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Courtesy of The Lawyers' Travel Service
July 16, 2008
In This Issue...
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NO MOVIES FOR DOMESTIC US AIRWAYS FLIGHTS |
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AMERICAN SPENDS $20,000 A MINUTE ON JET FUEL |
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HERTZ LAUNCHES 10-MINUTE CHECK-IN GUARANTEE |
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OVATION CLUB E-NEWSLETTER WEEKLY SURVEY |
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM |
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- MANDARIN ORIENTAL, Washington, DC |
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- HYATT REGENCY, San Francisco |
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- INTERCONTINENTAL LOS ANGELES CENTURY CITY, Los Angeles |
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- PLAZA ON THE RIVER, London |
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- SHILLA, Seoul |
NO MOVIES FOR DOMESTIC US AIRWAYS FLIGHTS
(source: The Associated Press)
Better bring a book on flights.
US Airways says it will start removing in-flight entertainment systems on domestic flights in November to save about $10 million annually in fuel and other costs.
Spokesman Phil Gee says the movie systems weigh about 500 pounds each, forcing planes to use more fuel to get around the country. Jet fuel costs have skyrocketed in recent years, slashing profits and leading to thousands of layoffs and flight cuts throughout the industry.
Gee says US Airways will cut the movie systems from about 200 aircraft. But it will keep movies in its wide-body aircraft for international flights and trips to Hawaii.
US Airways says it will test a lighter, seat-back TV system later this year. However, Gee says a new entertainment system is a long way off.
AMERICAN SPENDS $20,000 A MINUTE ON JET FUEL
(source: USA Today)
Ever wonder how much it costs to fill the fuel tank on a Boeing 767 jet? Looking at American Airlines fuel costs at the recent market price of roughly $3.85 a gallon, it costs about $77,000 to top off a Boeing 767. It takes about 9,000 gallons of jet fuel for a 767 to make a cross-country flight. According to CNBC, "That means American Airlines pays about $34,000 in fuel costs alone for that flight, up $15,000 in just the past year. The airline takes in about $54,000 in total revenue for the average flight from JFK to LAX. That leaves the company about $20,000 to pay for everything else, let alone make a profit.”
Not surprisingly, American -– like all U.S. carriers –- is looking to cut fuel costs however it can. "We spend 5% of our total fuel expense on the ground," Scott Turner, an AA pilot and the company's manager of flight operations efficiency, says to CNBC. "That's $500 million a year just spent taxiing these airplanes around."
As for weight, CNBC says AA saves 14,000 gallons of fuel a year for each pound it lightens a plane's weight by. That statistic is largely behind the airline's decision to remove magazines, and is leading the airline to replace its 19,000 food carts with new ones that are 17 pounds lighter, according to CNBC. The estimated savings from that: $7.3 million a year at current fuel prices, CNBC says.
HERTZ LAUNCHES 10-MINUTE CHECK-IN GUARANTEE
(source: Travel Weekly)
Hertz is guaranteeing that customers drive off in their rental car in 10 minutes or less, if they use self-service check-in. The guarantee applies to customers who start the check-in process at Hertz.com and use self-service kiosks or express counters at Hertz's 50 largest airport locations.
If customers are not on their way in less than 10 minutes, Hertz will give them a $50 credit toward a current or future Hertz rental.
Of the 50 Hertz airport locations participating in the 10-minute guarantee program, 28 are equipped with self-service kiosks and 22 locations are equipped with express counters.
Hertz's #1 Club Gold members will continue to bypass the rental counter and kiosks and proceed directly to their vehicles because their check-in process is completed in advance.
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 recent changes to many of the airlines' frequent flyer policies (such as Delta recently implementing a $25-50 fuel surcharge even on award tickets) has your attitude towards frequent flyer programs changed in recent months?
- I'm done! I no longer think it's worth it to stick with a loyalty program. I'm totally over it.
- Where's the loyalty? Frequent flyer downgrades are frustrating and disappointing. What's the point of sticking with a program when the rewards are lackluster?
- Go with the flow. I don't think the recent changes are that big of a deal. The airlines have to do what they can to offset rising fuel costs.
- Small price to pay. I've been true to my program for a long, long time and I still feel my points are valuable and worth earning and redeeming.
