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FLIGHTS IN AND OUT OF NEW YORK AREA DELAYED DUE TO WILDFIRE SMOKE
Heavy smoke from wildfires in Canada have impacted flights in the New York City area, causing delays at multiple airports including Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has slowed flight traffic in and out of EWR and LGA after briefly ordering a ground stop at LGA due to the smoke. The FAA is reporting that delays at EWR and LGA are between 60 and 120 minutes. Additionally, flights into Philadelphia are being impacted because of the wildfire smoke, causing similar delays. “The [FAA] will adjust the volume of traffic to account for the rapidly changing conditions,” the FAA said in a statement. The FAA also said that the extreme wildfire smoke haze lingering over the Northeast US could delay flights through Baltimore, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC.
To ensure travel plans are not disrupted, travelers are advised to monitor their flights for any changes to their itineraries during this time. Travelers can also monitor air traffic at https://www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/usmap.jsp for updates on flight delays.
Click “Read More” for additional updates as published in CNN.
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UK ANNOUNCES COST FOR NEW ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION
The UK government has announced that the cost for its upcoming Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system will be £10 (~$12.50), reports Business Travel News. The ETA is a new requirement for travelers who do not need a visa to visit the UK. The UK government said the ETA system formed part of its digitization of the country's border to "further enhance border security and the customer experience." The ETA will first launch in October for travelers from Qatar, with plans to expand worldwide, which includes travelers from the US and EU, in early 2024. Travelers will apply for an ETA online or through a mobile app, and once granted it will allow the person to visit the UK multiple times over a two-year period. Applicants will have to provide personal and biometric details including a digital photograph and answer a "set of suitability questions." Upon completion of the application, travelers will then pay the £10 fee. Immigration minister Robert Jenrick said the cost of the ETA "will be one of the best values in the world compared to similar international schemes. This small additional cost to visitors will enable us to bolster the security of the U.K. border and keep our communities safe." As a comparison, the cost of applying for a US ESTA is $21 and remains valid for two years. The EU will charge a fee of €7 (~$7.49) for ETIAS, which can be used for up to three years.
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DOMESTIC AIR DEMAND RECOVERED TO 2019 LEVELS IN APRIL
Domestic air travel demand in April increased 42.6 percent year-over-year and was up 2.9 percent from 2019 levels, reports Business Travel News. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), April’s figures represented a full recovery from the pandemic, improving on March’s domestic demand at 98.9 percent of 2019 levels. Additionally, April domestic capacity increased 42.1 percent for a 97.3 percent recovery from April 2019. April also saw international air demand grow, increasing 48 percent from a year prior and reaching 83.6 percent of 2019 levels, up from 81.3 percent a month earlier. International capacity increased 38.1 percent to within 1.3 percent of April 2019 levels. "April continued the strong traffic trend we saw in the 2023 first quarter," IATA director general Willie Walsh said in a statement. "The easing of inflation and rising consumer confidence in most OECD countries combined with declining jet fuel prices suggests sustained strong air travel demand and moderating cost pressures."
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AMTRAK APPLIES FOR $7.3 BILLION IN FEDERAL GRANTS FOR NORTHEAST CORRIDOR UPGRADES
Amtrak has announced that it has submitted applications for nearly $7.3 billion in Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) funding for 14 proposed Northeast Corridor projects to modernize critical infrastructure, improve stations, and expand service. The funding would provide the resources necessary to begin construction on several major backlog projects along the Northeast Corridor. “In order for Amtrak to continue advancing a new era of passenger rail, we must make generational investments that require federal funding,” said Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner. “Securing these grants would help reaffirm our commitment to improving and replacing critical railroad infrastructure, ensuring better service for years to come.” If accepted, the funding could also benefit several states including New York. New York Senator Chuck Schumer praised the move saying, “This funding would modernize and rehabilitate the East River Tunnel project for Long Islanders, fund Metro-North’s Penn Access project, replace the Pelham Bay Bridge, and address numerous projects needed to advance the Gateway program. I strongly support these projects which will keep New Yorkers moving, helping them live, work, and thrive.”
