MARCH 23, 2022

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that more than 2.36 million travelers went through US airports on Sunday, March 20, the highest number of travelers since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, reports, Travel Pulse. That number is 93 percent of capacity on the same day in 2019, when over 2.54 million individuals went through US airports. Sunday’s total of 2,366,751 travelers is far higher than same day total during 2021, when 1,543,136 people flew. Additionally, Sunday was the 12th time in the last 18 days the TSA has screened more than 2 million individuals and the fourth consecutive day of at least 2 million or more daily travelers screened. The increase in air travel may be indicative of what airline executives have stated will be a robust summer travel season.

Canada’s public health agency has announced that fully vaccinated travelers will be able to travel to the country without presenting a negative COVID-19 test result, reports The Washington Post. The eased restrictions go into effect April 1, and apply to travelers arriving by air, land, or marine borders. Until that time, all travelers 5 years and older are required to take either a rapid antigen test taken the day before their arrival or get tested with a molecular test within 72 hours of their arrival. Travelers who are not fully vaccinated are required to follow those testing protocols after April 1, and may have to undergo a 14-day quarantine and additional testing. Canadian Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos cited high vaccination rates, decreasing coronavirus cases, and a strict vaccination requirement for travel as contributing factors that “set the stage” for the eased policy.

Air New Zealand has announced plans to begin the first non-stop service between New York and New Zealand, reports Travel Weekly. The flight will launch September 17, a few months after New Zealand's planned May 2 reopening to US travelers, and will operate three times per week between Auckland International Airport (AKL) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The launch of JFK service would come nearly two years after Air New Zealand had originally planned to begin flying to the New York area, due to interruption by the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, Air New Zealand offered non-stop flights between Auckland and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu (HNL), George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston (IAH), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), O'Hare International Airport in Chicago (ORD), and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran stated the New York service would be known as the airline’s “flagship route”; the 17-hour southbound flight would be the fourth-longest in the world, according to the airline.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced it will roll out new scanners at airport checkpoints that are capable of detecting prohibited items and speeding up the screening process, reports Travel + Leisure. The new Computed Tomography (CT) x-ray systems are able to create 3D images of carry-on items, allowing officers to more easily detect banned items. The system features fully-automated screening lanes and automated bin return that allows for larger traveler bandwidth. TSA Administrator David Pekoske stated the systems will “provide our dedicated frontline officers with one of the best tools available to screen traveler carry-on items and also improves the traveler experience by allowing travelers to keep more items in their carry-on bags during the screening process." The TSA expects to begin roll-out of the new technology over the summer.

The Boeing 737-800 NG model that crashed in China on Monday is considered one of the safest aircraft ever made, reports Bloomberg. The 6-year-old single-aisle jet is part of the NG, or Next Generation, era that preceded the 737 MAX 8, which was subjected to a global grounding after two crashes in 2018 and 2019. The NG has one of the best safety records among all aircraft, with just 11 fatal accidents out of more than 7,000 planes delivered since 1997, according to aviation consultancy Cirium. “The 737 NG has been in operation for 25 years and has an excellent safety record,” said Paul Hayes, director of air safety and insurance at Cirium. According to Airsafe.com, which tracks aviation safety, NG models had just 0.07 fatal crashes per million flights as of 2019. That puts it among a rare group that includes the Boeing 747-400 and the Airbus SE A320 family.
OMNI BOSTON HOTEL AT THE SEAPORT
450 SUMMER STREET
BOSTON
Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport is a AAA Four Diamond luxury hotel located in the center of the bustling Seaport District, steps away from downtown Boston and Boston Harbor and less than three miles from Boston’s Logan Airport. This hotel boasts 1,054 finely appointed guestrooms, including 52 suites, seven stellar dining experiences, a scenic rooftop pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, and chic, full-service luxury spa, Breve.

During the month of March, Lawyers Travel clients can enjoy a complimentary room upgrade when booking the negotiated rate which always includes waived destination fees, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and access to the fitness center with Peloton bikes.
RITTENHOUSE HOTEL
210 WEST RITTENHOUSE SQUARE
PHILADELPHIA
Travelers can experience the invigorating charm and rich history of Rittenhouse Square, one of Philadelphia’s most beloved destinations. The Rittenhouse Hotel is a standout among luxury hotels in Philadelphia’s Center City, offering visitors a Forbes Four-Star experience with well-appointed rooms and suites, world-class service, and the most desirable location in town. This Rittenhouse Square luxury hotel offers personalized experiences and provides the perfect balance of sophistication and relaxation. Welcome to the Rittenhouse Hotel, a true gem among Center City, Philadelphia hotels.
STEIGENBERGER PARKHOTEL
KOENIGSALLEE 1A
DUSSELDORF
The Steigenberger Parkhotel in Dusseldorf is offering Lawyers Travel clients an upgrade into the next category and the minibar free of charge during their stay. This Iconic landmark hotel just opened its brand-new luxurious restaurant “Pink Pepper” with Michelin Star awarded executive chef Benjamin Kriegel.

*Must book Lawyers Travel negotiated rates. Book by 3/31/22 and stay by 12/31/22.
THE CLIFT ROYAL SONESTA
495 GEARY STREET
SAN FRANCISCO
At the newly renovated The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel in San Francisco, guests are welcomed by sophisticated and modern changes signifying a reawakening of the hotel’s original craftsmanship fused with modern day San Francisco. Designed for beauty, adaptability and convenience, The Clift is a place that reveals the past and embraces the accelerating pace of the future. With a nod to its iconic past, the hotel’s updates include dramatically updated guest rooms, an all-new modern lobby experience, Fredericks, a new eatery and café, and the famous Redwood Room - all one block from Union Square and minutes from the Financial District.

Lawyers Travel clients will receive a complimentary upgrade to a Junior Suite, triple Travel Pass points and Elite Status.

*Upgrade will be assigned at check-in. Points and status redemption require enrolling in Sonesta Travel Pass.
THE JEFFERSON, WASHINGTON, DC
1200 16TH AND M STREET NW
WASHINGTON, DC
With an established reputation as Washington’s most discerning hotel, just blocks from the White House and historic DC landmarks, The Jefferson, Washington, DC is a 99-room luxury boutique hotel featuring an intricately thought-out design, elegantly appointed suites, modern amenities, experiential dining, and exceptional personalized service. In addition, an in-house historian is available on Saturday mornings to enhance guest’s experience at The Jefferson and in the nation’s capital.

Areas of discovery unfold at every turn – including private cabinet rooms and a cozy Book Room that offers guests a place to sit for morning coffee or an after-dinner cocktail surrounded by volumes of books on an array of subjects in addition to signed editions by our resident authors.

Lawyers Travel clients arriving through 3/31/22 will receive two Quill cocktail coupons per stay to enjoy while in-house.