MAY 24, 2023

MEMORIAL DAY AIR TRAVEL EXPECTED TO TOP PRE-PANDEMIC NUMBERS


Memorial Day weekend, considered the unofficial start of the summer travel season in the US, is shaping up to be one of the busiest on record, reports CNN. More than 42 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more over the holiday weekend from Thursday, May 25, to Monday, May 29. That is a 7 percent increase over 2022. The jump is being seen across the board from air travel to road trips, trains, buses, and more. Air travel is expected to be up by 11 percent over last year, with 3.4 million people expected to fly over the holiday weekend. That figure exceeds 2019 levels by 5.4 percent or 170,000 more air travelers. This Memorial Day weekend could be the busiest for airports since 2005, and overall, it is expected to be the third busiest Memorial Day period since 2000. The overall number of expected travelers is just 1 percent below 2019 levels.

JUDGE RULES AGAINST AMERICAN AIRLINES AND JETBLUE PARTNERSHIP


A federal judge has ordered American Airlines and JetBlue to dissolve their Northeast Alliance partnership within 30 days, ruling in favor of the US Department of Justice in a lawsuit against the alliance, reports Skift. The Justice Department sued to stop the deal in 2021 and was joined by six states and the District of Columbia. In his ruling, US District Judge Leo Sorokin said the partnership “substantially diminishes competition in the domestic market for air travel.” JetBlue said it was disappointed with the decision and that the “Northeast Alliance has been a huge win for customers” by extending the airline’s low fares “to more routes than would have been possible otherwise.” American said, “The court’s legal analysis is plainly incorrect and unprecedented for a joint venture.” It added that the alliance “has been a huge win for customers and anything but anticompetitive.” Both airlines said after the ruling they were evaluating their next steps.

UNITED BECOMES FIRST US AIRLINE TO ADD LIVE ACTIVITIES FOR IPHONE


United Airlines has announced that it is the first US airline to support Live Activities for iPhone, giving travelers real-time access to their boarding pass, gate and seat number, and countdown clock to departure time on their Lock Screen or while unlocked in the Dynamic Island on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, all without opening the United app. "We're seeing soaring demand for travel this summer, and Live Activities puts all the flight information you need right at your fingertips, whether your iPhone is locked or you're doing something else like checking email, listening to music or texting friends," said Linda Jojo, Chief Customer Officer for United. "This new feature is another way United is leveraging technology to improve our customers' travel journey. It's going to save passengers a lot of time, and we think they're going to love it, especially during a busy travel season." Support for Live Activities has started to roll out to United travelers and will be widely available by the end of May. To experience the new features, travelers should verify that their iPhone is running iOS 16.1 or later and the United app is up to date.

AMTRAK LAUNCHES NEW ACELA FIRST CLASS DINING MENU


Amtrak, in partnership with STARR Restaurant Group, has announced the launch of an all-new, premium Acela First Class dining menu on trains traveling on the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington, DC. Travelers in Acela First Class will enjoy a rotating selection of new signature dishes from STARR Restaurant Groups’ renowned Northeast Corridor-based eateries, including fan favorites like Buddakan’s Black Pepper Beef and The Continental Mid-Town’s Chilled Sesame Noodles. First Class travelers can also enjoy Amtrak’s upgraded wine offerings, including Pommery Champagne, Justin Sauvignon Blanc, Landmark Pinot Noir, and Daou Rosé. For those traveling in the morning, a line-up of local bakeries will deliver fresh baked pastries daily. Amtrak has also worked to upgrade the food and beverages for travelers at Amtrak’s Moynihan Train Hall Metropolitan Lounge, through new café menus on the Northeast Corridor, and most recently at other Amtrak Metropolitan Lounges through its food and beverage partner, Aramark.

EMIRATES TO EXPAND NEW PREMIUM ECONOMY CABIN IN US


Emirates plans to expand its premium economy cabin in the US this summer, reports Business Travel News. The carrier has already begun offering premium economy cabin on flights between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and both John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) earlier this month. The airline is also expected to introduce the service on Houston flights in June and Los Angeles flights in July. The premium economy service includes wide cream leather seats with extra legroom, raised cushioned leg rests, reusable amenity kits, 13.3-inch HD TV screens, Bluetooth connectivity, "higher-speed" Wi-Fi service, and an "elevated dining experience," according to the carrier. Emirates plans to offer the cabin on routes to 10 cities globally by the end of 2023. Other destinations for which it currently is available include London, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, and Christchurch. 

LOEWS MINNEAPOLIS HOTEL

601 N 1ST AVENUE

MINNEAPOLIS

Whether visiting for business or pleasure (or even both), Loews Minneapolis Hotel is a home base in the Twin Cities. Located just steps away from Target Field, enjoy a grand slam stay at Loews Minneapolis Hotel.


Hotel Highlights:

  • Named the top hotel in the state of Minnesota by both the US News & World Report and MSN
  • Named by US News and World Report as one of the top luxury hotels in the country for 2017
  • 251 newly renovated guestrooms and suites
  • Located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, minutes from the city’s best shopping and entertainment and walking distance to Fortune 500 companies via Skyway
  • 15,000 square feet of stylish function space
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi in every guest room—and in public spaces

LUMA HOTEL TIMES SQUARE

120 WEST 41ST STREET

NEW YORK CITY

Amidst the buzz of Midtown, LUMA Hotel Times Square is an enigma - providing a quiet stylish escape right in the middle of the action. Just steps away from Times Square and Bryant Park, it’s the perfect hub for your New York City adventure; with stylish space perfect for dining, drinking, connecting, and relaxing. 