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SINGAPORE AIRLINES TO OFFER COMPLIMENTARY WI-FI
Singapore Airlines has announced that beginning July 1, 2023, the airline will offer complimentary unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi access for passengers in all cabin classes, including Premium and Economy, reports Travel Pulse. While many other airlines offer complimentary access, Singapore is the first to offer it to all passengers and not just those who have purchased the most expensive fares or are aligned with certain mobile carriers. “In today’s increasingly hyper-connected world, high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity is one of the most important requirements for our customers,” said Singapore Airline’s senior vice president of customer experience, Yeoh Phee Teik. “Giving them access to free unlimited [Wi-Fi] is yet another milestone in [Singapore's] continuous effort to offer an exceptional end-to-end travel experience.” Wi-Fi access will be available fleetwide except onboard Singapore's seven Boeing 737-800 NG planes, which are not Wi-Fi enabled.
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NDC MINIMUM MARKETABLE PRODUCT (MMP) FRAMEWORK
There has been a lot of buzz around airlines’ actions to drive adoption of New Distribution Capability (NDC) content in recent months. We wanted to inform you what we are doing about it as part of American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT).
Our goal is to help all parties successfully manage this industry change for the good of our clients. As part of the world’s leading travel management company (TMC), with strong partnerships and valued business travel customers, we are taking the lead in responding to the changing distribution environment. We’re focused on effectively bringing NDC-sourced content to our clients while maintaining our strong supplier marketplace. That marketplace allows us to deliver on the same high level of service and duty of care standards that you have come to expect. Click below to read more on the Amex GBT blog.
Although NDC has been billed as a standard, the 80+ airlines (out of more than 350 IATA airlines) offering NDC content are not implementing it in a standardized way. This is why we’ve developed the Minimum Marketable Product (MMP) framework for airline distribution and made it available to all, through public, open channels. It shows 162 use cases that airlines, distribution systems, and online booking tools need to fulfill before bringing NDC content into the Amex GBT marketplace.
To review what we believe is necessary to make NDC ready for corporate travel, click "Read More" to check out the MMP framework that was shared with industry partners.
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Uncover iconic. Boston Harbor Hotel’s 60 foot archway welcomes guests to a hospitality experience unlike any other. Nestled on beautiful harbor waters, this Forbes Five-Star & AAA Five Diamond urban resort pairs timeless beauty and modern elegance with a hint of magic.
Guests can rest their heads in the clouds while the bay gently waves hello and the radiant glow of downtown warms every smile. Comfort and elegance reimagined, their rooms are crafted for the modern traveler who appreciates thoughtfulness and intentionality in design.
Boasting 20,000 square feet of waterfront meeting space at the nexus of the Financial District, Boston Convention, and Exhibition Center, as well as many of the city’s key attractions and corporations, Boston Harbor Hotel is the city’s premier address for business.
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100 SOUTH GRAND AVENUE
LOS ANGELES
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Heralded by the vision of legendary architect Frank Gehry, the Conrad Los Angeles is an elegant oasis with 305 modern rooms, spanning 25 floors, a rooftop terrace with private pool deck, a full-service spa, and locally inspired dining. Framed by dramatic views of the Walt Disney Concert Hall and downtown LA, discover energizing experiences that will ignite inspiration.
Discover contemporary dining and bar options led by acclaimed chef and humanitarian José Andrés.
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101 RED RIVER STREET
AUSTIN
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Experience the luxurious offerings and dedicated service that only Fairmont Austin can provide. Enjoy exquisite dining, a pampering spa, and state-of-the-art event spaces while being only steps away from the city’s famed music scene, celebrated cuisine, expansive convention center, and diverse artistic lifestyle. | | |
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455 MADISON AVENUE
NEW YORK CITY
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Lotte New York Palace has long reigned as New York City’s most iconic and instantly recognizable hotel. A flawless address for both business and leisure travel, The Palace is a quintessential NYC experience. Home to the Villard Mansion, the historic property boasts a longstanding reputation for exceptional quality and impeccable service. The hotel is located on Madison Avenue, right in the heart of Midtown just steps from the city’s best restaurants and attractions, cultural institutions, and shopping. Lotte New York Palace is both a landmark and a luxury retreat, beloved by New Yorkers and cherished by visitors. | |
MARTINIQUE NEW YORK ON BROADWAY, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON | |
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49 WEST 32ND STREET
NEW YORK CITY
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Located between bustling Herald Square and trendy NoMad, Martinique New York is a historic landmark with classic Art Deco style accommodations and one-of-a-kind event spaces. Steps away from the Empire State Building and Macy’s Herald Square, the hotel features a spacious fitness center, grab & go espresso bar, and newly opened restaurant, The Press Club Grill helmed by Chef Franklin Becker. | |
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Omni Houston Hotel is located in prestigious uptown, near the Galleria Mall, and situated in a park-like setting. This luxurious Houston hotel offers all the comforts and amenities of a resort with the convenience of an urban setting. Guests enjoy relaxing accommodations in the city, services at the onsite Mokara Spa, two outdoor resort-style pools, local whiskey speakeasy bar, and even a nightclub at our hotel in Houston, Texas. If guests want to see what the city has to offer, endless fun and adventures await at the Houston Museum District, Theater District, and nearby parks. Travelers will find everything they want and more just a quick drive from our Galleria-area hotel.
