SEPTEMBER 13, 2023

NORTH AMERICAN CARRIERS' AUGUST ON-TIME PERFORMANCE IMPROVES


The on-time performance of North American carriers increased 6 percentage points between July and August after slipping for two months in a row, reports Business Travel News. According to Cirium’s latest monthly report, every qualifying carrier surpassed the 60 percent marker and all but one, Alaska Airlines, improved month-over-month. The carrier with the biggest increase in on-time performance was United Airlines, jumping 10.7 percentage points to 81.6 percent, putting it in second place behind Delta Air Lines at 82.8 percent. Delta and United each made the global on-time performance list, at fifth and seventh. In July, only Delta was included, at ninth. Additionally, North American airlines in August canceled 13,008 flights, a 38 percent decrease from July's 21,131 cancellations. A flight is considered on time if the aircraft arrives at the gate within 15 minutes of the scheduled arrival time.

AMTRAK EXTENDS POPULAR ‘NIGHT OWL’ FARES BETWEEN NEW YORK AND BOSTON


Amtrak has announced the extension of its “Night Owl” fares on select Northeast Corridor (NEC) routes between Boston and New York. Additionally, the time frame for departures has been increased by two hours in order to meet the traveler demand. Night Owl fares apply for off peak hour trains traveling between Washington, DC and New York and now New York to Boston – departing between 7 pm and 7 am ET, featuring low fares for Coach tickets on Northeast Regional and other select routes. Sample one-way Coach Fares to/from start as low as $5 (Philadelphia – Baltimore/BWI; New York – Newark/EWR; Washington – Baltimore/BWI) and go as high as $20 (New York – Washington; Boston – New York). Additional restrictions, terms, and conditions may apply. 

UNITED OPENS TWO NEW CLUBS IN DENVER, INCLUDING ITS LARGEST CLUB IN THE WORLD


United Airlines has announced that it has opened its largest United Club at Denver International Airport (DEN). The new club is located in the B Concourse, offering more than 600 seats in 35,000 square feet of space across two primary levels. The lounge offers a variety of seating options on both levels, including sofas, lounge chairs, dining tables, and work nooks. Both levels also offer floor-to-ceiling glass views of the airfield, as well as a fireplace, bar, and buffet-style dining. This club is the second in a series of new locations to open at DEN, joining the 24,000 square foot United Club in the A Concourse that opened in August. "The new United Club locations are designed and operated to reflect feedback from our customers and match the way their travel has evolved in recent years," said Alexander Dorow, United's Head of Clubs & Lounges. "We're growing our hub in the Mile High City, and the expansion and renovation of United Club locations represents our commitment to Colorado and our customers' experience."

LUFTHANSA GROUP WILL INCREASE SERVICE IN US NEXT YEAR


Lufthansa Group is expanding its US presence in 2024, adding two new destinations – Raleigh-Durham, NC, and Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN – to its Frankfurt service, reports Travel Weekly. Beginning in early June 2024, Lufthansa will fly routes between Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) year-round with five weekly flights. The new service to RDU will give Lufthansa two gateways in North Carolina. Lufthansa has served Charlotte for nearly two decades, offering flights to and from Munich, Germany. Further, the carrier also will launch daily direct service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Munich Airport (MUC) for the summer 2024 season, complementing its Seattle-Frankfurt service. Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), a subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, is also expanding its US presence, launching daily flights between Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Washington, DC's Dulles International Airport (IAD) beginning in March 2024. In total, Lufthansa Group will have 27 US gateways with the addition of its new US destinations.  

WHITE HOUSE ANNOUNCES $26 MILLION IN FUNDING TO IMPROVE AVIATION SAFETY


The White House has announced $26 million in new funding to improve US aviation safety, reports Skift. According to the White House, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will spend $10 million to improve controller situational awareness and reduce runway close calls by deploying surface surveillance systems to additional airports. Additionally, the FAA will spend $8 million to expand its terminal automation system to prevent incorrect runway landings that can result in close calls, as well as another $8 million to deploy a runway incursion memory aid device used by controllers for occupied and closed runways to 72 additional airports. The device provides alerts to remind controllers to check runways before issuing clearances. Technology systems that help detect aircraft and ground vehicles at airports to prevent runway incursion are currently used at 43 US airports. That technology needs to be upgraded and extended to all other commercial airports. The US has about 500 commercial airports. 

