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DOT APPROVES MORE US FLIGHTS FROM CHINESE CARRIERS
The Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved an increase in the allowed number of scheduled roundtrip weekly passenger flights by Chinese airlines to the US to 50, up from 35, beginning March 31, reports Business Travel News. "This level of service will be equivalent to the total number of passenger flights permitted by the [People's Republic of China] aviation authorities for US carriers," said DOT officials. The Chinese carriers allowed to operate these flights include Air China, Beijing Capital Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines, according to the order. DOT has requested these carriers file proposed schedules for the department to consider. DOT said the approval follows a November 2023 meeting between President Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping, in which they "committed to work towards a significant further increase in scheduled passenger flights, in parallel with actions to restore full implementation of the US-China air transportation agreement." Pre-COVID-19, more than 150 weekly round-trip passenger flights were allowed between the two countries. Due to the pandemic and the restrictions that followed, Chinese and US carriers had each operated 12 flights a week from each side until August 2023 when the DOT said it would increase that number to 18 in September 2023. That figure increased to 35 by the December of last year.
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MAJOR US AIRLINES TO RESUME ISRAEL FLIGHTS THIS SPRING
At least two major US airlines are planning on resuming flights to Israel as early as March, reports Travel Pulse. According to The Times of Israel, the Israel Airports Authority (IAA) has announced that Delta Air Lines and United Airlines will resume service to Israel for the first time since widespread cancellations were announced in the wake of Hamas attacks in October 2023. United confirmed the news and plans to restart flights on March 3 while IAA said Delta will resume flights on May 1. However, Delta has yet to confirm. Earlier this month, American Airlines removed Tel Aviv from its flight schedule until at least October 2024.
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UNITED AIRLINES RAISES CHECKED BAG FEES
United Airlines is raising their baggage fees by $5, the first time they have done so in four years, reports USA Today. Travelers flying in North America will now have to pay $40 (or $35 if travelers pay at least 24 hours in advance) for their first checked bag, and $50 (or $45 if travelers pay in advance) for a second checked bag. United will still allow travelers to check a bag for free if they are flying in a premium cabin, are a United Chase credit card holder, a MileagePlus Premier member, or an active military member. The airline will also continue to offer the option to check a first bag for free on long-haul international flights, and charge $100 for a second checked bag. United is the latest airline to raise its fees, following American Airline’s announcement last week. Alaska and JetBlue also raised bag fees earlier this year.
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AIRLINE REPORT HIGHLIGHTS ONE OF AIR TRAVEL'S SAFEST YEARS EVER
As part of the 2023 Annual Safety Report for global aviation, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) revealed that commercial air travel in 2023 was the safest year by several parameters, reports Travel Pulse. There were 37 million aircraft movements in 2023, an increase of 17 percent from 2022. Despite the increase in aircraft movements, the all-accident rate improved year-over-year, with 0.80 per million sectors in 2023—one accident for every 1.26 million flights—versus 1.30 in 2022. 2023 was also the lowest rate in over a decade.
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ALASKA AIRLINES TO LAUNCH NEW CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT THIS FALL
Alaska Airlines continues to expand its network by launching a daily, non-stop flight between Portland, Oregon, and Atlanta, Georgia, this fall, reports Travel + Leisure. The flights will begin on October 1, 2024, and operate year-round. The addition of the Portland-Atlanta flight will now allow Alaska Airlines to serve 54 non-stop destinations from Portland. The airline will also increase its seat capacity by more than 25 percent, including recently announced flights to Denver, Las Vegas, Miami, Nashville, and Phoenix. “For more than 20 years, we’ve been the largest carrier in Portland – one of our key West Coast gateways. We’re always looking for ways to connect the Rose City to other destinations across our network. We believe our flights to Atlanta will be a popular addition for our guests heading to the South,” said Kirsten Amrine, Vice President of Revenue Management and Network Planning for Alaska Airlines.
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1001 16TH STREET NORTHWEST
WASHINGTON, DC
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The iconic Capital Hilton is proud to unveil newly renovated guest rooms to travelers. These revamped rooms layer art deco design with the hotel’s brutalist architecture, taking the guest rooms to their origin while interweaving modern elements for today’s traveler.
Conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Washington, DC, Capital Hilton is just a short walk away from the White House and other top DC attractions. Dine on site at North Gate Grill and The Statler Lounge, or venture outside the hotel to dozens of restaurants within a two-block radius.
Travel to and from Capital Hilton with ease with close proximity to two Metro stations (Farragut North & McPherson Square) that connect to Union Station, Reagan National Airport, and Dulles International Airport.
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1717 NORTH AKARD STREET
DALLAS
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When it comes to making the perfect stay, no detail is too small. From the moment guests arrive at their dedicated reception area on the private Fairmont Gold floor, exceptional service begins. Offering hot & cold continental breakfast, a full honor bar, scrumptious evening canapés, and all-day tea and coffee, the exclusive Gold Lounge has everything to make a guest’s stay extra special. | |
HALL ARTS HOTEL DALLAS, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON | |
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1717 LEONARD STREET
DALLAS
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At the award-winning HALL Arts Hotel Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton, every guest gets pampered with a VIP treatment, including four-legged world travelers. Located in the Dallas Arts District, experience a world-class art collection, access to exceptional museums and performing arts centers, and unwind at premier amenities including the rooftop pool and fitness studio. | |
Inspired by Austin’s musical roots and rich Texas history, Hotel Van Zandt is sophisticated rock-and-roll meets those favorite worn-in leather boots. Located in the heart of Austin’s vibrant Rainey Street District, their luxury hotel features a collection of 319 guest rooms and suites, each adorned with musical prints and subtle nods to the city they love while creating a comfortable spot to settle in. Whether guests are visiting for business or a weekend getaway, they’ll enjoy all the Live Music Capital of the World has to offer. From iconic music venues and old-fashioned honky tonks to award-winning culinary, Hotel Van Zandt is their all-access pass to an authentic Austin experience. | | |
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AV LAZARO CARDENAS 2424
SAN PEDRO GARZA GARCIA
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Live an unprecedented experience where rest and relaxation will take on a new meaning. Guests will be captivated by the details that will make their stay select and unforgettable. Live Aqua Monterrey is located in Monterrey's financial district. Highlighted by a sophisticated and modern design, their luxurious resort will make guests feel in a sublime atmosphere impregnated with delicate details and a sensorial and avant-garde style. Guests will be served by an exclusive service that will make them feel in a true urban paradise. Admire the impressive panoramic views of Monterrey from their huge windows. One of the best hotels in Monterrey, Live Aqua Monterrey awaits travelers so they can live unique moments experiencing total relaxation and enjoyment of their senses. | | |
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1601 COLLINS AVENUE
MIAMI BEACH
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Looking for a warm weather retreat this season? There’s no better destination than the sun and sands of South Beach. Loews Miami Beach Hotel is the ideal oceanfront location for a winter weather escape, offering the best of the city. Choose from 790 beautifully designed rooms, including two dual-story, spacious presidential suites. Indulge in Miami-inspired dining options including Preston’s Market, Bar Collins, Miami Joe Coffee Co. and poolside restaurant, Nautilus. Experience the resort’s new signature restaurant, the legendary Harlem eatery Rao’s, now welcoming guests for a taste of its legendary Southern Italian cuisine. Spend the day poolside in a private SOAK Cabana or relax at Sea Spa, offering the very latest in wellness and fitness. Plus, with direct beach access the ocean is only steps away. Feel at home in the private paradise that is Loews Miami Beach Hotel. | |
MILLENNIUM HOTEL BROADWAY TIMES SQUARE | |
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145 WEST 44TH STREET
NEW YORK CITY
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While Broadway and Times Square are right outside their door in Midtown Manhattan, all the hustle and bustle of the city will be checked at the door once travelers arrive at Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square. They’ll experience refreshingly friendly staff and a relaxing spot to unwind in the heart of the city. With this incredible location, savvy travelers will love the value of this family-friendly, 4-star comfort hotel in Midtown Manhattan. | | |
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230 NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE
CHICAGO
