MAY 17, 2023

TSA USING FACIAL RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY TO SPEED UP AIRPORT WAIT TIMES


The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is continuing its pilot program for facial recognition technology at several major airports nationwide, reports Travel Pulse. The technology test programs are part of an effort to enhance security and streamline procedures as travel demand continues to surge. Travelers entering participating airports will be asked to walk up to a security checkpoint, insert their photo ID card into the machine, and look into a small camera. A TSA officer will verify the data is correct and passengers can move through the checkpoint faster than normal. TSA officials said the pilot program has yielded positive results and no major issues of discrimination based on age, gender, race, or ethnicity have been reported. “We take these privacy concerns and civil rights concerns very seriously, because we touch so many people every day,” identity management capabilities manager Jason Lim said. The facial recognition technology systems can be found in 16 airports, including in such major cities as Atlanta, Denver, Los Angeles, and Orlando.

DEPLOYMENT OF DELTA SYNC PLATFORM STARTS


Delta Air Lines has begun rolling out its Delta Sync Exclusives cross-promotional platform on domestic mainline aircraft, with plans for the platform to be available on 540 Delta planes by the end of July, reports Travel Weekly. Coupled with the recent rollout of free WiFi for SkyMiles members, Delta Sync Exclusives is part of a broader strategy at Delta to drive new SkyMiles memberships and enhance the inflight experience. To access the Delta Sync Exclusives platform, flyers use their mobile devices to login with their SkyMiles number to receive access to promotional and entertainment offerings. The platform also offers a tab called My Trip, where flyers can use the Resy platform to book restaurant reservations in their destination city. Later this year, Delta plans to expand Delta Sync Exclusives to include a personalized entertainment experience on seatback screens. For example, the system will remember where flyers left off on a movie or TV show from a previous flight.

AMERICAN AIRLINES REVEALS SUMMER TRAVEL PREPARATIONS


Summer travel season is almost here, and American Airlines is bracing for the rush, reports NBC DFW. "We expect a really busy summer," said Julie Rath, American's senior vice president of airport operations. "We've been preparing since last year.” American says it has 469,461 flights scheduled between May 25 and August 14; it expects to serve 52 million customers during that period. Rath says American has been hiring across all of its working groups, with 1,000 more people at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport alone, which is the airline's largest hub. Technology is also a big part of American's plan to keep flights on schedule. For example, a process called "smart gating" allows computers to make decisions about gate assignments for arriving flights. The goal is to save time, as less time on the taxiway saves fuel and gives passengers more time to make connections. "When you look at running an airline, seconds, minutes matter," said Rath.

UK AND US TO MEET AT SUMMIT ON SUSTAINABLE AVIATION


The UK and US will be meeting to discuss Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and reducing emissions in the aviation industry during an investment summit in Detroit, reports Airport Technology. UK Transport Secretary Mark Harper has traveled to the city to meet with his US counterpart, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, and industry representatives for the SAF Investment Summit. Harper stated, “We’ve never been more aligned with the USA on the future of aviation and what that entails – whether it’s boosting jobs, opening new trade opportunities, or delivering guilt-free air travel.” Representatives from Canada and Singapore will also be in attendance to discuss ways to speed up the development of SAFs, which are seen as a key way for the industry to move towards net-zero emissions. SAFs are fuels made from waste materials or by-products such as used cooking oil, that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% when compared to fossil fuel-based alternatives.

CHILE ENDS ALL COVID BORDER MEASURES


Chile announced on May 12 that its Protected Borders Plan—put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic emergency—has ended, reports Forbes. The end of the Protected Borders Plan means that travelers to the South American country no longer need to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test, and that random testing of travelers is no longer taking place. Requirements to visit Chile have now returned to those in place before the COVID-19 pandemic began. For travelers from many countries, that means the only requirement is to have a passport that’s valid for the duration of the visit and that has at least one blank page for an immigration stamp. Citizens of the United States traveling on a regular passport do not need a tourist visa for stays of less than 90 days.

