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DELTA TO TRANSFORM ITS SKYMILES LOYALTY PROGRAM
Delta Air Lines has announced that it is streamlining its SkyMiles Program while also offering new and enhanced ways for members to earn toward Status. Beginning January 1, 2024, Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD) will serve as the only qualifier for Medallion Status. SkyMiles Members will no longer need to track Medallion Qualification Miles or Medallion Qualification Segments. The carrier said that members can earn MQDs on flights with Delta and the carrier's partners, on purchases using Delta's co-branded credit cards, through Delta Vacations, and through other products, such as car rentals and hotel stays. The change is similar to one American Airlines made in early 2022 for its AAdvantage program. Status for 2025 will be determined by a single amount of MQD thresholds: $6,000 for Silver, $12,000 for Gold, $18,000 for Platinum, and $35,000 for Diamond.
In addition, Delta announced new guidelines for access to its Delta Sky Clubs. Beginning January 1, 2024, Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express card members will no longer have access to Delta Sky Clubs, as well as all American Express card members traveling on a Basic Economy ticket or an equivalent ticket with a partner airline. Beginning in 2025, Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business American Express card members will receive 10 club visits per program year, and American Express Platinum and Platinum Business card members will receive six club visits per program year. Members of those cards can earn unlimited club access after spending $75,000 on their eligible card in a calendar year and will have unlimited Sky Club access for both the remainder of that year through January 31 of the next year.
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BRAZIL TO REINSTATE VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR US TRAVELERS IN 2024
Brazil will reinstate visa requirements on travelers coming from the US, Canada, and Australia beginning January 10, 2024, reports Condé Nast Traveler. The decision was first announced earlier this year, with an effective date of October 1. At that time, the foreign ministry said that the decision to grant visa exemptions marked “a break with the pattern of Brazilian migration policy, historically based on the principles of reciprocity and equal treatment,” and left the option open for affected countries, such as the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan, to negotiate reciprocal visa waivers. Only Japan reached an agreement. Therefore, beginning January 10, 2024, Americans who plan on traveling to Brazil will need to obtain a Visit Visas, or ‘Vistos de Visita’ (VIVIS). The visa will enable travelers to remain in Brazil for up to 90 days for the purposes of tourism, business, transit, study, volunteer work, etc. The process for obtaining a visa should be quick, although it is unknown at this time if applications and issuances will be handled entirely electronically. Procedures are still being finalized by the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which will provide additional details when available.
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FAA FURTHER EXTENDS SLOT WAIVERS AT NEW YORK-AREA AIRPORTS
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has extended a slot waiver at New York-area airports through Oct. 27, 2024, reports Travel Weekly. The agency's decision came less than a month after it had extended a New York-area slot waiver through October 28 of this year at the request of airlines. The waiver allows carriers the flexibility to reduce their schedule by up to 10 percent and not lose their slots in future years. "A waiver of minimum slot usage requirements at JFK and [LaGuardia], and a similar policy of prioritizing returned operations at [Newark], is necessary to allow carriers to reduce operations to enable scheduling and operational stability," the FAA wrote in its decision. The slot-usage waiver also applies to airlines at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) for reductions they make to service to the New York area.
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REPORT REVEALS CAUSE OF UK’S AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL OUTAGE
NATS, the UK’s main air traffic control organization, has revealed its findings into the technical issue that shut down its systems last month and caused cancellations and delays across the UK network, reports Airport Technology. The report, which was handed over to the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), found that an issue with the flight plan processing sub-system, the Flight Plan Reception Suite Automated-Replacement (FPRSA-R), was responsible for the system entering a fail-safe mode. NATS said that a flight plan using two “identically named, but separate, waypoints outside of UK airspace” led to a critical exception within its systems, which were not able to reject the plan or approve it for air traffic control. CEO Martin Rolfe said: “Incidents like this are extremely rare and we have put measures in place to ensure it does not happen again.” In response to the report, the CAA has said that it will also be launching its own investigation into the system failure and NATS’ response to it to see if the organization may have “breached its statutory and licensing obligations.”