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Steeped in history and anchored in style, Pendry Chicago is a modern-day luxury hotel located in Chicago’s Loop, amid a dynamic collection of cultural attractions and distinct restaurants and shops. The reimagined 1929 landmark features 364 redesigned guestrooms and suites, and thoughtfully designed public spaces including the signature restaurant, Venteux. In addition, the hotel features a sophisticated lobby bar, Bar Pendry, an extensive art collection, 12,000 square feet of meetings and event space, curated fitness and wellness programming including a partnership with AIRE Ancient Baths offering guests priority booking, complimentary enhancements, and Cadillac Transportation. | | |
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420 PARK AVENUE SOUTH
NEW YORK CITY
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Royalton Park Avenue combines luxury and trendiness, in the center of the city’s most influential happenings. The hotel’s central location in the heart of Manhattan, NoMad offers every convenience for guests ready to explore. An oasis of casual comfort where guests can find tranquility, rest and relaxation just steps from all the action. Inside the hotel’s stunning all-glass building, visitors find an inviting spaciousness and warm residential ambiance that makes them feel at home on Park Avenue. The designer lobby scene features the Parisian-chic showpiece of a Roche Bobois Mah Jong sofa, bringing dramatic flair and pattern to the space. Boasting 249 luxury rooms and remarkable suites, most with lofty ceilings, Juliet balconies, and five fixture bathrooms – the property perched on the corner of 29th Street and Park Avenue couldn’t be more centrally located. Royalton Park Avenue welcomes guests of all abilities. Their property descriptions aim to allow any visitor to make an informed decision on whether the hotel is an appropriate choice for their needs. | |
ST. MARTINS LANE HOTEL LONDON | |
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45 SAINT MARTINS LANE
LONDON
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Designer Philippe Starck conceived St. Martins Lane Hotel London as a surrealist wonderland viewed through the looking glass of classic British eccentric taste. Cheeky and daring with a touch decadent, the lobby and social spaces are signature Starck style. It’s fitting that the hotel is situated in the bustling theatre district in Covent Garden. The floor-to-ceiling windows pull the cityscape into each guest room, offering a dramatic perspective on the energetic city below. The Tim Andreas of Banjo designed rooms evoke a sense of spaciousness and luxury. | | |
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97-99 KINGS ROAD
BRIGHTON
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In a prime location, The Grand Brighton is a 5-star hotel in the center of an iconic city. Step out of the historic doors onto Brighton's seafront, wander through the bustling lanes, stroll along the famous Palace Pier, or explore the gorgeous South Downs, guest’s perfect Grand bedroom awaits them on their return.
Whether it's cozy comfort or a luxurious suite, each bedroom is thoughtfully designed with modern amenities, features that give a nod to the hotel’s incredible history, and little touches to make travelers stay extra special. Stay in one of their gorgeous sea-facing bedrooms and soak up that unforgettable sea view from crisp mornings to stunning sunsets.
Choose the perfect Grand dinner and indulge in delicious fresh seafood and local produce at their restaurant Cyan, finish a sunset stroll with a cozy cocktail or two in their stunning Victoria Bar, or head to their famous Victoria Terrace for an award-winning afternoon tea.
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2033 M STREET NORTHWEST
WASHINGTON, DC
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Located in DC’s Dupont Circle, The St. Gregory Hotel occupies the coveted location at the intersection of the West End and Georgetown neighborhoods, providing unbeatable access to the capital city’s top businesses, cultural and historic attractions. Stylized rooms and suites have everything guests need to work, rest, and rejuvenate, including an oversized work desk, high-speed Wi-Fi, luxury bath products, and separate living areas. The hotel’s penthouse floor creates an additional deluxe experience with balconied suites and cultured comforts, such as wet bars with elevated cocktail and coffee options. Over 3,000 square feet of meeting and event space is available, from their celebrated contemporary French restaurant, Ellington Park Bistro, to their light-filled ballroom. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, experience a fresh take on elegant, modern comfort in DC at The St. Gregory Hotel.
Lawyers Travel clients can enjoy two complimentary cocktails at Ellington Park Bistro.
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WALDORF ASTORIA ATLANTA BUCKHEAD | |
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3376 PEACHTREE STREET NORTHEAST
ATLANTA
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The Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead offers the elegance, warmth, and comfort of a Southern home away from home. All recently refreshed rooms and suites have been designed to be the ultimate respite during guest’s stay, offering gracious square footage, pleasing design, and thoughtfully curated modern amenities to help them settle in and unwind.
Lawyers Travel clients receive a complimentary upgrade from now until March 31st, 2024 (based on availability).
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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 GBT 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. | | | | |
