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NEW BOEING 737 PRODUCTION ISSUE COULD IMPACT SUMMER TRAVEL
According to Travel Pulse, Boeing continues to face challenges in the production of its 737-model aircraft series, as a result of further investigation of the January Alaska Airlines incident. Travel and aviation analyst Henry Harteveldt expressed concern over the recurring manufacturing mishaps at Boeing, stating that “there may be fewer aircraft being delivered to airlines than expected…some of those delays could possibly affect this all-important summer travel season. The FAA has told Boeing that it may not increase the production rate of the 737 MAX.” Boeing has reported that a supplier alerted the aircraft manufacturer of holes in the fuselage that were improperly drilled. Harteveldt said that rectifying the problem could result in delivery slowdowns. With fewer planes at their disposal, airlines may find that they have less capacity on some routes and need to make adjustments over the next several months.
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IATA: DECEMBER AIR DEMAND CONTINUES RECOVERY
December global air demand and full-year 2023 traffic each continued to trend towards 2019 levels, reports Business Travel News. According to IATA, December 2023 total demand increased 25.3 percent year over year and was at 97.5 percent of December 2019 levels. Demand for the full year was up 36.9 percent compared with 2022, reaching 94.1 percent of 2019 levels. "The strong post-pandemic rebound continued in 2023," IATA director general Willie Walsh said in a statement. "December traffic stood just 2.5 percent below 2019 levels, with a strong performance in quarter four, teeing up airlines for a return to normal growth patterns in 2024." All domestic markets reported increases for demand and capacity in 2023 compared with 2022. "To maximize the benefits of air travel in the post-pandemic world, governments need to take a strategic approach," Walsh said. "That means providing cost-efficient infrastructure to meet demand, incentivizing sustainable aviation fuel production to meet our net zero carbon emission goal by 2050, and adopting regulations that deliver a clear cost-benefit…We saw a strong increase in the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in 2023, but SAF is still only 3 percent of all global renewable fuels production. A massive collective effort is needed to increase SAF output as a proportion of overall renewable fuel production as quickly as possible."
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DELTA ANNOUNCES NEW ROUTES TO CARIBBEAN AND MEXICO
Delta has announced plans to serve a total of 50 cities in the Caribbean and Latin America next winter, launching service from its Atlanta, New York-JFK, and Minneapolis/St. Paul hubs to Barbados, Curacao, Mazatlán, and Puerto Plata. “Delta is establishing vital connections from Atlanta and across the US that allow our customers to reach their dream vacation destinations with ease,” said Joe Esposito, Delta’s Senior Vice President of Network Planning. “This latest schedule gives travelers unparalleled choice, with up to 1,000 weekly flights to distinctive places throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.”
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AMBITIOUS 2024 INITIATIVES PROPEL AMTRAK RIDERSHIP GROWTH
Amtrak has announced that it is executing several key initiatives in 2024 as part of their goal of doubling annual ridership to 66 million by 2040. “Amtrak has rebounded from the pandemic and is growing again as part of our plan to double ridership by 2040,” said Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner. “With funding from the infrastructure bill in hand, we and our partners are transforming intercity passenger rail across the country in a big way.” Amtrak aims to launch new and expanded services, advance safety and reliability, improve accessibility, drive economic development, and enhance the traveler experience. “Amtrak is working on two overarching objectives in 2024 – improving passenger train service for our customers and efficiently and effectively carrying out a massive major infrastructure capital program aimed to modernize and upgrade our infrastructure, stations, fleet and technology,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “As both a passenger rail service provider and a major construction company, we are quickly growing and evolving to deliver on both.”
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COURT AGREES TO EXPEDITED APPEAL OF JETBLUE-SPIRIT MERGER REJECTION
The US First Circuit Court of Appeals has agreed to an expedited ruling for JetBlue and Spirit's appeal of their rejected merger, reports Travel Weekly. JetBlue and Spirit requested an expedited appeal process so a decision could happen before the July 24 closing deadline of their merger agreement. The case is now tentatively set for June. In a January 16 ruling, US District Court Judge William Young concluded that the proposed merger doesn't meet legal standards because it would negatively affect Spirit's budget-conscious customers in nearly 300 non-stop and connecting markets around the country. The two airlines are arguing that Young misapplied the governing anti-trust law, known as the Clayton Act, by focusing too heavily on the travelers who rely on Spirit's ultralow-cost model and whether a loss of discount service could be completely replaced through a route-by-route basis. The Clayton Act, the airlines argue, is worded to prevent a substantial reduction in competition but does not require mergers to preserve the exact same level of competition.
