FEBRUARY 9, 2022

Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines have announced plans to merge, combining two of the largest low-cost carriers into a unified airline, reports Travel Weekly. Under the agreement, Denver-based Frontier would become the dominant partner in the deal, controlling 51.5% of the combined carrier. The carriers said the combined airline would offer more than 1,000 daily flights to over 145 destinations in 19 countries. The merger would also make the carrier the fifth largest in the US, behind only American, Delta, United, and Southwest. “This combination is all about growth, opportunities and creating value for everyone – from our guests to our team members to the flying public at large,” Spirit chairman Mac Gardner said in a prepared remark. “We’re a perfect fit – our businesses share similar values, including our longstanding commitment to affordable travel. At the same time, we have complementary footprints and fleets, including one of the youngest and greenest fleets worldwide.” The name of the combined company, as well as its branding and the location of its headquarters, are to be determined by a committee prior to closing.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced that Australia will reopen its borders to fully vaccinated travelers this month, reports Travel Market Report. Beginning February 21, travelers who have received a full dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine will be allowed to enter Australia for the first time since March 2020. Upon arrival, travelers must hold a valid Australian visa, be able to show proof of vaccination at entry, and present a negative rapid or PCR COVID-19 test taken within 24 hours of departure. The visa process is the same as it was pre-COVID, can be approved electronically, and is valid for up to 90 days. The Prime Minister added that any "state-based cap arrangements on arrivals and the state-based quarantine arrangements will continue," and it will be up to local regulators to adjust those as they see fit. Western Australia, for example, still has a 14-day quarantine requirement in place for all international arrivals, including seven days in hotel quarantine. Non-fully vaccinated travelers will still need a valid travel exemption to visit Australia and will be subject to quarantine requirements for unvaccinated travelers.

France has announced plans to lift its current COVID-19 testing protocols for fully vaccinated international travelers arriving in the country, reports Travel Pulse. This decision makes France the latest European country to loosen travel restrictions, approximately two weeks after the UK eliminated its testing requirements for eligible fully vaccinated travelers. According to Local France, local media outlets are reporting that government officials will formally reveal the COVID-related changes for travelers who received an approved vaccine next week. Currently, vaccinated travelers arriving in France from other European Union and Schengen Zone countries do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test. Visitors from the United States, Canada, and other non-EU nations must show a negative test taken within 48 hours. While the changes will make it easier for vaccinated travelers to travel to France, the current regulations for unvaccinated travelers are expected to remain the same. Once in France, all travelers will need a vaccine pass to access venues such as bars, cafes, ski lifts, and long-distance trains. Booster shots will also be required to acquire the vaccine pass.

American Airlines has announced that it will restore hot meal service later this month, reports MSN. The carrier confirmed to travel website and blog, The Points Guy, that hot meals would officially start rolling out once again across its short-haul network beginning on February 16. Starting on the 16th, domestic first-class travelers, along with individuals flying to Canada and Puerto Rico, on flights longer than 1,500 miles can expect:
  • Warm mixed nuts
  • New cold and hot entrees for breakfast
  • Salad, appetizer, and choice of hot entrée for lunch and dinner
  • Sorbet or ice cream cup or fruit and cheese plate for dessert

By the end of the month, the new first-class meals will roll out to US, Canada, and Puerto Rico routes between 900 and 1,499 miles long. For flights shorter than 900 miles, American will continue to serve flyers a choice of pre-packaged snacks from a basket. Additionally, American stated that it is switching up its menu to include items such as grain bowls and entrée-size salads. Along with the new domestic first-class menu, the carrier is also going to restart its pre-order meal option in April, which allows travelers to select their preferred meal choice between 30 days and 24 hours before their flight. American becomes the last of the big three carriers to bring back hot meals. Delta announced its plan back in January, while United resumed serving hot meals in June 2021.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has added seven more destinations to its Level 4 travel warning list, bringing the total number of countries and territories at high risk to 134, reports CNN. The seven new destinations added are Armenia, Cuba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Israel, Japan, Libya, and Oman. Last week, the CDC added 12 countries to its Level Four: Very High COVID-19 advisory list. The CDC places a destination at Level 4 when more than 500 cases per 100,000 residents are registered in the past 28 days. The CDC advises travelers to avoid travel to Level 4 countries. Additionally, the Department of State updated its travel advisory list, adding 12 destinations to “Level 4: Do Not Travel.” The locations added to Level 4 include Anguilla, Belarus, Brazil, Ecuador, Kosovo, Mexico, Moldova, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, and Singapore.
CORINTHIA HOTEL LONDON
WHITEHALL PLACE
LONDON
Located just minutes from Trafalgar Square and St James’ Park, the hotel stands proudly between The City’s financial center and the vibrant West End. The 283 fully air-conditioned rooms and suites range from 485 square feet to 5,000 square feet, making them one of London’s most spacious accommodations. Travelers receive complimentary access to the thermal floor at ESPA Life by Corinthia and 24-hour access to the gymnasium.