HARD ROCK HOTEL NEW YORK

159 WEST 48TH STREET

NEW YORK CITY

Please welcome to the stage New York City’s newest and brightest star, Hard Rock Hotel New York. Located between the Theatre District and Radio City Music Hall, their legendary lineup includes extraordinary entertainment venues, 446 guestrooms and suites across 36 floors, and innovative dining. Turn up the volume on the world’s most iconic skyline from RT60 rooftop bar and lounge. Experience the best of Midtown Manhattan with Broadway, Rockefeller Center, and Fifth Avenue shopping steps away. The hotel rooms and suites connect travelers to the rhythm of the city from music-inspired soundwave headboards to the Sound of Your Stay®. Appreciate music as it was intended on a Crosley record player with Wax®, listen to music with Tracks® featuring curated playlists, or jam with Picks®. Guests can even request a Fender guitar with over-ear headphones and an amplifier be delivered to their room. These musical amenities are guests to enjoy throughout their stay.

HOTEL AKA BACK BAY

154 BERKELEY STREET

BOSTON

Hotel AKA Back Bay seamlessly blends New England charm with modern luxury, offering an enchanting stay in the heart of Boston. Each guest room and suite exude elegance, capturing the essence of the region's heritage. Among the accommodations, the King Parlor Suite and the exclusive Back Bay Suite stand out, providing a lavish retreat. The hotel's allure extends beyond its rooms, with lifestyle amenities that include a vibrant restaurant and a cutting-edge fitness center, inviting guests to immerse themselves in Boston's desirable atmosphere.


Elevating the experience is the dedicated guest services team, ready to cater to individual preferences and share local insights. Precinct Kitchen + Bar's captivating historic backdrop sets the stage for savoring classic American fare and New England seafood specialties.


Lawyers Travel clients enjoy a complimentary upgrade to the next room category (based on availability) and complimentary Wi-Fi.

INTERCONTINENTAL MIAMI

100 CHOPIN PLAZA

MIAMI

InterContinental Miami, known for its elegant design and world class water views, is celebrating 40 years on glorious Biscayne Bay. Host to rockstars and royalty, the property is renowned for its exterior LED Canvas, spacious luxury rooms and suites, and award-winning dining at celebrity chef Richard Sandoval’s Toro Toro. The hotel also houses Freddy’s, a hidden 1920s themed speakeasy; mySpa and wellness options; arts programming and other amazing amenities.


The property has just completed a $40 million dollar refresh which saw significant elevated upgrades to the 652 rooms and suites and an expansion of the Club Lounge. Drawing inspiration from the ocean and vibrant city skyline, the designed leads to elevated furnishings, spoiling in-room amenities (Nespresso machine) and zen-like spacious bathrooms. Rooms and suites range in size from 400 to 3,300-square-feet and feature whimsical décor that mirrors their magnificent ocean views. Included are the Royal and Presidential Suites, perched on the 34th floor. Perfectly designed for entertaining, these penthouse suites are bi-level with a full dining room, grand living room with natural lighting, spacious master bath and half bath. The Club Lounge, which is found on the 29th floor, has doubled in size to 3,000-square-feet and provides complimentary breakfast, Happy Hour and afternoon tea for guests staying in suites, and boasts a private conference room available to suite guests. Additionally, the hotel is providing a brand-new pool experience with 8 state -of-the art cabanas and customized service to enjoy Miami fully.

KIMPTON HOTEL MONACO WASHINGTON, DC

700 F STREET NW

WASHINGTON, DC

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington, DC is excited to welcome guests this season. Centrally located in Downtown DC – just steps from the White House, US Courts, National Mall, and many DC firms. At Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington, DC, life gets painted with a vibrant brush and a colorful palette. Nothing is ordinary in the grand downtown building, built in 1839 as the city's original General Post Office. It's since been beautifully modernized to flawlessly meld the old and the new. From the moment guests enter the welcoming living room, they’ll find that the style is eclectic, bold, and playful, and the service highly personable.  


