JANUARY 11, 2023

FAA SYSTEM OUTAGE RESULTS IN NATIONWIDE FLIGHT DISRUPTIONS


A computer outage at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) delayed airline traffic across the United States early Wednesday morning, as airlines were ordered to pause all domestic departures as the agency worked to restore its Notice to Air Missions System (NOTAM). NOTAM, which is a notification tool used to alert pilots of possible hazards along a flight route, was not able to process updated information as a result of the outage. Normal operations have resumed, but delays from the ground stop continue with more than 8,600 flights delayed so far, as well as more than 1,250 cancellations, according to the flight-tracking site FlightAware. Residual delays and cancellations will likely continue throughout the day as a result of the outage.


Airports have been advising travelers to check with individual airlines to see their latest flight status. Major US airlines including American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United have issued similar statements, stating they are working to reduce disruptions and encourage travelers to check their mobile apps for the latest information. White House officials have said that there is “no evidence of foul play" based on discussions about the NOTAM system outage with the DOT and FAA. President Joe Biden has also instructed the DOT to do a "full investigation" into the cause. For additional information and updates as reported by CNN, click "Read More."

DELTA OFFERING FREE INFLIGHT WI-FI BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1


Delta Air Lines has announced that it will offer free Wi-Fi to all travelers on board most domestic flights beginning February 1, making Delta the first major US carrier to offer free Wi-Fi across its fleet. The airline will offer the service on more than 700 aircraft by the end of 2023 and expects to bring free Wi-Fi on international and regional aircraft by the end of 2024. “It’s going to be free, it’s going to be fast, and it's going to be available for everyone,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian said. He added that the airline invested more than $1 billion in Wi-Fi technology over the past few years. Travelers will need to be a member of Delta's free SkyMiles loyalty program to access the on-board internet; those who aren’t members will have to pay a flat fee of $10. Additionally, Delta announced its plans for Delta Sync Exclusives hub — a new SkyMiles-unlocked mobile platform coming this spring aimed at elevating the in-flight connectivity experience with exclusive offers, access, and entertainment.

US PLANS TO SEEK 'HIGHER PENALTIES' FOR AIRLINES VIOLATING CONSUMER PROTECTIONS


The Department of Transportation (DOT) said it plans to seek higher penalties for airlines and others that broke consumer protection rules, stating that they are necessary to deter future violations, reports Reuters. DOT's Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) intends to hold airlines, ticket agents, and others "accountable and deter future misconduct by seeking higher penalties that would not be viewed as simply a cost of doing business." OACP is issuing notice to explain its investigatory and enforcement policies and practices in order to enforce the law and protect aviation consumers. The notice comes after DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg vowed to hold Southwest Airlines accountable if it failed to compensate travelers after cancelling nearly 16,000 flights during the Christmas holiday period.

IATA: NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL AIR TRAFFIC LED CONTINUED RECOVERY


Global air passenger traffic in November continued to recover from the pandemic, but at a slightly lower rate than in October, reports Business Travel News. According to International Air Transport Association (IATA), international traffic led the increase, while domestic traffic ticked up just a few percentage points. International November 2022 traffic increased to 85.2 percent year over year, bringing it to 73.7 percent of 2019 levels. Capacity increased 51.1 percent versus November 2021 and was 73.1 percent recovered versus 2019 levels. November domestic traffic was up 3.4 percent compared with November 2021 and was at the 77.7 percent recovery level versus November 2019. Domestic capacity was down 3.1 percent versus a year prior with recovery compared with November 2019 levels at 79.2 percent. Total November 2022 traffic increased 41.3 percent year over year. It now is roughly 75 percent recovered from 2019 levels. 

PHILADELPHIA AIRPORT DEPLOYS FACIAL BIOMETRIC TECHNOLOGY


Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) has implemented facial biometric technology across its 25 boarding gates in Terminals A-East and A-West in order to support the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) process for international departures, reports Airport Technology. The facial biometric technology is designed to validate travelers’ identities by comparing their live photo with the images submitted by the travelers to the government. These include passport and visa photos. “We are excited to move forward with the installation of biometric technology at PHL. This system will make the screening process more efficient for everyone and is especially important as international travel continues to grow post-pandemic,” PHL COO Keith Brune said. Travelers at PHL’s A-East and A-West terminals will step up to a camera at the boarding gate to verify their identity, and once verified, the traveler will be able to board the aircraft without having to present a passport or boarding pass. Travelers who do not plan to take part in the facial biometric boarding process will have to notify a CBP Officer or an airline or airport representative.

FONTAINBLEAU MIAMI BEACH

4441 COLLINS AVENUE

MIAMI BEACH

A revered Miami Beach landmark for more than half a century, Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s iconic design is a spectacular blend of Miami’s glamorous golden era and stylish modern luxury.


Guestrooms offer luxurious comfort, elegant amenities, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. Guests enjoy an expansive poolscape featuring 11 pools and luxurious cabanas and can indulge in 12 restaurants, bars, and lounges including signature restaurants StripSteak by Michael Mina, and AAA Four-Diamond award winning Hakkasan and Scarpetta by Scott Conant, as well as the high-energy nightclub, LIV. Guests can also relax and explore the 40,000 square foot Lapis Spa, The Shops at Fontainebleau, and miles of pristine beach.

HOTEL ZAZA AUSTIN

400 LAVACA STREET

AUSTIN

Guests can find themselves exactly where they want to be: in the vibrant heart of downtown Austin. Surrounded by world-class restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, Hotel ZaZa Austin offers both business and leisure travelers unparalleled comfort, style, and convenience in an ideal location.


Amenities include high speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, daily coffee and tea service, neighborhood car service, a destination-worthy spa and fitness center, and access to the 7th floor outdoor pool - all complimentary. 


