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AIRLINE AGENTS GO MOBILE WITH HANDHELD DEVICES
(source: USA TODAY)
The largest U.S. carriers, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, plan to expand their mobile workforce equipped with handheld devices that agents use to check flights and issue bag tags and boarding passes. They'll soon be able to sell passengers items or get them to pay for oversized bags that shouldn't have cleared security.
The practice is already entrenched at some airports in Asia, says Gregory Ouillon of aviation technology firm SITA. But it's catching on in the U.S. as counters and kiosks have gotten more crowded.
Airlines say the mobile devices help boost service and cut down on long lines. They also put a human face on service after the industry worked for years to automate check-in and cut labor costs.
"(Airlines) are asking, 'Shouldn't I introduce a human touch point to ancillary services?' " he says. "A number of airlines are looking at not just queue-busting, but maximizing opportunities for up-sale."
American agents with mobile devices were introduced last year in Boston and have been expanded to Dallas/Fort Worth, Albuquerque, Chicago O'Hare, New York JFK, New York LaGuardia, Miami, St. Louis and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The plan is to eventually assign them at every gate, says spokeswoman Stacey Frantz.
Last month, the devices were upgraded to print boarding passes, beyond just providing flight and gate information, displaying maps of other airports and printing bag tags. The machines will evolve to allow customers "to make upgrade purchases and other bundled offerings," Frantz says.
Delta introduced agents with mobile devices last year, too, and has since increased the number of devices to 900 units used at all domestic airports.
The devices can print boarding passes, assign seats and check in passengers that have just carry-ons. They can give flight status, add customers to standby and print ground-transportation information and meal vouchers. Agents also use them to board flights at gates, says Tricia Soulimiotis of Delta.
This year, Delta plans to add more functions: checking in passengers with bags to check, rebooking flights, swiping passports for international passengers, and handling credit card transactions for purchases and payments. Passengers who've cleared security but whose bags should have been checked will be asked to pay bag-check fees.
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WANT TO AVOID AIRPORT CHECK-IN LINES? CONSIDER UPS ‘LUGGAGE BOXES’
(source: NY Daily News)
UPS, the world's largest package delivery service now allows passengers to ship "luggage boxes," which are a bit like disposable suitcases, to their final destination.
Designed to take the "lug out of luggage," the boxes are made of recycled material and have handles, but, alas, no wheels.
"It's meant to be a convenience," UPS spokeswoman Susan Rosenberg told the Los Angeles Times. Among the "conveniences" touted by the company:
1) The cost: Rosenberg said the service can cost $30 to $80 less per package than an airline would charge, depending on where you're going and how much the package weighs.
2) The convenience: UPS sees a unique advantage for consumers when they're shipping odd-shaped and oversized items like golf clubs or skis. Travelers may prefer the ease of big packages waiting at their destination when they arrive rather than having to schlep the items around.
3) The accountability: The UPS luggage box allows travelers to track their luggage in real time via cell-phone apps and receive e-mail shipment notifications.
But on the con side: Airlines can ship luggage faster than UPS, and you may not save money with the "luggage boxes" (consider that most airlines charge about $25 to check the first piece of baggage). Plus, many airlines still let passengers take a finite amount of baggage onboard for free.
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AMERICAN EAGLE AIRLINES LAUNCHES NONSTOP JET SERVICE BETWEEN NEW YORK LAGUARDIA AND ATLANTA
(source: TravelDailyNews.com)
American Eagle Airlines, the regional affiliate of American Airlines, launched five daily nonstop flights between New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport (ATL). Eagle is flying the route with CRJ-700 jet aircraft, featuring Eagle's new First Class service.
American Eagle worked closely with engineers at the plane's manufacturer, Bombardier, to design new custom leather seating for the premium cabin. The new seat will include four-way adjustable headrests, ergonomically-contoured back and seat cushions, together with a unique articulated seat bottom, which will allow customers to recline with less impact on the legroom of passengers seated behind them.
The CRJ-700 now offers either 54 or 56 seats in the main cabin and nine seats in First Class.
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SECURE FLIGHT PASSENGER DATA DEADLINE APPROACHING
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced this month that after November 1, 2010, air passenger reservations without full Secure Flight Passenger Data (SFPD) will be rejected by Secure Flight and will not be processed. This policy will apply to all passenger records regardless of source, aircraft operator, or air carrier.
To facilitate the collection of the SFPD, The Lawyers' Travel Service has created a secure, encrypted web form which travelers can use to input this information. When the information is submitted, the traveler profile will be updated.
If you have not already done so, please click on the URL directly below to complete the collection process: https://secureflight.lawyerstravel.com
reservations.
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE CARLTON
8 Madison Avenue
New York City
NEW YORK YESTERDAY. AND TODAY.
The Carlton is a historic, luxury Midtown New York City hotel perfectly positioned for both business and pleasure, with an all-new on-site fitness center and the Empire State Building and Madison Square Garden, Chelsea, the Fashion District and even Union Square walking distance away.
Enjoy an exclusive concierge service. The Carlton is an ambassador to adventure, a liaison to leisure, and a connection to all things cultural, culinary and corporate, with an ability to address and anticipate requests resulting in a visit beyond expectations.
It's a perfect complement to their recently completed David Rockwell renovation that infuses the hotel with an ultra-modern spirit while preserving the design-forward elements of the historical aesthetic. One will marvel at the vaulted ceilings, marbled floors, floor-to-ceiling suede paneled walls, soothing waterfall, and rich mahogany in the new lobby.
Rockwell's influence continues in the 317 city-, interior- and courtyard view guest rooms, among the largest in a luxury Manhattan hotel. Comforts include pillow top mattresses and down feather comforters, executive work desks with complimentary wireless Internet, iPod docking stations, 42" flat screen LCD TVs, and marble bathrooms with lighted make-up mirrors and Molton Brown bath amenities.
