-Plane

Courtesy of The Lawyers' Travel Service
August 18, 2010

In This Issue...

Plane BA STRIKE UPDATE
Plane DEPOSITIONS AHEAD FOR CONTINTENTAL, UNITED CEOS
Plane BUSINESS TRAVEL BOOSTS INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL DEMAND
Plane AMERICAN ADDS THREE AMERICAN EAGLE ROUTES FROM NEW YORK JFK
Plane SECURE FLIGHT PASSENGER DATA DEADLINE APPROACHING

Plane THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
- 51 BUCKINGHAM GATE, TAJ SUITES AND RESIDENCES, London
- FASHION 26 - A WYNDHAM HOTEL, New York City
- INTERCONTINENTAL STEPHEN F AUSTIN, Austin
- PARK HYATT WASHINGTON , Washington, DC
- SHERATON LOS ANGELES DOWNTOWN, Los Angeles
- THE WESTIN ALEXANDRIA, Alexandria

BA STRIKE UPDATE
(source: British Airways)

Negotiations on Aug. 16 averted a strike planned by members of Unite, the largest union representing UK airport staff, at BAA Limited (BAA) owned and operated airports. Officials said the two groups negotiated a new pay deal and the union will recommend members approve it in an upcoming vote. More than 6,000 airport staff members had threatened to walk off the job at an unspecified date on or after Aug. 23 at the six BAA airports: Aberdeen Airport (ABZ), Edinburgh Airport (EDI), Glasgow International Airport (GLA), London Heathrow Airport (LHR), London Stansted Airport (STN), and Southampton Airport (SOU).

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DEPOSITIONS AHEAD FOR CONTINTENTAL, UNITED CEOS ENTRY

(source: chron Business)

Continental Airlines CEO Jeff Smisek will be deposed Friday as part of a lawsuit filed to block the airline's merger with United Airlines.

In June, a suit was filed in U.S. District Court in California to stop the merger of Houston-based Continental and Chicago-based United Airlines, alleging it would reduce competition and increase airfares. Many of the plaintiffs own small businesses across the U.S. and fear their travel costs will increase after the merger.

The proposed merger would create the world's largest airline, called United and based in Chicago, and is expected to close later this year. Shareholders of the two companies are scheduled to vote on the merger Sept. 17.

"We believe this suit has no merit, and we will vigorously defend what we strongly believe to be a transaction that is in the best interests of Continental, its shareholders and the flying public," Continental spokeswoman Christen David said.

Smisek will be deposed in Houston. United CEO Glenn Tilton will give a deposition in the case Aug. 27 in Chicago.

Three Continental investors also filed a class action lawsuit to stop the merger, and earlier this month the airline reached a settlement with those plaintiffs. As part of the settlement, the airlines agreed to disclose details concerning the merger talks as requested by the shareholders.

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BUSINESS TRAVEL BOOSTS INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL DEMAND

(source: MSNBC.com)

Strong business travel boosted international air travel in June, an airline trade group said on Monday.

The number of international air travelers flying coach rose 9.5 percent in June, and the number in "premium" seats rose 16.6 percent, the International Air Transport Association said.

The group said business travelers have been buying both classes of seats.
It said weak consumer confidence suggests that leisure travel will remain soft. Economy travel is now growing at about the same pace as it was before the recession. "There is little sign of a widespread revival in leisure travel," IATA said.

The group estimated that revenue on premium seats rose 40 percent in June compared to June 2009. But premium revenue is still running 20 percent below its pre-recession peak, the group said.

Premium traffic within Europe rose 24.2 percent in June, and 6.6 percent across the North Atlantic. It was up 28.4 percent within the Far East. Premium traffic fell 10.9 percent within North America.

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AMERICAN ADDS THREE AMERICAN EAGLE ROUTES FROM NEW YORK JFK

(source: USA Today)

American Airlines will add service from its New York JFK hub to three new destinations. The flights -- to Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Norfolk -- will be operated by subsidiary American Eagle on 50-seat Embraer 145 regional jets. American Eagle will fly one daily round-trip flight on each route.

"American is delighted to introduce this new service from New York to three key business markets," Art Torno, AA's Vice President – New York, says in a press release. "Whether for business or pleasure, customers from Norfolk, Cincinnati and Indianapolis will enjoy increased access to New York City on American Eagle, as well as connections to the 28 international destinations American flies to from JFK, including the Caribbean, South America, Europe and Japan."

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SECURE FLIGHT PASSENGER DATA DEADLINE APPROACHING

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced 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.

Effective September 15, 2010, select airlines will prohibit ticket issuance if the passenger's full name, date of birth and gender are not present in the reservation.

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
51 BUCKINGHAM GATE, TAJ SUITES AND RESIDENCES
51 Buckingham Gate
London

another hotel
51 Buckingham Gate,Taj Suites and Residences is a unique five star townhouse hotel located in the heart of Westminster, offering privacy with ultimate luxury in its wonderfully spacious suites combining the best of contemporary design and comfort for a short or extended stay.