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NORTH AMERICAN AIRPORT SATISFACTION UP SLIGHTLY
Overall North American airport satisfaction slightly improved this past year according to a recent report conducted by data analytics, software, and consumer intelligence company J.D. Power, reports Business Travel News. Overall airport satisfaction increased three points year-over-year to 780 on a 1,000-point scale in the J.D. Power 2023 North America Airport Satisfaction Study. That's a significant improvement over last year's 25-point drop. The survey measures overall traveler satisfaction with North American airports. It examines six factors, in order of importance: terminal facilities, airport arrival/departure, baggage claim, security check, check-in/baggage check, and food, beverage, and retail. J.D. Power also classified airports as mega, large, and medium. Mega airports have 33 million or more travelers per year, large airports have 10 million to 32.9 million travelers, and medium airports have 4.5 million to 9.9 million. The mega category segment average was 772 compared with 769 last year. The top three ranked airports were Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with a score of 800, Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) at 796, and Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) at 787. Tampa International Airport (TPA), with a score of 832, took top spot for large airport, while Indianapolis International Airport (IND), which came in first for the second year in a row with a score of 843, topped the list for medium-sized airports.
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400 CRESCENT COURT
DALLAS
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Featuring undeniable charm that is quintessentially Texan, Hotel Crescent Court melds Dallas sophistication and heritage into an experience that truly represents a proud legacy.
Fresh from a $33 million renovation, Hotel Crescent Court has seen a complete overhaul, all while retaining their landmark Southern style. Select from one of the 186 rooms or 40 suites, complete with custom-scented Molton Brown amenities and a contemporary blush, cream, and gray color scheme. Peruse art from Caroline Rose Hunt’s personal collection, including a 2,000-year-old marble sculpture of the Greek god Aesculapius. Pick from more than a dozen restaurants and bars, including Beau Nash cocktail lounge, offering more than 30 types of by-the-glass bubbly. Guests can pamper themselves at the 22,000 square foot spa with one of many signature treatments or plan a world-class event in one of their beautiful meeting and event spaces.
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HOTEL MONTERA MADRID, CURIO COLLECTION
BY HILTON
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C. DE LA MONTERA, 47, 28013
MADRID
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Almost 100 years after its construction in 1924, the building is getting dressed up to become the new Hotel Montera Madrid, Curio Collection by Hilton, a clear benchmark for casual luxury in the capital of Spain, which just opened its doors in April as the first 5 stars Hilton hotel in the city.
A unique concept developed by the internationally acclaimed interior designer Lázaro Rosa Violán. The hotel has 93 rooms, 8 of them spacious and bright suites with unbeatable views of Madrid’s Gran Vía and Montera street.
On the rooftop, the city’s skyline merges with the vibrant life of the two streets that surround the building. There, guests will have access to the pool/solarium, Balinese beds, and the option of tapas and cocktails at El Cielo de Chicote, their famous cocktail bar.
Lawyers Travel clients receive a complimentary welcome drink.
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2100 WEST END AVENUE
NASHVILLE
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Loews Vanderbilt Hotel is the ideal place to call home this fall when visiting one of the nation’s most dynamic destinations. Whether in Nashville for business, a football game, a concert or simply to getaway, the energy and culture of Music City are infused throughout the Loews experience. Enjoy hyper local, creative cuisine at Mason’s and Mason Bar. Explore Music Row’s legendary recording studios or the hallowed halls of Vanderbilt University, both steps from the premier property. Soulfully inspired service, luxury touch points and the comforts of home await at the iconic Loews Vanderbilt Hotel. Enjoy 339 spacious guestrooms with Nashville city views and luxe amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi in all guestrooms and public spaces.
Lawyers Travel clients receive complimentary room upgrade and late checkout, based on availability.
