TSA PREPARES FOR BUSY LABOR DAY HOLIDAY TRAVEL PERIOD
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that it expects to screen more than 14 million travelers during the Labor Day holiday weekend from Friday, September 1, through Wednesday, September 6. The agency projects that Friday will be the busiest day, with over 2.7 million travelers expected to pass through security checkpoints. “We anticipate this Labor Day holiday weekend will be busy, with passenger volumes nearly 11% higher than last year—volumes that already exceeded 2019 Labor Day holiday travel volumes,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “We are prepared for the increase in travel volumes and are working closely with our airline and airport partners to make sure we are maintaining wait time standards of 30 minutes and under for standard screening lanes, and 10 minutes and under for TSA PreCheck lanes. There are occasions where wait times may be longer, so we encourage you to arrive early, pack your patience and reach out to us before arriving to the airport if you have any questions on our security procedures or items you may bring.” During the summer travel period, TSA has screened roughly 227.5 million travelers, an average of 2.5 million per day. These figures are higher than 2019 during the same period, making 2023 the busiest summer travel period on record.
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HUNDREDS OF FLIGHTS CANCELED AS HURRICANE IDALIA DISRUPTS AIR TRAVEL
Flights across Florida continue to be disrupted as Hurricane Idalia makes landfall along Florida's Gulf Coast, reports CNN. Several airports briefly closed, including Tampa International Airport (TPA), St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE), and Tallahassee International Airport (TLH). TPA is reopening to inbound flights Wednesday afternoon and should be fully reopened Thursday. The airport said that it “sustained minimal damage” from the storm. PIE also plans to reopen Wednesday afternoon. Flight tracking website FlightAware shows that Southwest Airlines’ schedule is the most affected, with 220 cancellations and 300 delays. American, Delta, and United are also impacted, with about 700 delays combined and roughly 330 cancellations. Although about one in every six flights nationwide touches a Florida airport, airlines have successfully minimized the impacts so far. The major carriers each canceled fewer than 5% of their flights as of Wednesday morning. The impact to travelers is expected to shift northward by the end of day Wednesday, FAA officials noted, with potential disruptions affecting Charlotte, NC. Several airlines, including Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United, have issued advisories to travelers heading to airports in Idalia’s path, allowing travelers to make changes for free within an allotted time.
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UK AIRLINES AND AIRPORTS REACT TO NATS TECHNICAL ISSUE
Airlines and airports in the UK have been bringing operations back to normal after a technical issue in the nation's air traffic control system caused delays and cancellations to hundreds of flights earlier in the week, reports Airport Technology. While the issue has been resolved by the British National Air Traffic Service (NATS) and flights are returning to normal levels, travelers may still experience residual delays and cancellations as airlines bring staff and aircraft back in line with schedules. "It will take some time for flights to return to normal," NATS operations director Juliet Kennedy said. "We will continue to work with the airlines and the airports to recover the situation." Gatwick, Edinburgh, and Belfast International Airports said that they are planning on running to a normal schedule but that travelers should still check with their airlines about possible changes to their flights. On the airline side, Ryanair, Europe’s biggest airline, has said that it would be operating a normal schedule starting Wednesday, while British Airways said it is working hard “to get back on track” and had offered travelers flying short-haul routes to change their flight dates free of charge.
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DELTA OPENS NEW SKY CLUB AT NEWARK AIRPORT TERMINAL A
Delta Air Lines has announced the opening of its new Delta Sky Club Terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). The 7,000-square-foot space seats more than 200 guests (an increase of 50 from the former Terminal B Club) and includes views of the newly built Terminal A and airfield. The lounge is an open-air space, but features several acoustic systems designed to absorb the outside sounds of the airport. There's a premium bar, beverage station, buffet, four all-gender bathrooms, and amenity zones for mobile work. “This lounge is a true product of its environment – both in the airport and the surrounding Newark area,” said Claude Roussel, Vice President, Sky Clubs and Lounge Experience. “Our team has used thoughtful design touches to create a welcoming, relaxing space in the middle of a busy terminal. We can’t wait for Newark guests to discover this lounge for themselves and experience our signature Delta Sky Club hospitality.” The new Sky Club at Terminal A is the fifth Delta has opened this year, joining new clubs at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Kansas City International Airport (MCU), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP).