Lawyers Travel clients will receive Complimentary Upgrade to next room category (based on availability at check in) and 1000 Bonus IHG Points per night for all stays September 1 – December 31, 2023 (must book the Lawyers Travel Rate).

ONE ALDWYCH

1 ALDWYCH

LONDON

Welcome to the cultured, independent hotel in Covent Garden; the beating heart of London life. One Aldwych is one of the very few hotels in London (or indeed the world), that can say it’s truly independent. Everything the team creates and curates is for the delight of their guests. The uplifting experience begins upon arrival at the hotel with arty, airy interiors and early morning arrivals can enjoy a delicious, complimentary breakfast giving guests time to relax ahead of check in. After settling into the surroundings, rejuvenate at the Health Club before setting out to explore. For culture and cocktails, head to The Lobby Bar to taste the Gallery Menu in the hub of an incredible art collection. The cocktails, much like the curation of the artwork, are unique, modern, and surprising and all from small British artisans.

THE FIFTH AVENUE HOTEL

250 FIFTH AVENUE

NEW YORK CITY

After a thoughtful restoration, the McKim, Mead & White mansion at 250 Fifth Avenue has been reborn as The Fifth Avenue Hotel, heralding a new era in hospitality, design, art, and gastronomy. The hotel celebrates its location’s legacy as a center of Gilded Age culture while unveiling bold new ways of looking at the world. Interiors awash in color and alive with globally sourced details by Martin Brudnizki are devoted to guests’ comfort and delight, while gastronomic experiences from acclaimed chef Andrew Carmellini are an exciting addition to the local culinary landscape. The hotel is ideally located in a neighborhood vibrant with culinary, cultural, and retail attractions, with easy uptown and downtown access. Graciously designed rooms and suites, including six with private terraces, and the hotel’s devotion to curiosity, inclusivity, and the exploration of new ideas make The Fifth Avenue Hotel a destination unto itself.

THE JOULE

1530 MAIN STREET

DALLAS

Built in the 1920s, the neo-Gothic landmark building at 1530 Main Street was originally the Dallas National Bank. It dominated the downtown skyline during a thriving era of Dallas banking and West Texas oil booms. Downtown Dallas flourished through the ’80s, but as the 20th century ended, it was a shadow of its former glory. A decade of development deals and massive renovations transformed the then-vacant bank building into a Forbes four-star boutique hotel. Aptly named after the international unit of energy, The Joule brought a charge to downtown Dallas when it opened in 2008. Through a series of further renovations and expansions as adjacent properties became available, The Joule has become a cultural, shopping, and dining destination—a forerunner in the renaissance of downtown Dallas. The rooms feature everything needed to unwind including a mini bar, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen HDTV, 300-thread count Sferra sheets, spa amenities, rainfall shower, and down pillows and comforter.

THE MAY FAIR

STRATTON STREET

LONDON

Since 1927, The May Fair has been a place where people simply want to be. With an iconic address and unforgettable charm, the hotel exudes the elegance of London’s most exclusive neighborhood.


Rest in one of the 404 spacious bedrooms and enjoy a soothing treatment in May Fair Spa. See the sights of London with a short walk to Buckingham Palace, Bond Street, Piccadilly Circus, and Soho. Sip a refreshing cocktail in May Fair Bar or make a reservation at the newly reopened May Fair Kitchen – a brand new Japanese izakaya and Italian restaurant experience. 

 

Enjoy a complimentary upgrade from a Collection Superior Room to a Collection Premium Room, valid for stays until October 10, 2023.

WALDORF ASTORIA CHICAGO

11 EAST WALTON STREET

CHICAGO

Experience the best of Chicago luxury at the newly renovated Waldorf Astoria Chicago. Located in the heart of the Gold Coast, this iconic hotel is steps away from world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment.


After a day of exploring the city, guests can relax on their private suite terrace or indulge in a bespoke treatment at the hotel's four-star Forbes-rated spa. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the hotel's restaurants, including the new Brass Tack, or unwind with a cocktail at Bernard's.


Lawyers Travel clients can make a luxury city retreat to remember and earn 3,000 Hilton Honors Points per stay now through December 31, 2023.

Facebook  Twitter  Linkedin  

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.