AUGUST 24, 2022

BRITISH AIRWAYS, AMERICAN AMONG CARRIERS MAKING SIGNIFICANT SCHEDULE CUTS


British Airways and American Airlines have announced that they are making significant cuts to their fall and winter schedules, reports Business Travel News. British Airways is reducing its short-haul schedule through October in response London Heathrow’s decision to extend its capacity cap of 100,000 departing passengers per day through October 29; the cap initially was to end September 11. The changes will affect roughly 12 short-haul round-trip flights per day, for a total of 629 round trips. The carrier is adjusting its winter schedule with another 10,000 flights cut in and out of Heathrow, or an 8 percent reduction. The airline stated, “We’ll be offering customers affected by any of these changes an alternative flight with British Airways or another airline, or the option of a refund.” Additionally, American is reducing its November schedule by about 31,000 domestic and international flights, according to data and analytics company Cirium. American did not confirm the cuts but stated that “these adjustments are in line with our approach to our network and schedule planning throughout the year. We are now loading schedule adjustments approximately 100 days in advance, which is in line with how we adjusted our schedule in 2019 prior to the pandemic.”

NEW INTERACTIVE WEBSITE WILL SHOW CANCELLATION AND DELAY POLICIES FOR US AIRLINES


The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced it will launch a website that details airline policies on cancellations or delays, reports Travel + Leisure. The website will include an interactive dashboard with information on each airline, and travelers' options, when there is a cancellation or delay that was "due to circumstances within the airline's control," DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg wrote in a letter to airlines. The information in the dashboard will come from commitments airlines have already made in their customer service plans. "When passengers do experience cancelations and delays, they deserve clear and transparent information on the services that your airline will provide, to address the expenses and inconveniences resulting from these disruptions," Buttigieg wrote. The new dashboard is expected to go live on the Department's Aviation Consumer Protection website by September 2.

JAPAN WILL WAIVE PRE-DEPARTURE COVID TESTS FOR VACCINATED TRAVELERS


The Japanese government has announced it will waive pre-departure COVID-19 tests for vaccinated travelers to the country, but that daily caps on entrants will remain in place, reports Skift. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated, “From Sept. 7, we will no longer require people who have been vaccinated three times to present proof that they are not infected.” Japan has maintained some of the strictest pandemic measures among major economies, requiring travelers to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure. While local media reported on Tuesday that Japan may raise its daily cap on inbound travelers from 20,000 to 50,000 entrants, Kishida said no decision had been made. He said, “We will continue relaxing these measures gradually […] We hope to announce something soon based on the quarantine setup and the situation with infections.”

GERMANY TIGHTENS COVID RULES FOR TRAVEL DURING FALL, WINTER


Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Cabinet has approved legislation that ensures basic protective measures against the COVID-19 pandemic are continued during the fall and winter, reports ABC News. This includes the new mandate to wear N95-type face masks during all long-distance travel by train and bus as well as on planes; currently, medical face masks are mandatory on planes and public transport, with N95-style masks a recommendation. The new measures, which will apply from October 1 to April 7, also include a nationwide obligation to wear masks in and test before accessing hospitals and similar institutions with vulnerable people. Beyond that, Germany’s 16 states will have the authority to adopt their own rules, such as requiring masks on local public transportation and at public indoor events. If the virus spreads widely again, the number of people at public events can be limited and testing can also be mandated, although the justice minister stressed that there would be no more lockdowns.

AMTRAK DEBUTS NEW CAFE MENU ON NORTHEAST CORRIDOR, LONG-DISTANCE TRAINS


Amtrak has announced new cafe menus featuring reduced prices for select items on long-distance and Northeast Corridor (NEC) trains, reports Travel Pulse. In response to customer feedback, the rail company is now offering 30 percent more options, such as hot meals, snacks, salads, sandwiches, a significant increase in vegan offerings, and new non-alcoholic beverages. Some of the new or reduced-price menu items include bialy egg sandwiches, seasonal fruit with mango, smoked turkey & Havarti sandwiches, blue corn vegan tamales, fresh vegetable crudites, pomegranate juice, and new hot and iced coffee selections. The new menus are available on all Amtrak trains along the Northeast Corridor, such as Acela, Northeast Regional, Vermonter, and Ethan Allen Express, as well as Long Distance trains such as the Capitol Limited, Cardinal, and California Zephyr.

FAIRMONT CENURY PLAZA

2025 AVENUE OF THE STARS

LOS ANGELES

Work and play at Fairmont Century Plaza. Indulge in world-class cocktails and nightly music, Tuesday through Saturday from 4-8pm at The Bar, located in the lobby. For stays now through September 30, 2022, Fairmont Century Plaza is pleased to offer Ovation clients a complimentary room upgrade, subject to availability.*


Break away from a busy day with a visit to the 14,000 square-foot breathtaking Fairmont Spa, offering access to aromatherapy steam rooms, sanariums, a Himalayan salt room and top-notch treatments from a talented team of masseuses and estheticians. Enjoy access to the state-of-the-art fitness center, fully equipped with the latest Techno-Gym equipment, Pelotons, a private yoga/spin studio, and recovery station by the hotel’s partners at Three Sages.


For the perfect sunset, head to the rooftop pool with unparalleled views of the cityscape. Guests can treat themselves to a French-inspired feast at the brasserie, Lumière, or morning coffee and treats from the patisserie. 


*Terms and conditions apply.