The immaculately restored Victorian façade is home to no less than seven Penthouses that offer the extraordinary, breath-taking views across the London skyline and come with exclusive perks such as a personal butler, car with a driver and of course, the discreet satisfaction of residing in one of London’s most sought-after addresses.
EMBASSY SUITES WASHINGTON, DC - CONVENTION CENTER
900 10TH STREET NW
WASHINGTON, DC
Situated in DC’s City Center, in the epicenter of historic DC neighborhoods Shaw and Penn Quarter, Embassy Suites Washington, DC - Convention Center provides convenient access to DC’s top attractions. Discover DC’s National Mall, monuments, and museums and enjoy upscale dining, shopping, and theater, all within walking distance. Completing a multi-million, top-to-bottom renovation by May 2022, the hotel features a sleek, sophisticated design, immersed with inspiration from DC’s rich history and culture.

A modern retreat in the heart of the city, experience spacious two-room suite accommodations and daily complimentary services including, cooked-to-order full American breakfast and evening reception. The ideal location for both business and recreation, offering 11,000 square feet of meeting space, on-site restaurant, pantry, laundry, fitness center, and indoor pool.
LOEWS SANTA MONICA BEACH HOTEL
1700 OCEAN AVENUE
SANTA MONICA
Situated where the coast meets the city, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel is one of Los Angeles' most celebrated beachfront hotels offering impeccable views of picture-perfect sunsets and the historic Santa Monica Pier. This luxury, family-friendly hotel offers 347 guest rooms and suites that were inspired by its coastal location and the laidback Southern California lifestyle. Guests can soak up the sun or relax and unwind at the hotel’s award-winning pool deck, which features poolside bites and beverages by Blue Streak Restaurant, and 13 campfire-inspired fire pits with premier oceanfront views. The hotel also features a For Five Coffee Roasters shop for on-the-go meals and snacks as well as any sundry needs, an expansive fitness center, indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces, a pop-up gift shop and immediate proximity to Santa Monica's iconic attractions.
SONESTA DENVER DOWNTOWN
1450 GLENARM PLACE
DENVER
Ovation travelers will make the most of their Denver visit with a complimentary room upgrade, based on availability at the time of booking, and daily Full American Breakfast at the Sonesta Denver. This exclusive offer is valid for stays through April 2, 2022.

The hotel is in the main financial, commercial, business, and entertainment district in downtown Denver. Guestrooms offer a variety of views and plenty of room for work and relaxing. Guests appreciate on-property amenities such as free Wi-Fi, collaborative workspace in the lobby, dining in the Lockwood Kitchen & Bar, a 24-hour market, fitness center, and garage parking.
THE PENINSULA NEW YORK
700 FIFTH AVENUE AT 55TH STREET
NEW YORK CITY
Book a stay at the Peninsula New York and take advantage of Peninsula Time – a program that allows for fully flexible check-in and check-out times. With Peninsula Time, guests can arrange to have their room ready as early as 6:00 am on their arrival date and check out as late as 10:00 pm on their departure date. During their stay at The Peninsula New York, indulge in locally sustainable cuisine at Clement Restaurant and rooftop drinks at the hotel’s winter igloo, Chalet de Ning. Escape to the award-winning The Peninsula Spa for a Signature Deep Tissue Massage, aromatherapy treatments from Australia's Subtle Energies, and facials by the French luxury skincare line Biologique Recherche. Guests can enhance their luxurious spa experience with use of Fitness Center, steam room, saunas, and indoor pool.
YOTEL BOSTON
65 SEAPORT BOULEVARD
BOSTON
YOTEL Boston is centrally located on Seaport Boulevard with easy access to the US District Court, Financial District, airport, and public transportation. Known for its high-tech, low-touch guest experience, and adaptable design, guests can enjoy a seamless travel experience that includes self-check-in stations and YO2D2 concierge delivery robot.

The hotel boasts two restaurants, Komyuniti and Deck 12. Street-side, Komyuniti is fully immersed in the buzzy Seaport scene with indoor and outdoor spaces, fit for enjoying crave-able eats, craft cocktails, and local brews. Perched above the city with ideal views of Boston’s downtown and waterfront, Deck 12 is the fun go-to year-round rooftop serving a rotating series of seasonal dishes and drinks.

Within its restaurants and additional meeting spaces, YOTEL Boston features flexible layouts for all of today’s unique meetings and events needs, from adaptable areas within Komyuniti restaurant to Studio A and Studio B meeting rooms and Deck 12’s rooftop Sky Cabin.
Ovation Travel Group is wholly owned by American Express Global Business Travel (GBT). GBT is a joint venture that is not wholly owned by American Express Company or any of its subsidiaries (American Express). “American Express Global Business Travel”, “American Express", and the American Express logo are trademarks of American Express and are used under limited license. “American Express Meetings & Events” is a division of GBT.