FEBRUARY 22, 2023

FAA TO CONDUCT SWEEPING SAFETY REVIEW AFTER MULTIPLE INCIDENTS


The head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered a sweeping review of the agency after a series of recent aviation safety incidents, reports CNN. “We are experiencing the safest period in aviation history, but we cannot take this for granted,” Billy Nolen, the acting FAA administrator, wrote in a memo. “Recent events remind us that we must not become complacent.” Nolen's statement comes after a technological breakdown led to the first nationwide airplane grounding since 2001. One focus of the safety review team will be determining “whether there are other incidents that resemble ones we have seen in recent weeks.” The team will also look at ways to better integrate the FAA’s air traffic control arm into the agency’s broader safety efforts. The review will include participants from the industries that are regulated and served by the FAA. Commercial aviation leaders and labor unions will meet in March to discuss ways to “maintain our safety record.”

AIRLINES ISSUE TRAVEL WAIVERS AHEAD OF PREDICTED COAST-TO-COAST STORM


A major winter storm is expected to hit the country from coast to coast, with forecasters predicting a disruption to travel in many cities including Chicago, Detroit, and Minneapolis, reports Travel + Leisure. Several airlines have proactively issued travel waivers ahead of the storm, including Delta Air Lines, which issued one for the upper Midwest for travel through February 24. Similarly, Alaska Airlines, American, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, and United have issued travel waivers for the Midwest and surrounding areas. The storm is expected to move through the Midwest until Thursday when it's predicted to move east, bringing snow and icy rain to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

TSA IS PREPARED FOR HIGHER TRAVELER VOLUMES FOR SPRING BREAK TRAVEL SEASON


The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that it is prepared for the spring break travel season, which lasts until April 21, and offers a few travel tips for the most efficient checkpoint experience. TSA anticipates that its Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) will screen increasing numbers of travelers at airport checkpoints as travel volumes may exceed pre-pandemic levels. “In January, we experienced our first full month where travel volumes exceeded the same month in 2019. We fully expect to see an upward trend in travel volumes throughout 2023, including during the spring break period,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “We coordinate closely with airports and air carriers to prepare for the projected increase in travel volumes and we expect to meet our wait time standards of 30 minutes or less in standard lanes and 10 minutes or less in TSA PreCheck® lanes. However, there may be some situations where the capacity of a checkpoint is exceeded.” TSA continues to make progress on investments and policies that enhance security, advance checkpoint efficiency, and improve the traveler experience. This includes recruiting and training new officers; increasing signage, public awareness, and civil penalties to reduce firearms at TSA checkpoints; and investing in technology deployments to improve identity verification, prohibited items detection, and reduce false alarms and unnecessary pat-downs.

UNITED LAUNCHES $100 MILLION SUSTAINABLE FLIGHT FUND


United Airlines has announced that it has launched a $100 million investment fund to support start-ups focused on decarbonizing air travel by accelerating the research, production, and technologies associated with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The fund has investments from United and its inaugural partners such as Air Canada, Boeing, General Electric, JPMorgan Chase, and Honeywell. Through the fund, these and potentially additional corporate participants will invest alongside United in SAF technology and production start-ups identified by United. The carrier also stated that anyone who buys a ticket on the United website or app now has the option to contribute to supplement United's investment in the fund. The first 10,000 people who choose to contribute will each receive 500 MileagePlus Miles as a thank you. Additionally, United announced it will start displaying emissions estimates when purchasing tickets through the airline's website.

HEATHROW AIRPORT SEES BUSIEST START TO YEAR IN THREE YEARS


London Heathrow Airport (LHR) reported traveler numbers of 5.48 million in January 2023, more than double the 2.6 million traffic in the same month in 2022, reports Airport-Technology. The latest figure is said to be the airport’s busiest January since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Outgoing Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said that the airport was ‘back to its best,' even though traveler numbers are still below the January 2020 level of 6.1 million. He stated, “Heathrow is back to its best, with passenger satisfaction scores meeting or exceeding 2019 levels.” The growth in traveler volume is led by Asia/Pacific, which recorded a 181.3% surge in foot traffic to 764,000 travelers. North American traveler volume also jumped 119.7% to 1.2 million in January 2023 while EU traffic soared 135% to 1.62 million.

CONCORDE HOTEL NEW YORK

127 EAST 55TH STREET

NEW YORK CITY

Concorde Hotel New York is a secret gem nestled in the heart of Manhattan in Midtown East. The rooms provide unobstructed views of the city skyline while allowing guests to escape the hustle and bustle of the outdoors and having only 3 or 4 rooms per floor provides an oasis during their stay. Guests can enjoy the aromas of freshly baked breakfast treats from the Bonsaii Café and Lounge or unwind after a long day with mouthwatering tapas in the evening.

FAIRMONT CHICAGO, MILLENNIUM PARK

200 NORTH COLUMBUS DRIVE

CHICAGO

The Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park offers sophisticated, modern luxury in the heart of downtown Chicago. Overlooking Lake Michigan, Grant and Millennium Parks, and the legendary skyline, the Fairmont Chicago is the perfect backdrop for an urban escape. The Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park boasts some of the city’s most spacious and impeccably appointed guest rooms. This hotel features 687 guest rooms and suites, including hypoallergenic, allergy-friendly Fairmont PURE rooms.