An array of food & drink options await, from the antique bar perfect for people watching, to the wine bar with its shareable cuisine, to the boisterous seafood brasserie and artisan cocktail bar on the mezzanine level overlooking the lobby.
The Carlton is also a member of the Preferred Hotels® & Resorts, a brand of Preferred Hotel Group™.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at The Carlton is $229 through September 6, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $255).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
FAIRMONT BATTERY WHARF
Three Battery Park
Boston
Exhale Spa coming in early 2011
Fairmont Battery Wharf, a stunning waterfront sanctuary in the heart of the city. Set in a private enclave along the harbor front, the hotel boasts the ultimate in amenities: 150 luxurious guest rooms and suites; sensational dining options, including Sensing's contemporary French cuisine. Here, local seasonal ingredients are matched with natural spices from around the world for a culinary journey for the mind body and soul. Fairmont Gold, their exclusive lifestyle hotel experience. Complementing the guest experience, Exhale offers a center of wellbeing through a personal mind-body approach.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Fairmont Battery Wharf is $210 through September 6, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $339).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
HYATT REGENCY DENVER
650 15th Street
Denver
Situated in the Heart of Downtown Denver, Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center offers spectacular views of the Rocky Mountain range and the city's dramatic skyline. Just two blocks from shopping at the 16th Street Mall, this contemporary luxury hotel is close to some of the most historic, cultural, and entertainment venues, including the Denver Center for Performing Arts, Pepsi Center, Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium and the distinguished State Capitol Building.
Offering 1,100 guestrooms with panoramic views, high speed Internet access, flat screen television, iHome alarm clock, and Hyatt Grand Beds. Complimentary state of the art, 6,700 square foot health club, equipped with cardio theatre, indoor lap pool, outdoor hot tub, sauna, sun deck and spa treatment rooms. Come experience the height of comfort food in Altitude, an upscale three-meal restaurant, featuring local favorites and regional fare with a unique twist. Enjoy Strata bar, a stylish, open cocktail area bordered by a four-story glass wall with views of the Denver Skyline. Peaks Lounge, located on the 27th floor, features spectacular views, innovative cocktails, light fare and delectable desserts. Finally Perks Coffee & More offers specialty coffee drinks, pastries, and salads, open 24 hours.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Hyatt Regency Denver is $179 (compared to a corporate rate of $246).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
OMNI CHARLOTTE
132 E. Trade Street
Charlotte
North Carolina's Prime Location for Luxury
The Omni Charlotte Hotel envelopes travelers in comfort with a touch of genuine North Carolina hospitality. This four-diamond luxury hotel shines in the heart of Charlotte's financial district and is 2.5 blocks from the Charlotte Convention Center and many of the city's cultural and entertainment highlights.
Enjoy their spacious, graciously appointed guest room accommodations. The Omni Charlotte Hotel lobby is located just a short escalator ride away from the Overstreet Mall (open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday), which features more than 30 unique stores, boutiques and restaurants. Just 15 minutes from Charlotte/Douglas International Airport.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Omni Charlotte is $159 (compared to a corporate rate of $189).*
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
ST. REGIS SAN FRANCISCO
125 Third Street
San Francisco
The St. Regis San Francisco, neighboring the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art represents the crowning jewel of San Francisco's Yerba Buena Gardens neighborhood. The hotel is steps from Yerba Buena Gardens, Moscone Center, Sony Metreon and Union Square. An array of the city's finest restaurants, shopping destinations, cultural attractions and the financial district are just moments away.
The 260-room St. Regis San Francisco includes 214 guestrooms, averaging 450 square feet, and 46 suites ranging in size from 700 to more than 3,200 square feet. Hotel guests have access to St. Regis' personalized services and amenities, including 24-hour concierge and room service, nightly turndown service, and the legendary St. Regis Butler service. A full-service business center is also available for guests.
The St. Regis is proud to showcase Ame, a 95-seat signature fine dining restaurant operated by Hiro Sone and Lissa Doumani. Vitrine, a separate 74-seat restaurant located on the fourth floor of the hotel, is open for breakfast and lunch.
Guests also enjoy the hotel's signature Remède Spa featuring nine treatment rooms. A 3,700-square-foot private fitness center, includes a 50-foot heated indoor lap pool and state-of-the-art fitness equipment with built-in LCD panels. iPods provide guests with a selection of workout music.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the St. Regis San Francisco is $285 (compared to a corporate rate of $350).* Through the month of July 2010, travelers who book The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate will receive a 20% off Remède certificate upon check-in. Remède certificate must be presented at spa reception to receive this special offer.
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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE WESTIN ALEXANDRIA
400 Courthouse Square
Alexandria
The Westin Alexandria is calming, soothing, and nurturing for all senses. Enjoy easy access from the King Street metro by taking a leisurely three block walk through the up and coming Carlyle district of Alexandria or utilize their complimentary Westin shuttle service. Experience historic Old Town by strolling to the many bars, restaurants, or waterfront views. Energize in fitness with their 24 hour Westin Workout facility that includes cardio and weight machines, indoor pool/whirlpool, and locker rooms. Refresh in the Westin Heavenly Bath, and enjoy a perfect night's sleep on the nationally awarded Westin Heavenly Bed. Unwind with spirits with their trendy Trademark Bar that offers wine flights, drink specials, and bartenders that are known locally for their creativity. Please the appetite in their Jamieson Grille by enjoying famous iced tea presentations, dessert shots, and fresh local organic cuisine. Be pampered by their first class staff. Be surprised. Be inspired. Be Westin.
The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at The Westin Alexandria is $239 (compared to a corporate rate of $259).*
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* All rates are subject to availability.
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