ANANTARA PALAZZO NAIADI


PIAZZA DELLA REPUBBLICA, 48-49 00185

ROME

Become immersed in the splendor of ancient Rome in a crescent-shaped palazzo fronting the Piazza della Repubblica. Anantara Palazzo Naiadi showcases a uniquely storied history, with 19th-century marble architecture and meeting rooms suspended over the ruins of the Baths of Diocletian.

 

This palatial hotel also boasts one of the most enviable locations in the city centre, with iconic sites such as the Fori Imperiali, Via Veneto, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps, all within walking distance. After a day of exploration, return to an evening of rooftop relaxation overlooking the Eternal City.

 

The hotel features:

  • 238 guest rooms and suites
  • Historic architecture
  • Ideal central location
  • Rooftop terrace and pool
  • Pet friendly

CHURCHILL HOTEL NEAR EMBASSY ROW

1914 CONNECTICUT AVENUE

WASHINGTON, DC

Conveniently located in the nation's capital with easy access to various dining options and must-see attractions, Churchill Hotel Near Embassy Row offers charm and elegance with luxurious accommodations.

 

Inspired by the sophisticated elegance of 18th century design, Churchill Hotel's guest rooms and suites are beautifully furnished with modern accents and calming hues of slate grey and royal purple.


From Plush Pillowtop Beds to Molton Brown and Press Reader, the Churchill Hotel's thoughtfully curated collection of modern and luxurious guest amenities ensures a relaxing and comfortable hotel experience for all of our cherished guests.

FREEHAND NEW YORK

23 LEXINGTON AVENUE

NEW YORK

Located in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, Freehand New York is housed in the former George Washington Hotel—once home to many storied writers, musicians, and creatives. Designed by Roman and Williams and featuring custom-commissioned artwork by Bard College students and alumni throughout, they’re revitalizing the artistic community in a historic NY neighborhood.

 

From fitness classes to art workshops, live music and other cultural events, we've got good things happening for guests and locals almost every day of the week.

 

Broken Shaker is a rooftop retreat with breathtaking views of New York City and an eclectic menu of handcrafted drinks and light nibbles. Discover a wide range of inventive drinks made with elixirs, syrups, and infusions made with unique ingredients from all across the world.


Inspired by the electric NYC spirit, at the base of the Freehand lives Comodo – a Latin American inspired restaurant serving vibrant and bold flavors that invites travelers to get comfortable, let one's guard down, and fully enjoy.

HILTON BOSTON

DOWNTOWN-FANEUIL HALL


89 BROAD STREET

BOSTON

This AAA Four Diamond-rated hotel is inside a 1920s Art Deco skyscraper in Boston's Financial District. Eclectic dining, the New England Aquarium, and Faneuil Hall Marketplace are a five-minute walk away. It's half a mile to the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. The Fin Point Oyster Bar & Grille offers classic New England dishes and a full raw bar. Their Lounge and Bar serves appetizers alongside a long list of wines, local craft beers, and seasonal cocktails.

HOTEL EMELINE

181 CHURCH STREET

CHARLESTON

For the soulful sojourner, for the inquisitive local. For those who seek the new over the known, while wandering through the past. From our perch in historic downtown Charleston, welcome to Emeline.

 

Wake to the sound 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 Southern hospitality.

 

Start the day with a perfect cup of coffee at Clerks. Enjoy a wood fired pizza or a shared plate at Frannie & The Fox—or do the same from the room. Order a glass of wine and light bite while breathing in the fresh air in their open courtyard. Emeline has the quality to be a travelers’ culinary destination.

HUTTON HOTEL

1808 WEST END AVENUE

NASHVILLE

Just steps from famed Music Row, Hutton Hotel brings to life the creative energy that flows throughout this magnetic city. Pulsing with its own dynamic vibe and a bold new modern look and feel, Nashville’s original boutique hotel will inspire travelers to dream big.