- Gimme more! I'm excited about the rewards that are currently being offered and totally enthusiastic to continue participating in my frequent flyer program(s).
To cast your vote go to: https://ovationtravel.com/enewssurvey/
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
MANDARIN ORIENTAL
1330 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC
 Where Oriental elegance blends with the best of Washington, DC.
Mandarin Oriental, Washington, DC has been ranked number one in Institutional Investor magazine’s “Top 100 Hotels of the World” survey.
Quite simply, the hotel offers guests a new level of luxury at the heart of the US capital, streets away from the nation’s most revered monuments and within easy reach of Capitol Hill.
Their elegant rooms and suites offer wonderful views. Their restaurant, CityZen, is under the guidance of Eric Ziebold, one of America’s ‘best new chefs’. Their spa facilities have earned one of the highest accolades in the region.
And naturally they know how to support their business guests, with expansive state-of-the-art conference facilities and an efficient Business Center.
Business or leisure, all discerning individuals living a pressured life will be interested in Tai Pan, the hotel’s members-only lifestyle club, with exclusive access to luxurious facilities and dedicated concierge services.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Mandarin Oriental, Washington, DC is $275 through September 6, 2008 (compared to a corporate rate of $405).
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 PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
INTERCONTINENTAL LOS ANGELES CENTURY CITY
2151 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles
 HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR ON THE AVENUE OF THE STARS
The InterContinental Los Angeles Century City is a taste of true Hollywood style. Their convenient Westside address is within walking distance of 20th Century Fox Studios, MGM Tower, Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive and upscale shopping at Westfield Century City. A quick drive will take one to the Getty Center, Los Angeles city centre, UCLA or the beach.
Elegantly decorated and spacious suite ranges from 750 to 3,300 sq. ft. French doors separate the living, dining and bedroom areas. Plush bathroom amenities include double sinks, oversized soak tub, rain shower head and jets, flat screen television.
The Park Grill Restaurant serves French-influenced California cuisine. Park Grill Lounge offers light fare and cocktails aptly named after neighboring Fox Studios stars.
Spa InterContinental is an urban oasis of Zen-inspired villas and treatments. Their Road Rage Massage comes with a Rush Hour Martini to help one unwind.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City is $290 (compared to a corporate rate of $389).
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
PLAZA ON THE RIVER
18 Albert Embankment
London
 Exclusive London Living at Plaza on the River
Plaza on the River is London's most exclusive all-suite luxury residence hotel. It is perfectly located on the south bank of the River Thames within sight of many of London's most famous landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye observation wheel.
Strategically positioned, Plaza on the River is located on the banks of the River Thames opposite the Tate Britain art gallery, close to London's Waterloo International rail and underground station and just a short walk from Westminster and Vauxhall underground stations. Many of London's well-known attractions such as London Aquarium, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and the Imperial War Museum are located within easy access of the hotel.
Relax and entertain in the fresh, contemporary atmosphere of London's most prestigious all-suite residence, delivering superior hotel service alongside stunning London views and exclusive living.
From one night to one year, Plaza on the River offers all the comforts of home and more.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Plaza on the River is £205 (compared to a corporate rate of £245).
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
SHILLA
202 Jangchung-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu
Seoul
 Contemporary comfort subtly mixed in a warm and original setting; The Shilla is a landmark property and a lifestyle destination. Offering guests a unique combination of authentic hospitality and modern semblance with world-class facilities, The Shilla is the accommodation of choice for dignitaries, celebrities and global CEOs visiting South Korea’s capital city. Unlike many other hotels, The Shilla is ideally situated between Southern and Northern Seoul, giving visitors an advantage of easy access to the city's main banking, financial and fashion district. The meticulously appointed 465 guest rooms including 34 suites feature the largest sized rooms in the city with the highest standards of quality down to the smallest detail. Executive Floors are designed to cater to the specific needs of the experienced business traveler, and the Presidential Suites feature a sumptuous yet contemporary style -- hailed by Elite Traveler magazine as “exquisite but understated”.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Shilla Seoul is KRW 240;000 for a Deluxe Room including complimentary Internet (compared to a corporate rate of KRW 250;000).
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The Lawyers' Travel Service
www.lawyerstravel.com
info@lawyerstravel.com
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