Committed to cleanliness and luxury, the full-service restaurant and bar is open and serving breakfast lunch and dinner 7 days a week. The hotel creates distinct occasions, large or intimate, in the 8,500 square feet of meeting and event space, a backdrop to allow guests to mix leisure and business travel for their next group getaway in an energetic and creative atmosphere.

NEW YORK HILTON MIDTOWN

1335 SIXTH AVENUE

NEW YORK CITY

Now is the perfect time to take advantage of savings at New York Hilton Midtown, ideally situated in the heart of Manhattan, surrounded by public transportation options and a short walk away from the major transportation hubs of Grand Central and Times Square, allowing business travelers to maximize their time and minimize their commute.


Whether guests have 2 hours or 2 days to explore the city while here on business, New York Hilton Midtown puts guests within a few short blocks to enjoy a morning walk in Central Park, find that perfect gift for a loved one (or themselves) on Fifth Avenue, take in a Broadway show or transport their taste buds at one of the many neighborhood restaurants specializing in international cuisine.

OCEANA SANTA MONICA

849 OCEAN AVENUE

SANTA MONICA

Experience the suite life at Oceana Santa Monica, nestled on quiet Santa Monica streets within steps of world-class attractions and the Pacific Ocean. Toast to breathtaking views from the rooftop lounge and discover culinary artistry at the guests-only dining room, and also enjoy complimentary morning yoga on the beach. Oceana Santa Monica is designed to resemble an idyllic, private beach home. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the newly renovated, beachfront hotel, especially the guest rooms, will leave guests breathless.

OMNI BOSTON HOTEL AT THE SEAPORT

450 SUMMER STREET

BOSTON

Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport is located in the center of the bustling Seaport District, across the street from the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, steps away from downtown Boston and Boston Harbor and less than three miles from Boston’s Logan Airport. The hotel boasts 1,054 finely appointed guestrooms, including 52 suites, and 100,000 square feet of flexible function space. There are plenty of amenities at the hotel, including seven distinct dining experiences, a scenic rooftop pool, and chic Breve Spa. Whether guests are looking for a destination for a weekend getaway in Boston, a meeting room, or an event space for a conference, Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport is sure to meet the needs of the most discerning travelers.

PAN PACIFIC LONDON

80 HOUNDSDITCH

LONDON

Welcome to a haven in the city. Pan Pacific London takes innovation and understated luxury to new heights. In the heart of the City of London, the hotel is the city’s new landmark tower just across from Liverpool Street Station.


With a seamless blend of Asian hospitality and contemporary British elegance, the 237-bedroom hotel will house a signature restaurant, two destination bars, a lounge serving afternoon tea, a patisserie, two private dining rooms, and a dedicated wellbeing floor and 18.5m infinity pool. 


Starting from 398 square feet, all accommodations have floor-to-ceiling windows with views across The City. Diptyque amenities, Dyson hairdryers, Nespresso coffee machines, and a hot and cold minibar are just a few of the touches which ensure guests’ comfort. For ultimate wellbeing, an innovative ChiliSleep™ Ooler Sleep Cooling System to aid better sleep via temperature regulation is available upon request, and rooms come complete with yoga mats and on demand virtual yoga sessions, as well as health-benefitting botanical planting.

ROSEWOOD SAND HILL

2825 SAND HILL ROAD

MENLO PARK

Nestled amid 16 acres, Rosewood Sand Hill melds the relaxed style and beauty of California Ranch architecture with fragrant gardens and stunning views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Whether relaxing in the spacious guestrooms, indulging at Sense spa, or enjoying Madera’s delicious offerings inspired by the freshest local ingredients, guests will experience unparalleled attention to detail and impeccable service at this urban oasis. Rosewood Sand Hill’s luxurious accommodations feature 121 elegantly appointed guest rooms, including 31 suites ranging in size from 527 square feet for the deluxe guestroom to 2,372 square feet for the two-bedroom Presidential Villa. All guestrooms and suites offer private balconies or terraces with views of landscaped courtyard gardens, the swimming pool, or the Santa Cruz Mountains.

THE JOULE

1530 MAIN STREET

DALLAS

A revitalized, neo-gothic landmark in the heart of downtown Dallas, The Joule is a cultural hub, dining and retail destination, and neighborhood gathering place – all wrapped in a luxury boutique hotel. 


In a thriving urban setting, The Joule is at the center of it all. Located in Dallas’ Central Business District, minutes away from the Arts District, Design District, West End Historic District, Uptown, Deep Ellum, and Bishop Arts neighborhoods, with plenty to explore within walking distance just beyond the hotel doors.

PALMER HOUSE, A HILTON HOTEL

17 EAST MONROE STREET

CHICAGO

An icon of downtown Chicago for over 150 years, Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel sits at the heart of the Theater District. The hotel is located two blocks from the Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park. State Street shops are just outside the door. Sip a cocktail in the famed lobby and bite into a brownie at the hotel where it was invented. Enjoy the fitness center featuring Peloton Bikes, spa, and renovated pool. All the rooms feature just the right touches to make guests feel at home and be able to rest easy with the added assurance of Hilton CleanStay.

THE ROYAL SONESTA WASHINGTON, DC DUPONT CIRCLE

2121 P STREET NW

WASHINGTON, DC

The Royal Sonesta Washington DC, Dupont Circle captures a sensational DC boutique hotel vibe and is centrally located in Dupont Circle which pulses with creative, current, and urban energy. The hotel has contemporary art inspired guestroom designs, while chic function and public spaces give a stylish edge. Guests will enjoy a complimentary beverage hour, complimentary Wi-Fi, fitness center access, and complimentary bikes to ride around the many attractions in the local area. This is truly the place to be in Washington, DC.

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