|
LUFTHANSA IT FAILURE GROUNDS FLIGHTS WORLDWIDE
German airline Lufthansa is ‘stabilizing’ its flight operations after a major IT outage led to flight cancellations and delays Wednesday, reports CNN. More than 200 flights were cancelled in Frankfurt Airport (FRA), one of Europe's biggest airports, after construction work had damaged the fiber optic cables of a telecoms service provider, resulting in an outage in Lufthansa’s IT system. Lufthansa has stated that it expects flights to be “largely on schedule” by Thursday. “Lufthansa’s flight operations are currently stabilizing. Departures are also possible again in Frankfurt. The company expects the situation to ease further over the next few hours,” the airline said. Most flights to Frankfurt have been re-routed to Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Nürnberg, hoping to alleviate the airport’s tarmac from filling up and causing more disruption.
| | |
|
CHINA VISA OFFICES OVERWHELMED SINCE BORDER OPENING
Processing times for visas to enter China have increased as the Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC, and consulates across the US struggle to keep up with a wave of applications, reports The Wall Street Journal. During the pandemic, China closed its physical US-based visa offices, discontinued in-person appointments, and required application materials, including passports, to be mailed in. Despite China recently reopening its borders, many visa offices remain closed, and those that are open are understaffed, leading to complications in issuing visas and delaying the resumption of international business activity. Visa agencies say it now takes two to three weeks to get a visa, compared with three to four days before the pandemic. Visa issues have also impacted holders of 10-year multiple-entry visas that haven’t expired. Before the pandemic, such visas were popular among people who frequented China to see family or conduct business activities. During the pandemic, the Chinese government suspended their use, requiring individuals to apply for separate single-entry visas to access the country. China has yet to reinstate multiple-entry visas, causing many to urge the Chinese Embassy in the US to “remove obstacles for visiting China."
|  | | |
|
SINGAPORE LIFTS COVID TRAVEL AND PUBLIC MASK REQUIREMENTS
Singapore has ended its COVID-19 testing requirement and mask mandate on public transportation, reports Skift. As of February 13, travelers who are not fully vaccinated do not need to show a negative COVID-19 test result or purchase travel insurance when visiting Singapore.
Masks are also no longer required to be worn on public transport, as government officials lowered the COVID-19 outbreak response level to “green” from “yellow," indicating the pandemic is not threatening. “Within Singapore our COVID situation has remained stable over the recent months, despite increased travel over the year-end holidays and China’s shift from zero COVID,” Lawrence Wong, deputy prime minister and co-chair of the virus taskforce, told a media briefing. Around 80% of Singapore's 5.6 million population have achieved minimum COVID-19 vaccination protection, and around half are up to date with their additional booster shots, health ministry data showed. Since April 2022, Singapore had lifted most of its COVID-19 restrictions with many international events returning to the city-state, attracting tourists and businesses. The Asian financial hub is expecting the tourism sector to recover to pre-pandemic levels by 2024.
| | | | |
|
DELTA TO ADD JFK SERVICE TO RIO DE JANEIRO AND BUENOS AIRES
Delta Air Lines has announced that it will soon offer seasonal service from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Beginning December 16, Delta will launch seasonal service between JFK and Rio Galeão Airport (GIG), operating daily on Delta’s Boeing 767-300 aircraft featuring Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort+, and Main Cabin service. The route is part of the carrier's joint venture with LATAM and is the third route announced since the partnership was approved in September 2022. The daily JFK and Buenos Aires route, which is not part of the LATAM partnership, is scheduled to begin October 28, pending government approval. It will operate with Boeing 767-400 aircraft offering the same four service options.
| | |
|
BIDEN ADMINISTRATION TO REPORTEDLY BLOCK SPIRIT AIRLINES, JETBLUE MERGER
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is likely to block the Spirit Airlines and JetBlue merger, putting the proposed $3.8 billion merger in jeopardy, reports Travel Pulse. The two carriers agreed to form what would be the nation's fifth-largest airline last summer after a months-long bidding war that began when Frontier Airlines announced plans to purchase Spirit. The DOJ could file suit as soon as March, though individuals in the DOJ’s antitrust division have competing opinions about whether to bring a case. The deal is further complicated by an ongoing lawsuit against JetBlue's Northeast Alliance deal with American Airlines. JetBlue has stated that the merger would benefit travelers, creating a "long overdue national low-fare challenger" to the Big Four airlines in American, Delta, United, and Southwest.