Bright, innovative, and inviting, LUMA takes a modern approach to hospitality and illuminates guests with dynamic energy and an independent spirit. AperiBar, a Charlie Palmer restaurant in the heart of the hotel, offers a chic-Italianesque gathering spot offering small and large plates perfect for sharing and lingering at the table over wine or an aperitif.


Their contemporary rooms surpass the New York City hotel experience. Come home to contemporary amenities and spacious comfort. Relax or work with natural light filtering through large windows and soft uplighting, showcasing dramatic art.

OMNI LOS ANGELES HOTEL

251 SOUTH OLIVE STREET

LOS ANGELES

Sitting atop Bunker Hill, Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza features luxurious accommodations and modern conveniences to exceed the desires of today’s business and leisure travelers. Their downtown Los Angeles hotel rises 17 stories and reflects the sophistication of the city while offering an outdoor heated lap pool, spa services, fitness center, two restaurants, and an exclusive Executive Club Floor and Lounge. Iconic staples like Grand Central Market, The Broad Museum, and Angels Flight Railway are just a few steps from their LA hotel. For a quick daytrip, visit Universal Studios, Hollywood, Santa Monica, or Beverly Hills, all just a ride away.

SALAMANDER WASHINGTON, DC

1330 MARYLAND AVENUE SW

WASHINGTON, DC

Prominently located along the capital’s revitalized Southwest waterfront, Salamander Washington, DC exudes a refined sense of style in picturesque setting, with beautifully appointed rooms and sweeping views of the nation’s capital. Nestled between the National Mall and the Wharf DC, the hotel is home to the city’s finest spa, offering a range of restorative therapies, a heated lap pool and state-of-the-art Fitness Center. The Lounge, located adjacent to the hotel’s lobby, is a vibrant living room overlooking the Garden Patio. With seating both indoors and outdoors, The Lounge offers curated seasonal fare and signature cocktails. 


Ovation clients will receive a complimentary welcome beverage for stays in May and June. 

SIGNIA BY HILTON SAN JOSE

170 MARKET STREET

SAN JOSE

A new way to travel. Signia by Hilton San Jose offers an unsurpassed level of comfort and sophistication in the capital of Silicon Valley. Stays are complete with vibrant dining options, a 4,000+ square foot fitness center with a sauna and steam room, an elegant rooftop pool, and a destination bar. Guest rooms feature full sized work desks, residential style fixtures, in-room Nespresso coffee machines, and oversized windows. Nearby museums, dining, entertainment, and hiking or biking trails are perfect to enjoy during downtime or extended stays. From now until July 31, 2023 receive a $20 dining credit per day when booking with Ovation. 

THE FAIRMONT DALLAS

1717 AKARD STREET

DALLAS

The Fairmont Dallas is ideally located in the heart of the downtown Dallas Arts District, surrounded by an array of fine-dining restaurants, shopping, arts and entertainment. Combining the elegance of classic hospitality with an authentic Texan flair, this iconic luxury hotel is located a few blocks from the Central Business District, less than one mile from the world-famous Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, chronicling the life, death and legacy of President John F. Kennedy, walking distance.


A retreat in the heart of the city; each one of The Fairmont Dallas' 545 elegant guestrooms and suites enjoy sweeping views of downtown Dallas while adorned with all the modern conveniences needed for a home away from home. Cosmopolitan pleasures, gracious service and authentic Texan flairs work hand in hand to provide a unique luxury experience.

THE RITTENHOUSE HOTEL

210 W RITTENHOUSE SQUARE

PHILADELPHIA

Experience the invigorating charm and rich history of Rittenhouse Square, one of Philadelphia’s most beloved destinations. Stay at The Rittenhouse Hotel, a standout among luxury hotels in Philadelphia’s Center City, offering visitors a Forbes Five Star experience with well-appointed rooms and suites, world-class service, and the most desirable location in town. From fine dining culinary experiences and impeccably tailored events to our relaxing atrium pool and rejuvenating treatments from the spa, this Rittenhouse Square luxury hotel offers personalized experiences and provides the perfect balance of sophistication and relaxation for families, business travelers, and romantic vacationers alike. 

VICEROY CHICAGO

1118 NORTH STATE STREET

CHICAGO

A stylish retreat in the Gold Coast, Viceroy Chicago sits 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, one will feel for the city’s rich heritage. Their 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.


Discover rooms that inventively redefine mid-century modern glamour. There are 180 guestrooms, including 18 suites. Intrigue is apparent: Striking gold and black accents look retro-chic against the backdrop of the city, viewed through floor-to-ceiling windows.


Set on the 18th floor, Devereaux, the rooftop lounge, offers craft cocktails and delicious bites with views of the city.

WALDORF ASTORIA ATLANTA BUCKHEAD

3376 PEACHTREE ROAD NE

ATLANTA

The Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead hotel’s location in Atlanta’s stylish Buckhead neighborhood places travelers in the center of the city’s cultural, dining, and fashion scenes. The boutiques and restaurants of Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square are a five-minute walk away, and their indoor pool, Waldorf Astoria Spa, and private English gardens provide a tranquil escape. Stays includes a personal concierge to ensure that stays are unforgettable.


Brassica, open throughout the day, serves an elegant menu of French brasserie classics reimagined with a fresh, Southern twist. With the added glamour of its intimate bar, serving flawless cocktails amongst lively conversation, this is Atlanta’s first destination for lovers of impeccably fine food and good times.

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