HILTON BOSTON

DOWNTON - FANEUIL HALL

89 BROAD STREET

BOSTON

Built in 1928 as Boston, Massachusetts' first Art Deco skyscraper, the historic Hilton Boston Downtown/Faneuil Hall is the ideal blend of old and new. The 1920's intimate decor of warm brick, rich woods and brass is combined with a host of modern comforts and conveniences. The hotel's ongoing commitment to superior service and exceptional standards of excellence earned the coveted AAA Four Diamond Award annually. Providing spacious guest rooms with an enchanting view of the city and period-style furnishings with thoughtful business amenities, including Wi-Fi and a state-of-the-art fitness facility, the hotel offers classic American and seafood cuisine with the on-property restaurant, Fin Point Oyster Bar & Grille. Hilton Boston Downtown/Faneuil Hall is perfectly situated in the heart of downtown Boston in the Financial District, one block from Boston's Waterfront, and ten minutes from Logan International Airport.

HOTEL CRESCENT COURT

400 CRESCENT COURT

DALLAS

Stay in luxury in the heart of Uptown Dallas. Hotel Crescent Court offers 186 recently renovated guest rooms & 40 suites that are quintessentially Texan. On-site amenities include the luxurious 22,000 square foot Spa, Fitness Center & rooftop pool, world renowned Japanese restaurant Nobu and access to the exclusive private Crescent Club. Hotel Crescent Court is minutes from Dallas Love Field and dozens of dining & entertainment options, including 11 restaurants & retail shops in the Crescent Complex. A complimentary house car is available for destinations in a five-mile radius. For a limited time, book a Premiere King and upgrade to a Studio Suite at time of booking (based on availability). 

LOEWS MINNEAPOLIS HOTEL

601 FIRST AVENUE NORTH

MINNEAPOLIS

Loews Minneapolis Hotel will welcome guests like family for a productive and enjoyable business trip. Located in the center of the Twin Cities, the hotel offers friendly and attentive staff, beautifully appointed accommodations and two delicious food and beverage options onsite. Comos Restaurant, located on the 4th floor, welcomes guests back for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Enjoy Chef Heyman’s new menu featuring New American cuisine inspired by the Pacific regions. After a busy day of meetings, stop by Apothecary Bar & Lounge, located off the lobby, for a handcrafted cocktail or local brew. 

MARTINIQUE NEW YORK

ON BROADWAY

CURIO COLLECTION

49 WEST 32ND STREET

NEW YORK CITY

Martinique New York on Broadway Curio Collection has been exquisitely restored and reopened December 2021 as the new crown of Manhattan. Located in Midtown Manhattan, the Martinique welcomes guests with entirely refreshed guest rooms, a new Art Deco inspired lobby, and a brand-new state-of-the-art gym. This award-winning historic hotel is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and is just steps away from the Empire State Building, Macy’s Herald Square, Madison Square Garden, and Penn Station. The Early Edition currently serves breakfast and all-day menu while six elevated dining outlets including The Press Club a New York style chophouse and gourmet doughnut shop are opening in 2022 to early 2023. Completely renovated, the hotel has 10 meeting spaces totaling 7,800 square feet. Meetings from 10 to 400 are conducted with ease by the full-service banquet staff.  

PENDRY CHICAGO

230 NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE

CHICAGO

Celebrate Pendry Chicago’s one year anniversary with a stay in their Champagne Tower and receive a $75 daily hotel credit to experience all Pendry Chicago has to offer, including signature dining at rooftop bar Château Carbide, Venteux, Bar Pendry and more. Guests will also receive a bottle of champagne in their guest room upon arrival to celebrate the history of the building. Cheers to the future.

THE CRAWFORD HOTEL

1701 WYNKOOP STREET

DENVER

More than a hotel in Denver, The Crawford Hotel is the best place to meet, shop, eat, drink, and  sleep — right above the iconic Denver Union Station. Situated in the heart of Denver, The Crawford Hotel offers an escape like no other. Enter through the bustling railway station–less than 40 minutes on the RTD Rail’s A Line from DIA – where an immediate sense of wonder and excitement awaits. This LoDo hotel features a collection of 112 guest rooms and suites, each showcasing a distinct style that reflects an era of Union Station’s rich history. With historic details such as 65-foot ceilings, soaring windows, and stunning chandeliers, the revitalized landmark is a portal to the best of modern-day Denver, complete with acclaimed restaurants, shops, and gathering places loved by locals and visitors alike. A stay at The Crawford promises a one-of-a-kind experience.


At The Crawford in 2022, Ovation clients receive these special benefits:

  • 24-hour cancellation policy prior to the arrival
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi in guestrooms
  • Complimentary access to the on-site Crawford’s fitness center
  • Guest room upgrade to the Deluxe room types at the $235.00 rate based on hotel availability at the time of the request
COVID-19 TRAVEL RESOURCES GUIDE
Facebook  Twitter  Linkedin  

GBT Travel Services UK Limited (GBT UK) and its authorized sublicensees (including Ovation Travel Group and Egencia) use certain trademarks and service marks of American Express Company or its subsidiaries (American Express) in the “American Express Global Business Travel” and “American Express Meetings & Events” brands and in connection with its business for permitted uses only under a limited license from American Express (Licensed Marks). The Licensed Marks are trademarks or service marks of, and the property of, American Express. GBT UK is a subsidiary of Global Business Travel Group, Inc. (NYSE: GBTG). American Express holds a minority interest in GBTG, which operates as a separate company from American Express.