 

Hutton Hotel immerses guests in the city’s thriving music scene and creative culture while providing ample room to savor the journey. The 250 modern guestrooms offer refined comfort with plush bedding and granite bathrooms that include rainfall showers and high-end bath amenities. Spacious suites feature prime corner locations with floor-to-ceiling windows and city views.

LIMELIGHT HOTEL DENVER

1600 WEWATTA STREET

DENVER

Formerly the Hotel Born, the new Limelight Hotel Denver begins the next chapter of Aspen Hospitality. Mixing the elevated mountain vibe of their other hotel properties with the sophistication of the Mile High City, this hotel is adjacent to Union Station offering the perfect escape in the heart of it all.

 

200 rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of either Union Station, downtown Denver or the Rocky Mountains, the Limelight Denver brings elevated casual to new heights.

 

Citizen rail is a modern take on farm-to-table cuisine. Grill-centric specials to whet one’s appetite. An animated restaurant-bar environment. Their in-house restaurant ensures that travelers won’t have to go far to have a memorable breakfast, lunch or dinner.

LOEWS ATLANTA HOTEL

1065 PEACHTREE STREET NE

ATLANTA

Situated in invigorating Midtown, Loews provides the perfect blend of modern design and southern hospitality. Their iconic Atlanta hotel is walkable to Piedmont Park, the Beltline, Fox Theatre, The High Museum, and more.

 

Hotel Highlights Include:

  • 414 luxurious guestrooms, including 44 suites
  • 40,000-plus square feet of indoor function space, flooded with natural light
  • The beautiful, famous Piedmont Park is just down the street
  • Located two blocks from the Midtown MARTA Station
  • Their restaurant Saltwood specializes in charcuterie, delectable salads, and burgers
  • exhale® Spa, a 2022 Spa & Beauty Today "Best Atlanta Spa," offers signature treatments and fitness classes
  • Travel+Leisure World's Best Award 2022 - The 5 Best Hotels in Atlanta 
  • 2022 U.S. News & World Report Gold Badge
  • Reader's Digest - 30 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Atlanta
  • Winner, 2021 World Travel Awards: Georgia's Leading Business Hotel
  • TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence: 2013 - 2021 consecutively
  •  Flavor by Loews Atlanta Hotel brings an authentically local culinary experience

MOSAIC HOTEL

BEVERLY HILLS


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 their front door. Once inside, the quaint setting and welcoming ambiance will make guests feel at home. Mosaic Hotel Beverly Hills presents luxuriously designed rooms and suites that are furnished with the utmost attention to detail.

 

This Beverly Hills hotel is perfectly situated for all business needs. Mosaic offers smart business amenities, including oversized workstations, USB charging stations, an in-house business center, and more.

 

After a day on the town, travelers can enjoy a unique dining experience at The Restaurant at Mosaic Hotel or a hand-crafted cocktail from their lobby bar.

 

In-room Features:

  • Flat Panel HD LCD televisions
  • Luxury linens and bedding
  • Minibar and Honor Bar
  • In-room Nespresso® machine
  • JBL Bluetooth in-room Speaker
  • Electronic laptop safe

OMNI SAN FRANCISCO

HOTEL


500 CALIFORNIA STREET

SAN FRANCISCO

When guests stay at Omni San Francisco Hotel, they will enjoy endless possibilities for things to do in and around their hotel. Located in the heart of downtown, on the historic California cable car line, the hotel is steps away from the financial-legal epicenter of the city, restaurants, arts districts, and all that make the city famous.

 

Ovation guests who book through the LAW rate code and stay between now through August 31, 2023, will receive a $25 Uber or Uber Eats credit per stay.

 

Does not apply to groups, conventions, black-out dates, or packages; cannot be combined with other discounts.

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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 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.