Join Omni’s Loyalty Program, Select Guest, to take advantage of complimentary beverages, upgrades, credits towards free nights, and more.
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One Aldwych is a cultured, independent hotel at the beating heart of London life. One Aldwych’s team creates and curates for the delight of their guests, all within a singular beautiful building at the center of Covent Garden, London’s most exciting neighborhood. The uplifting experience begins upon arrival at the hotel with arty, airy interiors and a team that go the extra mile. Early morning arrivals are greeted with a delicious, complimentary breakfast giving guests time to relax ahead of check in. After settling into the surroundings, guests can rejuvenate at the health club before setting out to explore. | | |
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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 the 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. | | |
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188 UNIVERSITY AVENUE
TORONTO
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At 188 University Avenue, where the city’s downtown and Canada’s largest financial district meets the country’s most vibrant entertainment core, a polished stainless steel sculpture by Zhang Huan provides a dramatic entry for Shangri-La Toronto guests. The large-scale exterior metal sculpture, Rising, signifies the artist’s wish for “a beautiful city, with life to be shared by mankind and nature.” With metal peace pigeons making their way up the building and extending indoors to grace the hotel’s lobby ceiling and fireplace.
Moving through the revolving door at the hotel’s main entrance, guests are met with a sensory experience: the scent of Shangri-La; the sound of a Fazioli piano; and the sight of four large-scale Chinese calligraphy paintings, subtle Asian decor touches and contemporary furniture.
From now until June 30, 2023, Lawyers Travel clients will receive a next category room upgrade, subject to availability.
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140 EAST WALTON PLACE
CHCICAGO
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Summer is right around the corner in Chicago, and there’s no better place to enjoy the beautiful weather then the Legendary Drake Hotel, the only hotel with direct access to Oak Street Beach. Bask in the sun on Lake Michigan and enjoy amenities that include chair rentals, food and beverage options at Oak Street Beach Café, bike rentals, and a one-of-a-kind view of the skyline. Then step back into their historic hotel and enjoy the amenities and services synonymous with Gold Coast living, including their fitness center featuring Pelotons or Café on Oak, their breakfast nook overlooking Lake Michigan. Enjoy the hotel's famed afternoon tea service in the classic setting of Palm Court. Sip a cocktail at Coq d'Or, before retreating to a spacious and elegantly designed guestroom with deluxe bedding and marble bathrooms. Lawyers Travel clients can earn 3,000 Hilton Honors Points per stay through September 30th, 2023. | | |
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2650 VIRGINIA AVENUE NW
WASHINGTON, DC
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The Watergate Hotel’s spacious guest rooms and suites were designed for the modern traveler, with warm tones and amenities that artfully balance form and function, many with picturesque Potomac River views and private balconies. Other hotel amenities include a heated indoor saltwater pool, luxury spa, and 24-hour fitness center. Savor modern contemporary flavors at Kingbird, serving locally sourced, seasonal fare and home to The Washington Post famous $50 Peach Manhattan. Follow the amber glow and continue a meeting at The Next Whisky Bar, the ultimate destination for whiskey and cocktails, before unwinding with a customized spa treatment at Argentta Spa. Indulge in 360-degree views of the Kennedy Center and the stunning DC skyline from the award-winning Top of the Gate rooftop. | | | | |