HOTEL ZELOS SAN FRANCISCO

12 4TH STREET

SAN FRANCISCO

A sleek, stylish hub in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment district, Hotel Zelos San Francisco is a fashion-forward oasis where business and pleasure meet, and where inspiration and passion await. The sultry heart of Hotel Zelos San Francisco beats a little faster. Sip, savor, and share seasonally inspired bites and cocktails at an award-winning restaurant and bar, featuring a heated outdoor patio with lush landscaping and exotic cocktail list. 

OMNI LOS ANGELES HOTEL AT CALIFORNIA PLAZA

251 SOUTH OLIVE STREET

LOS ANGELES

Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza features luxurious accommodations and modern conveniences to exceed the desires of today’s business and leisure travelers. Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza in downtown Los Angeles rises 17 stories and reflects the sophistication of downtown Los Angeles while offering an outdoor heated lap pool, spa services, fitness center, two restaurants, and an exclusive Executive Club Floor and Lounge. Iconic L.A. staples like Grand Central Market, The Broad Museum and Angels Flight Railway are just a few steps from the door. 

OMNI SAN FRANCISCO HOTEL

500 CALIFORNIA STREET

SAN FRANCISCO

The Omni San Francisco Hotel provides luxury accommodations, modern comforts, and elegant event spaces in the heart of the city's Financial District. Located on the historic California cable car line and only a short walk to Union Square, Embarcadero, Chinatown, the Ferry Building, and the Moscone Convention Center, the Omni San Francisco is at the center of all the exciting sights the “City by the Bay” has to offer.

SEA CONTAINERS LONDON

20 UPPER GROUND

LONDON

With a design reminiscent of a 1920s transatlantic cruise liner, award-winning food and drink outlets and an electric energy, Sea Containers London is the remarkable Southbank hotel. A space to unwind, recharge, and regroup, the guest rooms are the ideal South Bank base from which to explore London. Whether guests opt for a standard room, or book into a river view suite, all are guaranteed a memorable evening. Enjoy panoramic views at 12th Knot, share plates at Sea Containers Restaurant, or drink award-winning cocktails at Lyaness. Relax with a personalized treatment at Agua Spa, blow off steam in a state-of-the-art gym, or escape with one of the wide selections of films in our Curzon cinema.

SIGNIA BY HILTON SAN JOSE

170 SOUTH MARKET STREET

SAN JOSE

Across the street from Plaza de César Chávez Park and within walking distance of the San Jose Convention Center, Signia by Hilton San Jose offers a prime location in the capital of Silicon Valley. Setting the stage for a new class of business travel, guests will find over 65,000 square feet of meeting and function space, signature culinary experiences, an outdoor rooftop pool, and extensive fitness facilities complete a stay. 

THE BENJAMIN ROYAL SONESTA NEW YORK

125 EAST 50TH STREET

NEW YORK CITY

There are some exciting changes at The Benjamin. The property is now called The Benjamin Royal Sonesta and is part of Sonesta, the 8th largest hotel company in the world. The Benjamin Royal Sonesta is located at 50th and Lexington Avenue in midtown, where guests can walk to business areas and luxury boutiques on Fifth Avenue, Park Avenue, Rockefeller Center, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

THE KNICKERBOCKER

6 TIMES SQUARE

NEW YORK CITY

Welcome to The Knickerbocker, the first luxury hotel in Times Square. Edging the bright lights of Broadway and the calm of Bryant Park, it is a legendary New York landmark reborn. Filled with fabled legends, The Knickerbocker once played host to legendary political bigwigs, actresses, oil tycoons, and sports figures—and it’s rumored the martini was invented here. While historic details like the hotel’s gorgeous Beaux-Arts facade remain unchanged, a soothing new luxury aesthetic is offered within. The stunning transformation of this treasured Manhattan monument invites discerning travelers to discover 330 luxe guestrooms and suites boasting incredible views and bespoke furnishings.   

THE RYDER HOTEL

237 MEETING STREET

CHARLESTON

The Ryder Hotel is a place to embrace a fun-loving, free-spirited side. A place where guests can nurture genuine connections. Dine in The Ryder Hotel’s earthy, sleek café to grab some morning fuel. A flavor-forward restaurant and a bar that reimagines the fine art of craft cocktails. A lush pool area to meet and chill. Discover The Ryder Hotel’s cool, casual atmosphere. The Ryder Hotel is thrilled to share that it has been named in Condé Nast Traveler’s “Hot List 2022: The Best New Hotels & Industry Openings in the World,” and voted “Top 5 Hotels in Charleston” on the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. 

THE WINDSOR COURT

300 GRAVIER STREET

NEW ORLEANS

An elegant escape in the heart of a legendary city, The Windsor Court offers the quintessential four-star New Orleans experience. Committed to classic luxury with contemporary comforts, a recent $15 million renovation included modernizations to the property and its 316 guest rooms and suites, all of which offer private balconies or bay windows with Mississippi River or city skyline views. Onsite amenities at the pet-friendly palace include an on-the-go eatery, fine dining fare – from afternoon tea to weekend brunch, a classic cocktail lounge featuring live jazz, a 65-foot saltwater pool with a cabana-style bar, and a full-service, luxury spa.

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