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450 POWELL STREET
SAN FRANCISCO
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The Beacon Grand Hotel is quintessential San Francisco, symbolizing progressive thinking while also celebrating its storied heritage. Launched during the Prohibition Era as the Sir Francis Drake, the fully renovated hotel offers today’s travelers a new way to visit San Francisco. Its 418 rooms and thoughtful shared spaces bring modern design to life with restored architectural details. Over 17,000 square feet of meeting space, ideally suited to groups 150 or less. With everything from walkable shops and restaurants to cable cars outside the front door, the central and connected Union Square location is the perfect home base for exploring San Francisco.
Lawyers Travel clients receive a complimentary upgrade on bookings with stay dates from now through March 31, 2024.
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127 EAST 55TH STREET
NEW YORK CITY
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Located in the heart of New York City, the Concorde Hotel New York offers an authentic New York experience close to Central Park and New York’s finest restaurants and attractions. Limited to four rooms per floor, enjoy the intimacy and privacy the Concorde Hotel New York has to offer. Guests can enjoy the Bonsaii Tapas & Wine Bar located on the first floor of the hotel. In the morning, find coffee and light fare. In the evening, the cozy café transforms into a chic NYC wine and tapas bar. | | |
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181 CHURCH STREET
CHARLESTON
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Emeline believes business travelers should be able to blend work and play seamlessly. Emeline provides an authentic Charleston lifestyle experience with walkability to downtown shops, restaurants, and attractions, as well as the ease of access that all business travelers seek. Make Emeline a traveler’s home away from home in one of their luxurious suites. Suite options range from bi-level suites equipped with a king bed in the Maisonette Superior Loft Suite to two-bedroom in their Collective Premier Suite. Perfect for the solo traveler, Collector’s Premier One Bedroom Suite features a king bed and plenty of private space in the separate living area with sleeper sofa and dining table. | | |
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1001 SOUTH MARQUETTE AVENUE
MINNEAPOLIS
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Hilton Minneapolis is offering guests 3,000 bonus Hilton Honors points per stay through the end of March 2024! The hotel is in the heart of downtown, connected by skyway to the financial district and within convenient proximity to various travel destinations. Enjoy spacious guest rooms with modern amenities, a ride on one of their Peloton Bikes or swim in their indoor lap pool, or all-day dining and evening cocktails at Ten 01 Social. | |
LEVEL LOS ANGELES – DOWNTOWN SOUTH OLIVE | |
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888 SOUTH OLIVE STREET
LOS ANGELES
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In the city of angels, discover the suite life at Level Los Angeles - Downtown South Olive, conveniently situated in the heart of downtown Los Angeles’s South Park neighborhood. Steps away from LA Live, Crypto.com Arena, some of the city’s best restaurants and nightlife, Level Los Angeles - Downtown South Olive offers spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom accommodations boasting fully equipped kitchens, 24-hour guest services, and over 37,000 square feet of lifestyle amenities. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, be immersed in the suite life in DTLA.
Lawyers Travel clients can enjoy complimentary parking at Level Los Angeles – Downtown South Olive from January 15 to March 31, 2024.
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MARTINIQUE NEW YORK
ON BROADWAY,
CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON
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49 WEST 32ND STREET
NEW YORK CITY
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Centrally located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, Martinique New York on Broadway, Curio Collection by Hilton offers guests unparalleled access to prime shopping, restaurants, and major transit hubs. Find 3 onsite dining experiences, an expansive, 24-hour fitness center, Room Service by The Press Club Grill, and more.
For the month of February, Lawyers Travel clients can receive a complimentary next tier room upgrade and a 1PM late checkout.
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OMNI LOS ANGELES HOTEL
AT CALIFORNIA PLAZA
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251 SOUTH OLIVE STREET
LOS ANGELES
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When guests stay atop the exclusive Bunker Hill at Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza, they’ll enjoy endless possibilities for things to do in and around the hotel to elevate their experience and delight their senses. Elevate their taste buds at Grand Café and Noe, and many other culinary offerings on the Hill. Elevate their convenience and ease while they enjoy the incomparable hospitality at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza.