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FAA INVESTS $121 MILLION FOR RUNWAY COLLISION AVOIDANCE
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded more than $121 million to airports across the US to fund measures aimed at reducing the risk of runway incursions, reports Business Travel News. The funds will be used to move, rehabilitate, widen or build taxiways, install new lighting systems, and construct new connector taxiways, according to the FAA. Additionally, the FAA announced it would hold runway safety meetings at approximately 90 airports by the end of September. The meetings are held annually at each airport with a control tower and "are the primary forum for pinpointing and addressing airport-specific risk in the surface environment." The result of the meetings is a plan in which "stakeholders document and agree to pursue specific actions to improve surface safety." The FAA issued a call to action in February and held a safety summit in March following a "string of incidents." This resulted in the FAA undertaking a series of safety initiatives that included investing more than $100 million at 12 airports to reduce runway incursions, issuing safety alerts and campaigns, and forming an independent safety review team to further examine ways to enhance safety and reliability in the air traffic system. The latter is to complete its work by October and present recommendations on how the agency can advance air traffic safety.
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950 MASON STREET
SAN FRANCISCO
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World-renowned, Fairmont San Francisco presents the grandeur of luxury with the best panoramic views in the city coupled with a reputation for impeccable service to deliver a truly memorable experience. Known for prestige and heritage, this grand, centrally located property has hosted some of the most influential meetings and events and personalized occasions of the century.
Take in San Francisco’s most breathtaking vistas from the hotel’s commanding and coveted location atop stylish Nob Hill. Choose from 606 graceful rooms and suites: the sophistication of the iconic Main Building to the celebrated panoramic views of the 23-story contemporary Tower Building.
Enjoy full-service amenities with dining options including onsite restaurants and in-room dining, a wide array of business services such as Wi-Fi, audio visual, unique meetings spaces, and more. The grandest of stays begins with Fairmont San Francisco.
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131 MADISON AVENUE
NEW YORK CITY
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Luxury NYC accommodations located in the trendy and desirable neighborhood of NoMad on Madison Avenue and 31st Street, the Hotel AKA NoMad offers an elevated urban experience that combines sophisticated style, thoughtful design touches, and residential comfort in the heart of the Design District. 178 comfortable guest rooms and 15 suites with balconies or terraces offering elegant furnishings and serene bathrooms. Hotel AKA NoMad offers a curated array of premium services and amenities, including a world-class wine bar and lounge, a Technogym fitness center, private terrace cinema and library, and an exclusive mezzanine restaurant serving a European-style breakfast. | |
HOTEL MONTERA MADRID, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON | |
C. DE LA MONTERA, 47, 28013
MADRID
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The Hotel Montera Madrid, Curio Collection by Hilton, is a clear benchmark for casual luxury in the capital of Spain, which just opened its doors recently in April as the first 5 stars Hilton hotel in the city.
A unique concept developed by the internationally acclaimed interior designer Lázaro Rosa Violán. The hotel has 93 rooms, 8 of them spacious and bright suites with unbeatable views of Madrid’s Gran Vía and Montera street. On the rooftop of Hotel Montera Madrid, Curio Collection by Hilton, the city’s skyline merges with the vibrant life of the two streets that surround the building. On the rooftop, guests have access to the pool/solarium, Balinese beds, and the option of tapas and cocktails at El Cielo de Chicote, their famous cocktail bar.
Guests receive a complimentary welcome drink at Hotel Montera Madrid, Curio Collection by Hilton.
