HERTZ TESTING PHOTO EQUIPMENT TO BETTER DETECT DAMAGE Hertz is testing a photography system that takes before and after pictures of rental cars. The company's goal is to more accurately and quickly detect damage caused by customers. Hertz CEO Mark Frissora told Bloomberg News that the company loses about $170 million in damage payments a year. Currently, Hertz employees inspect the vehicle and mark any damage on a form. With the photo process, "there will be no discussion because the document would clearly show any incremental damage," Frissora told Bloomberg News. "This keeps customers from being placed in a confrontational position and saves time." Hertz customers would sign a waiver acknowledging the process and be billed for any damage, Frissora said. PIE IN THE SKY? UPGRADING FOOD IN COACH Now airlines are revamping their offerings—and inventory control—in a bid to turn coach food into a money-maker, to better compete with upgraded airport food outlets and even enhance their own brand. Gone are boxes with beef jerky and soggy turkey sandwiches. In their place, fresh foods, lighter fare, brand-name products and even the kind of fancy food you get in first class. You might even call it "haute cuisine" since it's served six miles above sea level. Food sales will likely never generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for airlines as baggage fees do, but meals can be a way for an airline to stand out over competitors. Continental Airlines is the only major U.S. carrier still serving free food in coach at mealtime on domestic flights, and its executives believe that has enhanced Continental's reputation among travelers. Other airlines are trying to stand out with appetizing buy-on-board menus. Delta Air Lines has been rolling out new coach food products designed by celebrity chef Todd English, including grilled chicken gyros, and almond-butter-and-grape-jelly sandwiches. Some popular indulgences like $2 cups of Ben & Jerry's ice cream have been added to some flights. One of the best-selling items, Delta says, is a $6 fruit-and-cheese plate with smoked Gouda, Havarti and Derby cheeses paired with grapes, pecan halves and dried apricots. American Airlines thinks serving brand names is a better approach, rather than touting celebrity chefs who may not be well-known in some parts of the country. American now sells Boston Market sandwiches and salads, figuring the well-known restaurant chain will give passengers better assurance of the quality of the food over unnamed airline fare. GLOBAL ENTRY TRUSTED TRAVELER PROGRAM OVERVIEW Customs and Border Protection's new Global Entry Trusted Traveler program is your express pass to process through the United States' international arrival areas. Automated kiosks are designed to process pre-approved, low-risk international travelers who qualify. Global Entry is a traveler's ticket to get out of line. U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents of the U.S. and citizens of other certain countries are eligible. The pilot allows frequent international travelers who have passed a background check the use of an automated kiosk to clear passport control, and provides an expedited exit lane out of the CBP processing area. Participation in the Global Entry pilot program is voluntary and requires a $100 non-refundable application fee which is valid up to 5 years. The minimum age for participation is 14. Applicants must pass a multi-layered security threat assessment and appear for an in-person interview at one of the participating airports. All participants must be in possession of a machine readable passport (or Permanent Resident Card, if applicable). No separate membership card will be issued. Global Entry was developed and launched based on CBP's already popular and existing trusted traveler programs: Secure Electronic Network Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI), NEXUS, and Free and Secure Trade (FAST). Global Entry is currently available at: • John F. Kennedy International Airport • George Bush Intercontinental Airport • Washington Dulles International Airport • Miami International Airport • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport • Los Angeles International Airport • Chicago O'Hare International Airport • Newark Liberty International Airport • Honolulu International Airport • San Francisco International Airport • Orlando International Airport • Dallas/Ft Worth International Airport • Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport • Boston - Logan International Airport • Las Vegas - McCarran International Airport • Orlando-Sanford International Airport • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport • Philadelphia International Airport • San Juan Luis Muños Marín International Airport • Ft. Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport For more information: Global Entry Program Pamphlet http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/newsroom/publications/travel/global_entry_pamphlet.ctt/global_entry_pamphlet.pdf Global Entry Program Information Guide http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/newsroom/publications/travel/global_brochure.ctt/global_brochure.pdf Or visit www.globalentry.gov. AMERICAN OFFERS DOUBLE ELITE-QUALIFYING MILES American Airlines frequent flyers will be able to enjoy two special promotions geared toward putting them on a priority path to AAdvantage Gold®, AAdvantage Platinum® or AAdvantage Executive Platinum® status, along with the opportunity to select from a list of great extra rewards in recognition of their loyalty.
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
Jumeirah Essex House first opened its gilded doors in 1931. This Manhattan landmark has recently completed a $90 million refurbishment program that pays homage to its classic Art Deco heritage. Jumeirah Essex House is nestled between the beauty of Central Park and the buzz of Broadway. Enjoy their stylish setting, surrounded in elegance that has lured dignitaries, celebrities and world leaders to this exclusive hotel for years. Welcome to Jumeirah Essex House. Relax and stay a while. The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Jumeirah Essex House is $441 (compared to a corporate rate of $519).*
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Overlooking Independence National Historic Park and surrounded by Philadelphia's Society Hill, stands the four-diamond Omni Hotel at Independence Park. This is European-style luxury hotel in downtown Philadelphia offers elegance and style at its best - at its best – all within walking distance of the Liberty Bell, U.S. Mint, Independence Hall and the Benjamin Franklin House. Situated just 10 minutes from the Philadelphia International Airport, the Omni Hotel at Independence Park offers the ideal Philadelphia hotel location.
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM With a blend of classic elegance and modern sophistication, the renowned Omni William Penn Hotel has served as Pittsburgh's premier hotel since 1916. Guests from around the world have been captivated by the striking beauty and charming presence of this Historic Hotel. Guests will enjoy the spacious, stately rooms with High Speed Wireless Internet access. Located in the heart of downtown, it has easy access to all major office buildings and to both courthouses: just two blocks to either the County or Federal courthouse. Full service dining options, 24-hour room service & fitness center access. Suites are also available. The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Omni William Penn is $174 (compared to a corporate rate of $329).*
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Sofitel Washington DC represents one of the most exclusive locations in the nation's capital. Discover this contemporary downtown Washington DC hotel, situated at the corner of Lafayette Square, bordering the White House. The downtown DC hotel accommodations occupy an updated historic landmark, first erected in 1880. Celebrate Sofitel's "art de vivre" within this luxury hotel in downtown Washington DC - marked by distinctive style, superb cuisine and incomparable service. The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Sofitel Washington DC is $375 (compared to a corporate rate of $400).*
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At the most artful address, The St. Regis San Francisco is located in the vibrant SoMA district affording guests magnificent views of the San Francisco cityscape. A modern day interpretation of the St. Regis legacy, the hotel is a prestigious landmark of architectural bravura, seamlessly incorporating the historic Williams Building and a contemporary 40-story tower. Redefining the splendor of the gilded age, the hotel features the award-winning Ame restaurant, the 9,000-square foot Remède Spa, Pratesi linens and a heated full-lap pool. The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the St. Regis San Francisco is $355 (compared to a corporate rate of $512).* *All rates are subject to availability.
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