Lawyers Travel clients who stay between February 1 – February 29, 2024 will receive a $25 Food & Beverage credit per stay. Does not apply to groups, conventions, black-out dates, or packages; cannot be combined with other discounts.
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188 UNIVERSITY AVENUE
TORONTO
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At 188 University Avenue, where 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 into Shangri-La, Toronto. 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.” Metal peace pigeons make their way up the building and extend 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 March 31, 2024, Lawyers Travel clients will receive a complimentary next category room upgrade, subject to availability.
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Houston’s acclaimed, Lancaster Hotel redefines modern hospitality. From its collection of over 200 works by noted contemporary Texas artists to its location in the heart of the city's famed Theater District, The Lancaster Hotel exudes a warm, classic elegance. Recently named the number one hotel in Houston by Conde Nast Readers, the historic 1920s era boutique hotel enjoys a legacy of nearly 100 years of providing exceptional service and hospitality to a diverse and historic group of guests that have included actors, musicians, dancers, business and leisure travelers, writers, poets, newlyweds, circus and rodeo performers, and even a horse.
Guests of The Lancaster Hotel enjoy complimentary in-room snacks and beverages as well as a complimentary gourmet breakfast buffet, Nespresso in-room coffee, high speed Wi-Fi, nightly turndown service, and courtesy shoeshine.
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1118 NORTH STATE STREET
CHICAGO
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Located in the heart of the vibrant Gold Coast neighborhood, Viceroy Chicago represents a refined lifestyle experience, catering to both leisure and business travelers. Guests enjoy captivating views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline while surrounded with timeless elegance with modern comforts. Stylish rooms and suites, enriched by cutting-edge amenities, provide a sophisticated haven for adventurous travelers seeking an unparalleled experience in the heart of Chicago.
Viceroy Chicago’s commitment to excellence extends far beyond the guest room, ensuring an engaging stay for all guests. From thoughtfully designed meeting spaces to an award-winning restaurant, Somerset, the hotel offers design-forward settings for everything from large-scale meetings and events to the most important of intimate conversations. Regardless of the reason for visiting, guests of Viceroy Chicago will always encounter a dedicated, caring staff who meticulously craft every detail to meet the needs of today’s discerning travelers.
From February 1 – March 31, Lawyers Travel clients can enjoy a 25% discount on Food & Beverage, a complimentary room upgrade, and a 2pm check-out (based on availability).
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WALDORF ASTORIA WASHINGTON DC | |
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1100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NORTHWEST
WASHINGTON, DC
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Bringing stunning design and unforgettable experiences to Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington’s iconic Old Post Office has been reimagined as Waldorf Astoria Washington DC. The hotel features 263 elegant, restored guest rooms including a collection of luxurious one-bedroom Signature Suites. Surrounded by a soaring 9-story atrium sits the legendary Peacock Alley and The Bazaar by Josè Andrès offering a carefully curated theater of shared plates from the ground-breaking culinary artistry of Michelin-starred Jose Andres and his Josè Andrès Group team. Waldorf Astoria Spa invites relaxation and rejuvenation with six treatment rooms and a tranquil Himalayan salt therapy room. Just steps from the White House, Waldorf Astoria Washington DC is conveniently set amid DC’s greatest cultural institutions and attractions.
Lawyers Travel clients are invited to discover this unique haven with a complimentary upgrade to next room category (based on availability at check-in). Valid for stays January 1 – March 31, 2024.
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GBT Travel Services UK Limited (GBT UK) and its authorized sublicensees (including Ovation Travel Group and Egencia) use certain trademarks and service marks of American Express Company or its subsidiaries (American Express) in the “American Express Global Business Travel” and “American Express GBT Meetings & Events” brands and in connection with its business for permitted uses only under a limited license from American Express (Licensed Marks). The Licensed Marks are trademarks or service marks of, and the property of, American Express. GBT UK is a subsidiary of Global Business Travel Group, Inc. (NYSE: GBTG). American Express holds a minority interest in GBTG, which operates as a separate company from American Express. | | | | |