Stunning and spacious suites, an award-winning private courtyard, attentive butlers, an indulgent spa, and the Michelin starred Quilon, where head chef Sriram Aylur serves light but authentic South Indian coastal cuisine; makes 51 an ideal haven away from home.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at 51 Buckingham Gate, Taj Suite and Residences is £260 (compared to a corporate rate of £285).*

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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
FASHION 26 – A WYNDHAM HOTEL
152 West 26th Street
New York City

another hotel
Fashion 26 – A Wyndham Hotel, opening in New York's Garment District in Spring 2010, is NYC's first hotel dedicated solely to fashion, and the first full-service Wyndham in New York City. Located where Chelsea meets the Garment District, the hotel offers a quiet alternative to the hustle and bustle of Times Square and midtown. The shimmering-glass and brick tower set back from 26th Street entices travelers with 280 harmoniously crafted guest rooms designed to create a relaxed and uncluttered sense of place through décor and texture. In-room furnishings are custom-designed and amenities include radio frequency room keys, iHome® Clock-Radio Docking Stations, complimentary Wi-Fi, fine chocolates, Gilchrist & Soames bath products and Crumbs® cupcakes upon check-in. Fashion 26 – A Wyndham Hotel's contribution to New York's restaurant scene is Rare, a new restaurant paying tribute to the great American hamburger, and Rare View, a rooftop bar and lounge that will offer among the city's best views of the Empire State Building and the Manhattan cityscape.

With its heart-of-the-city location, Fashion 26 – A Wyndham Hotel is an inviting spot for meetings and events, offering intimate space for up to 14 and a conference room for up to 80 attendees. All meeting and event space is equipped with contemporary communication and presentation technologies, with food and beverage selections provided by Rare Bar and Grill. With 24-hour room service and full concierge services, Fashion 26 – A Wyndham Hotel offers the services of a boutique hotel at Wyndham affordability.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Fashion 26 – A Wyndham Hotel is $209 through September 7, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $266).*

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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
INTERCONTINENTAL STEPHEN F AUSTIN
701 Congress Avenue
Austin

another hotel
The InterContinental Stephen F Austin Hotel is an historic Austin icon located in the heart of one of America's most culturally vibrant cities. Within the hotel, guests will find world class dining, complimentary health facilities, and 6000 sq ft of banquet/meeting space. A preferred downtown Austin hotel among the local business community, the InterContinental Stephen F Austin Hotel is only three blocks from the State Capitol Building, one block from the Austin entertainment district, and only one block to most downtown law firms! The Concierge will also guide guests to the best hidden gems in restaurants, shopping, theatre, sporting, and cultural events in this exciting city.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the InterContinental Stephen F Austin is $159 through August 31, 2010 (compared to a corporate rate of $185).*

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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
PARK HYATT WASHINGTON
1201 24th Street; NW
Washington DC

another hotel
Park Hyatt Washington combines dynamic modernism with classic American style. Ideally situated in the fashionable West End Georgetown neighborhood, steps from historic sites and a short ride to the U.S. Capitol, the hotel is a preferred choice among world travelers and the city's elite.

The hotel's 216 guest rooms and suites include walnut flooring, contemporary lighting, plush sitting area with a designated workspace, comfortable swivel chairs and a large flat-screen television. The signature Premier Park Deluxe rooms, the largest in the city at 618 sq. ft, feature a lavish, spa-inspired limestone bathroom with a soothing rain shower and deep soaking bathtub. After a day of traveling or meetings, relax and unwind in the hotel's new, intimate Spa Room offering a full range of massage, facial, waxing and manicure services. The Spa Room is located in the hotel's adjacent guest house.

An award-winning restaurant, the Blue Duck Tavern, invites guests to gather and celebrate in good taste by offering menu selections focusing on the freshest ingredients available from regional purveyors. The restaurant is open daily for a power breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. The hotel's Lounge offers guests an oasis in the nation's capital with comfortable seating and "Capitol Hill" glass-enclosed booths. A light fare menu, tempting cocktails and an extensive wine list complement a nightly cheese presentation showcasing artisanal cheeses by the ounce. Unique to the hotel is an intimate Tea Cellar, featuring more than 50 rare and limited production single-estate teas.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Park Hyatt Washington is $275 (compared to a corporate rate of $389).*

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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
SHERATON LOS ANGELES DOWNTOWN
711 S Hope Street
Los Angeles

another hotel
A warm southern California welcome awaits guests at the Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown. The hotel is an east walk from the LA Convention Center, L.A. Live and Staples Center. The recently completed renovations bring a vibrant Uptown feel to the Downtown area. All 485 rooms and suites now feature rich burgundy highlights and retro 1940's furniture in dark woods and glass, pleasing to the most sophisticated of eyes.

The Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown is the depot between business and fun that guests have been looking for.

Feel the warmth, comfort and connection of the Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown hotel.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown is $139 (compared to a corporate rate of $169).*

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THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE WESTIN ALEXANDRIA
400 Courthouse Square
Alexandria

another hotel
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 $319).*

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* All rates are subject to availability.
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The Lawyers' Travel Service
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info@lawyerstravel.com
800.431.1112