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MILLENNIUM PREMIER
NEW YORK TIMES SQUARE
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133 WEST 44TH STREET
NEW YORK CITY
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While Broadway and Times Square are right outside the door in Midtown Manhattan, all the hustle and bustle of the city will be checked at the door once travelers arrive at Millennium Premier New York Times Square. Instead, guests will experience refreshingly friendly staff and a relaxing spot to unwind in the heart of the city. The 124 guestrooms, some with New Year’s Eve Ball Drop or city skyline views, have an oversized bathroom with European-style soaking tub and spacious walk-in shower. With this incredible location, savvy travelers will love the value of this family-friendly, 4-star comfort hotel in central New York.
Lawyers Travel clients enjoy exclusive access to the Premier Lounge offering complimentary continental breakfast and evening receptions including complimentary hours d’oeuvres, wine, and cheese.
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230 NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE
CHICAGO
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Set within the iconic 1929 Art Deco Carbide & Carbon Building in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood, Pendry Chicago is a contemporary luxury hotel that pays homage to both the past and present with modern yet comfortable interiors, signature culinary and cocktail concepts, and inspired gathering spaces throughout that embody the spirit of Chicago. Its prime locale sets the very best stage for discovering the city and its brightest attractions with ease and convenience. Recognized for its refined yet spirited setting, this is a place where the soul of the city is on beautiful display, inside and out. Pendry Chicago is home to 364 newly redesigned guest rooms and suites, each carefully appointed with an eye for the Carbide & Carbon Building’s illustrious Art Deco heritage combined with a modern vision of luxury hospitality. | | |
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340 STOCKTON STREET
SAN FRANCISCO
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A quintessential San Francisco landmark, Taj Campton Place occupies an enviable east side location on Union Square, just steps from the city’s finest shopping and dining. Built over a century ago, it blends the elegance of a bygone era with the modern luxuries that travelers love most, including an open-air rooftop fitness terrace. | |
THE CHARTER HOTEL SEATTLE, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON | |
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1610 SECOND AVENUE
SEATTLE
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The Charter Hotel Seattle, Curio Collection by Hilton is a sleek hotel one block from Pike Place Market and within a mile of the Space Needle, Pioneer Square’s coffee shops, and galleries. Enjoy their sauna, steam room, and fitness center. Their indoor-outdoor rooftop lounge offers water and skyline views from the 16th floor. Amenities include a restaurant that serves Argentine cuisine, as well as a rooftop bar, a gym, meeting rooms, and a ballroom. | | |
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1500 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVENUE NW
WASHINGTON, DC
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Experience unparalleled luxury at The Dupont Circle Hotel, a distinguished Irish hotel within The Doyle Collection and a proud member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. Situated in Dupont Circle, one of Washington, DC's most iconic neighborhoods, known for its vibrant artistic community, diverse culinary scene, and international prestige with over 80 embassies and ambassador residences housed in exquisite 19th-century gilded mansions. With 327 guest rooms, including 32 luxurious suites, the epitome of modern luxury awaits travelers on the 9th-floor penthouse level at The Dupont Circle Hotel. Discover a collection of 12 residential-style suites, many of which boast elegantly furnished balconies offering sweeping vistas that capture the very essence of the Nation's Capital. | | |
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700 FIFTH AVENUE
NEW YORK CITY
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Ideally located on Fifth Avenue and 55th Street in Midtown Manhattan, The Peninsula New York is in the heart of the city’s most prestigious shopping, entertainment, and cultural district. The hotel is within walking distance of Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue shopping, excellent restaurants, historic museums, and exciting Broadway theatres. The Peninsula New York is honored to be the recipient of some of the most prestigious accolades in the hospitality industry, including the Forbes Five Star rating and the AAA Five Diamond awards. Recently announced by Forbes Travel Guide, The Peninsula Hotels are thrilled to be the only hotel brand to achieve the highest possible Five-Star status across all ten of its properties. | |
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. | | | | |
