|
TSA AND CLEAR TO INITIATE SINGLE APPLICATION PROCESS
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is planning to incorporate CLEAR as an enrollment provider for TSA PreCheck applicants, thus launching a single, combined application process, reports Travel Pulse. "CLEAR has been on a mission to make experiences safer and easier since day one, so we’re looking forward to becoming an authorized TSA PreCheck enrollment provider to help bring TSA PreCheck enrollment to more people in more places," a CLEAR spokesperson said. The merger of the application process is a result of requirements outlined in the TSA Modernization Act and the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, and could potentially increase TSA PreCheck adoption among travelers. No further details have been released at this time, and representatives for both programs declined to discuss whether the pricing of the programs would be impacted by the application process changes.
| | |
|
UNITED TO EXPAND INTERNATIONAL SERVICE THIS SUMMER
United Airlines has announced that it will fly to 114 different international cities this summer and has expanded its international services by 25% versus last year to meet soaring overseas travel demand. "United will give travelers more options than ever before this summer – especially if they want to fly internationally," said Patrick Quayle, senior vice president of global network planning and alliances. "With unprecedented demand for travel overseas, we'll have more service to popular cities while also adding new and unique destinations for customers to explore."
Highlights of the 2023 summer schedule include:
- New service to Dubai, Malaga, and Stockholm
- Additional flights to Barcelona, Berlin, Edinburgh, Naples, Paris, Rome, and Shannon
- Almost two dozen daily flights to London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
- Service to Amman, the Azores, Palma de Mallorca, and Tenerife
- Expanded service to Australia, serving Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney
- 10 daily transpacific flights to Tokyo-Haneda, Tokyo-Narita, and Osaka
- Twice-daily flights to Seoul, South Korea, from San Francisco
- Service to Hong Kong from San Francisco
|  | | |
|
NEW CARRY-ON BAGGAGE SCREENING SYSTEM AIMS TO REDUCE TRAVELER SCREENING TIMES
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that its Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) team is developing screening technology to reduce airport security checkpoint wait times. S&T recently installed a next generation carry-on baggage screening system at Boston's Logan International Airport (BOS) to collect data about how the system operates in a real-world environment to improve the system and detection algorithms. The system, administered by S&T’s Screening at Speed Program, is intended to help the TSA cut the number of false alarms during carry-on bag screenings and reduce the time travelers spend in line waiting for their bags to be cleared. The new system allows Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) to view a 3D image of carry-on bags, identify materials inside, and recognize whether there is a threat without having to open it, reducing the number of bag inspections and speeding up the process at the checkpoint. TSA is conducting testing from now through May. The developers, Integrated Defense Security Solutions (IDSS) and Halo X-ray Technologies, aim to gather 10,000 bag scans. After the testing, there will be further opportunity to conduct additional data collection over the next two years to get the system ready for certification testing before the technology is transitioned to TSA.
| | | | |
|
FBI WARNS TRAVELERS ABOUT JUICE-JACKING HACKING SCHEME AT AIRPORTS AND HOTELS
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning to travelers about “juice jacking,” a scheme used to steal information from phones while they charge at public stations at airports and in hotels, reports Travel Pulse. The FBI said travelers should avoid using free charging stations in “airports, hotels, or shopping centers” due to concerns that hackers would use the public USB ports to “introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices.” To offset the possible issues associated with the charger scam, travelers are advised to bring a portable charger or external battery, carry a charging-only cable, and avoid plugging devices into public wires. Last year, research conducted by cybersecurity company NordVPN revealed that one in four travelers have been hacked while using public Wi-Fi on their travels abroad. Most of those attacks occurred while travelers were in transit at airports, bus stations, or train stations.
| | | | |
|
DELTA IS ADDING 15,000 MORE PREMIUM SEATS THIS SUMMER
Delta Air Lines Chief Executive Ed Bastian has said that the carrier will have premium seats on every plane it flies starting this summer, reports Skift. Delta said it will offer 15,000 more premium seats a day across its network this year versus the pre-pandemic period. By next year, premium seats will account for 30% of seats on Delta’s flights, up 2 percentage points from 2019. The mix is set to further increase when Boeing 737-10 planes, which are scheduled for delivery in 2025 and will have around 35% premium seats, are part of the fleet. This growth comes at the expense of low-fare basic economy seats, which now make up less than 5% of Delta’s seats. Delta believes that adding more premium seating will attract travelers who are willing to pay for something other than just a seat, helping drive up its profits. Bastian said contribution from premium cabins to Delta’s revenue is expected to increase by one to two percentage points each year for the next several years.