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1065 PEACHTREE STREET NE
ATLANTA
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Located in the heart of Atlanta’s most walkable neighborhood, Loews Atlanta Hotel fuses southern hospitality with sophisticated style in the city’s vibrant arts district. The contemporary glass building towers 26 stories amid Midtown’s architectural skyline and encompasses 414 modern guestrooms – including 44 suites, all of which feature floor-to-ceiling windows. Savor fresh, regional ingredients prepared to perfection at Saltwood Restaurant, inventive craft cocktails at Saltwood Bar, handcrafted sandwiches, pastries, and coffee at their grab-and-go Market Eleven, and gourmet offerings through In-Room Dining. Their award-winning Atlanta hotel is walkable to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine, Fox Theatre, and the critically acclaimed Woodruff Arts Center campus, which is home to High Museum of Art, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and Alliance Theater. Spanning the entirety of the seventh floor, exhale® Spa is guaranteed to please whether guests are here to indulge or challenge themselves to a total-body sweat session – Loews guests receive exclusive benefits. | | |
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500 CALIFORNIA STREET
SAN FRANCISCO
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When guests stay at Omni San Francisco Hotel, they’ll enjoy endless possibilities for things to do in and around this hotel. Located in the heart of downtown, on the historic California cable car line, guests are steps away from the financial-legal epicenter of the city, restaurants, arts districts, and all that make the city famous and their stay an exceptional, seamless visit.
Lawyers Travel clients who stay now through September 30, 2023, will receive one $25 Uber/Uber Eats credit per stay. Valid for reservations booked under Lawyers Travel rate code only. Does not apply to groups, conventions, or packages; cannot be combined with other discounts.
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THE BENJAMIN
ROYAL SONESTA HOTEL
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125 EAST 50TH STREET
NEW YORK CITY
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Classically Now. Classically New York. The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel exudes old-world Manhattan with oversized rooms and suites (many with kitchenettes, living rooms, private terraces, and connecting rooms), providing a sense of sophisticated glamour in New York City.
Situated on the corner of 50th and Lexington Avenue in midtown Manhattan, The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel offers quick access to the best luxury boutiques along Fifth Avenue, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Fortune 500 headquarters.
The unique Rest & Renew program, curated by sleep medicine expert, Dr. Rebecca Robbins, provides solutions and tools to ensure the best possible night’s sleep. Their sleep program includes a ten-choice pillow menu, on-demand meditation, sleep masks, ear plugs, blackout curtains, noise machines, and a bedside reading program.
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THE CHURCHILL HOTEL NEAR EMBASSY ROW | |
1914 CONNECTICUT AVENUE NW
WASHINGTON, DC
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The Churchill Hotel Near Embassy Row is easily accessible to Washington, DC's Union Station, a major hub for travelers from other cities on the east coast, as well as by the Washington Metro subway trains and local buses. The hotel's central location near attractions, business centers, institutions, and universities is unbeatable. Filled with a mixture of historic landmarks, interesting museums, significant memorials and monuments, and a vibrant nightlife, the city is a dynamic urban center for commerce, culture, and entertainment. Inspired by the sophisticated elegance of 18th century design, the guest rooms and suites are beautifully furnished with modern accents and calming hues of slate grey and royal purple. | |
Guests find themselves at the intersection of two worlds, steeped in playful art deco glamour, The Dagny Boston is a place for play, purpose, and endless possibilities where downtown Boston and the financial district converge.
Located on their highest floors, each of their Premier King rooms comes with a view to match with full or partial views of Downtown Boston or the Boston Harbor. Infused with timeless allure, these elevated escapes are dressed in Art Deco details and outfitted for comfort. Enjoy a host of elevated amenities, like a modern workspace for tackling that to-do list and a floor-to-ceiling marble bathroom with luxurious bath products.
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237 MEETING STREET
CHARLESTON
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An inviting oasis in the heart of downtown Charleston, The Ryder Hotel is a boutique escape-meets-experience with a pool, coffee bar, and tropical bar made for the independent, fun-loving, and creatively curious spirit in any traveler. Artisanal details and a fresh, modern design conjure the wild beauty of the Lowcountry coast. The Ryder is an antidote to the ordinary – warmly welcoming and nurturing genuine connections – and engaging neighbors and explorers near and far.
The Ryder has been named in Condé Nast Traveler’s “Hot List 2022: The Best New Hotels & Industry Openings in the World,” and voted “Top 5 Hotels in Charleston” on the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.
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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. | | | | |