| | | |
|
|
181 CHURCH STREET
CHARLESTON
| |
Wake to the sounds of hooves on cobblestones. Emeline will be a gracious host. Custom linens, local flair, modern necessities. And of course, a team that embodies the epitome of grace and hospitality. Lawyers Travel clients experience the unique features and modern amenities of Emeline at an exclusive year-round rate in the Atelier Guestrooms and Artist Lofts & receive a complimentary house car & welcome cocktail at check-in. | |
|
HALL ARTS DALLAS,
CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON
| |
|
1717 LEONARD STREET
DALLAS
| |
Welcome to the award-winning HALL Arts Hotel, the only hotel in the spectacular Dallas Arts District, the largest contiguous arts district in the country. This hotel is filled with world-class art pieces at every corner, curated to have a museum feel, while being steps away from Pritzker Prize-winning architecture, exceptional art museums, and performing arts centers. The highly designed guest rooms and suites seamlessly blend beauty and practicality with thoughtful touches throughout the high-tech spaces. Ellie’s, the on-location restaurant, harmoniously balances an art-filled, modern aesthetic with great food and genuine hospitality at every table, and is complete with a lounge, formal dining area, and outdoor terrace. To elevate the guest experience is the Experience Curator, who performs exclusive in-house art tours, secures exclusive Dallas Arts District moments, and goes above any request desired. | | |
|
|
1065 PEACHTREE STREET
ATLANTA
| |
America’s favorite pastime is back in season and Loews Atlanta Hotel is the ideal home base to watch. Located in the heart of Midtown, Loews is a ball’s throw from Truist Park and steps from attractions like the Atlanta Botanical Garden and The High Museum. Fuel up for the big game or a day spent exploring Midtown at Saltwood Bar, serving hand-crafted, signature cocktails and seasonally inspired cuisine. Relax and renew at Exhale Spa, offering a full menu of therapies and award-winning fitness classes. With 414 guestrooms and 44 luxury suites, all featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, the hotel’s premier service and amenities make a visit to Atlanta a truly memorable experience. | | |
|
|
540 PARK AVENUE
NEW YORK CITY
| |
Experience the allure of Park Avenue at the iconic Loews Regency New York. The hotel’s 58 suites and six signature suites, exemplify the elegance and refinement guests expect in a first-class New York City hotel, offering more space, more seating, and more amenities. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s onsite restaurant, The Regency Bar & Grill, and Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa along with all the amenities of the Upper East Side and Manhattan right outside the doors. | | |
|
|
125 SOUTH SPALDING DRIVE
BEVERLY HILLS
| |
Mosaic Hotel’s coveted locale in the heart of Beverly Hills offers an array of attractions just steps from the front door. Once inside, the quaint setting and welcoming ambiance will make travelers feel at home. Mosaic Hotel Beverly Hills presents 49 luxuriously designed rooms and suites that are furnished with the utmost attention to detail. Mosaic is perfectly situated for all business needs offering smart business amenities, including oversized workstations, USB charging stations, an in-house business center, and more. | |
THE CHURCHILL HOTEL NEAR EMBASSY ROW | |
|
1914 CONNECTICUT AVENUE NW
WASHINGTON, DC
| |
The Churchill Hotel Near Embassy Row is a luxury, boutique-style property nestled between Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan neighborhoods. Guests enjoy being within walking distance of the metro and many trendy restaurants and art galleries that the community offers. As a member of Historic Hotels of America, guests delight in the old-world charm of the Churchill while appreciating the modern and luxurious amenities. Experience the art of personalized service and the history of Washington, DC. | | |
|
|
1515 RHODE ISLAND AVENUE NW
WASHINGTON, DC
| |
Spend the day or night in style and enjoy the sophistication, elegance and architecture that The Darcy Hotel in Washington, DC has to offer. Enjoy signature cocktails and international cuisine at Gerrard Street Kitchen. Experience comfort and style throughout the boutique hotel either by an elevated overnight stay in one of the upscale guestrooms or enjoy an event in the flexible meeting space. | | |
|
|
38 LEICESTER SQUARE
LONDON
| |
|
Welcome to an urban resort in the heart of London which opened in September 2021. Individual and intimate, yet staggering in scale, The Londoner Hotel is the world’s first super boutique hotel. The Londoner Hotel is a perfectly engineered collection of spaces, tastes, and textures brought to life over 16 stories on London’s legendary Leicester Square and is walking distance to Soho, Covent Garden, St. James, and Mayfair.
Guests enjoy 24-hour access to three beautifully designed interconnecting spaces, reserved exclusively for hotel residents to work, unwind, relax, and enjoy the art of British hospitality.
| | |
|
|
210 WEST RITTENHOUSE SQUARE
PHILADELPHIA
| |
Travelers can experience the invigorating charm and rich history of Rittenhouse Square, one of Philadelphia’s most beloved destinations. The Rittenhouse Hotel is a standout among luxury hotels in Philadelphia’s Center City, offering visitors a Forbes Four-Star experience with well-appointed rooms and suites, world-class service, and the most desirable location in town. This Rittenhouse Square luxury hotel offers personalized experiences and provides the perfect balance of sophistication and relaxation. Welcome to the Rittenhouse Hotel, a true gem among Center City, Philadelphia hotels. | | |
|
|
1118 NORTH STATE STREET
CHICAGO
| |
Seek out this stylish retreat in the Gold Coast, on the site of a 120-year-old landmark building, representing one of the finest hotels near Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. As guests relax and reconnect in a neighborhood brimming with historic homes, they’ll get a feel for the city’s rich heritage. Guestrooms open up to views of Lake Michigan and are just a short walk to Michigan Avenue, spectacular restaurants, and the shopping at Magnificent Mile that made Chicago legendary. Experience a stay at this exquisite hotel near Michigan Avenue and enjoy the best of Chicago. | | | | |
