live the glamorous life from any one of the 364 guest rooms including 181 suites opening onto balconies and sweeping ocean and city views. All of the accommodations come in at least 425 sq ft. Sumptuously styled and luxuriously detailed, indulge in an oversized bath with walk-in shower and state-of-the-art amenities like flat-screen HDTV with premium cable. Kitchen amenities include a coffee maker and mini-bar. Ample, well-lit work desks offer plenty of room for getting down to business. The Los Angeles hotel suites feature large separate living areas, whirlpool baths and sprawling layouts of up to 3,300 sq. ft.
Los Angeles, CA Event Facilities. With 12,000 square feet of elegantly tailored events space, the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City offers everything from a Grand Ballroom for up to 400 wedding guests to intimate boardrooms for small meetings. Planning makes perfect, and the hotel's expert event planners will take care of every detail. Full catering and banquet facilities are included.
LA High-end Hotel Amenities & Services. At this full-service Los Angeles luxury hotel, travelers receive the star treatment with everything from gourmet dining to a Zen spa. Savor French-inspired California fare at Park Grill and sushi at Park Grill Lounge. Or 24-hour room service can always be delivered to the room. Stay in superstar shape at the 24-hour fitness center, then relax on the sundeck, and take a dip in a gleaming outdoor pool or go for a soak in the Jacuzzi. This is how life should be lived. Do you live an InterContinental life?
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City is $249 (compared to a corporate rate of $269).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
METROPOLITAN LONDON
19 Old Park Lane
London
The Metropolitan hotel is "the" address for the traveler to experience all that London has to offer. As one of the capital's most enduring design hotels, the location on Hyde Park corner offers easy accessibility for the corporate and leisure traveler. With a 4 million dollar renovation of the guest bathrooms, installation of Bose I-pod docking stations and flat screen televisions, the traveler is assured of a sophisticated, cool, chic guest experience. Topped with the COMO aesthetics of exceptional service and understated chic the hotel continues to enhance the guest experience with the Michelin starred Nobu restaurant and the dynamic night time haunt of the Met Bar.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Metropolitan London is £200 (compared to a corporate rate of £319).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
ST. REGIS WASHINGTON, DC
923 16th & K Streets
Washington, DC
Following a recent landmark renovation and preservation, The St. Regis Washington, DC has emerged to reclaim its title as Washington DC's premier venue for meetings and social events. The combination of exquisite, unrivaled spaces and an exceptional staff ensures that meetings and events are executed flawlessly.
Weekend Group Package:
Daily continental breakfast served in Adour restaurant
General session meeting room rental and set-up
Wireless high-speed Internet access in meeting room
Two complimentary staff rooms
Two Suite upgrades at group rate
Signing bonus of 2,500 Starpoints
Valid for new group business only; based on Thursday–Saturday arrivals between January 1 and December 31, 2010 with a minimum of ten paying rooms per night. Daily continental breakfast in Adour is for one person per room. Upgrades are available for main group dates only. Meeting room rental is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Components of offer cannot be used with any other offers. Subject to availability. Other restrictions apply.
The St. Regis Washington, DC offers a total of 11,727 square feet of function space, ensuring successful gatherings from executive roundtable meetings to regal occasions. Along with the stunning Astor Ballroom and Astor Terrace, the hotel provides six additional venues to suit specific needs.
Meeting Day Package:
$100 per person (plus tax and gratuity)
General session meeting room rental and set-up
Continental breakfast
Morning and afternoon breaks
Working lunch
Valid for new group and catering business only. Available seven days a week. Meals are served in the general session meeting room. Other restrictions apply.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program negotiated rate for non-group bookings at the St. Regis Washington DC is $370 for a Superior Room (compared to a corporate rate of $465).* Effective July 1 – September 12, 2010 all The Lawyers' Travel Service arrivals booked at the LTS rate will receive: Double Starwood Preferred Guest points and complimentary High-speed Internet Access.
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
TAJ BOSTON
15 Arlington Street
Boston
The Grand Dame of Boston, renowned for its cherished traditions and classic style, continues to welcome guests from around the world. Located at the comer of the fashionable Arlington and Newbury streets, Taj Boston overlooks the charming Public Garden. Every space is enhanced with elegant furnishings, imported fabrics, luxurious bedding and pampering bath amenities. Guests staying at Taj Boston are just steps from prime tourist attractions, shopping and entertainment centers.
Through September 6, 2010, Taj Boston is offering access to Taj Club for a supplemental rate of $100. Taj Club is located on the 15th floor, and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Public Garden and Boston skyline, making this lounge an exclusive retreat above the city. The relaxing club-like ambiance, elegant flower arrangements, chandeliers and residential furnishings give it a feeling of a Beacon Hill town house. The Club Level guest's special key gives access to this privileged sanctuary with dedicated concierges, five complimentary artistic food presentations and beverages throughout the day, and complimentary wireless Internet connectivity.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Taj Boston is $250 through November 19, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $299).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
HOTEL VITALE
Eight Mission Street
San Francisco
Hotel Vitale is San Francisco's only luxury waterfront hotel located on the revitalized Embarcadero in the Financial District. Its modern design uniquely encompasses luxury touches while featuring soothing natural elements. Book a company holiday party today and receive preferred pricing on unique venues overlooking the San Francisco Bay. There are four terrace suites that accommodate up to 150 and the heated outdoor patio offers stunning vistas of the Bay Bridge.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Hotel Vitale is $239 (compared to a corporate rate of $288).*
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* All rates are subject to availability.
______________________________________________________________
The Lawyers' Travel Service
www.lawyerstravel.com
info@lawyerstravel.com
800.431.1112 |
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