| | | | |
EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON SEATTLE-TACOMA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | |
|
5920 WEST VALLEY HIGHWAY
SEATTLE
| |
“Suiten” your stay with convenience all around. Combined with the brand’s renown amenities and located two miles east of I-5, 10 minutes from the airport, and six minutes from Tukwila Station, which provides direct links to downtown Seattle, guests will find convenience all around when they visit Embassy Suites Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. | | |
|
|
1001 S MARQUETTE AVENUE
MINNEAPOLIS
| |
Hilton Minneapolis is offering guests 3,000 bonus Hilton Honors points per stay through the end of June. The hotel is located in the heart of downtown, connected by skyway to the financial district and within convenient proximity to various destinations. Enjoy spacious guest rooms with modern amenities, a ride on one of their Peloton Bikes, a swim in our indoor lap pool, or all-day dining and evening cocktails at Ten 01 Social. | |
HILTON NEW YORK TIMES SQUARE | |
|
234 W 42ND STREET
NEW YORK CITY
| |
Enviably located at the crossroads of Broadway and 42nd Street, Hilton New York Times Square is just steps away from New York City's top attractions. Soaring 44 stories high above Midtown Manhattan, guests will enjoy incredible skyline and Hudson River views, with select rooms looking out to the iconic New Year's Eve ball drop. | |
|
Luxury reimagined at the InterContinental Miami. With distinct Atlantic Ocean and glistening skyline views, InterContinental Miami has begun a $36-million renovation that will transform the resort’s 653 guest rooms—including 22 suites and two presidential suites—along with the enhancement of the hotel’s 29th-floor Club Lounge, delivering accommodations fused with the aquatics and arts of Miami. The refresh is slated to be complete by summer 2023.
Upgrades include enhanced technology in all new redesigned rooms, as well as completely reimagined guest bathrooms with white subway tile and oversized walk-in showers.
InterContinental Miami will debut the new DayLife Cabanas. The rooftop poolside oasis is being transformed to feature eight private cabanas, along with an exciting new pool bar experience at the property’s rooftop poolside oasis.
The hotel also released its new activity programming InterAct @ InterCon, including complimentary hotel events to the guests, like free Salsa Lessons, Noche de Arte (interactive art night) or a sunset yoga class on the rooftop greenspace.
| | |
|
|
950 COCONUT GROVE DRIVE
CORAL GABLES
| |
|
Refined hospitality awaits at Loews Coral Gables. Experience the elevated hospitality of Loews Coral Gables Hotel this season. Located in the heart of The Plaza Coral Gables, the newest Loews Hotel features 242 elegant guestrooms, luxe amenities, and a rooftop pool. From art festivals to major league baseball, F1 Miami Grand Prix, and more, the hotel is the ideal place to call home in Miami. Savor local flavors in four restaurants and lounges: Americana Kitchen, Americana Bar, Miami Joe Coffee Co., and Phineas, the 9th floor rooftop lounge. Retreat to The Spa for restorative wellness offerings. Explore the area with easy access to the iconic Miracle Mile, just four blocks from the hotel, and The Plaza’s high end retail, premium dining and collection of public art.
Ovation clients can enhance their Loews Coral Gables Hotel stay with exclusive perks including a complimentary upgrade and late check-out (based on availability).
| |
|
Pan Pacific London, the luxury hotel located minutes from Liverpool Street Station and key London landmarks, has retained its coveted status as a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Awarded property for 2023. Forbes Travel Guide, the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas, recently announced the recipients of its 2023 Star Awards, with Pan Pacific London having maintained the highest-level accolade.
Since opening its doors in September 2021, Pan Pacific London has established itself as a leading luxury hotel in the market, bringing its signature Singaporean style and hospitality to the heart of the city. Graceful and luxuriant, the hotel fuses together meaningful design, boundary-pushing wellbeing, and a myriad of dining and drinking destinations.
| | |
|
|
495 GEARY STREET
SAN FRANCISCO
| |
|
The Clift Royal Sonesta is located in the heart of downtown San Francisco within the Union Square area. The hotel is surrounded by world-class restaurants, high-end shopping, the famous Cable Car line just two blocks away, and the arts and theater district.
The historic hotel is 107 years old and completed a top-down renovation in January of 2020. The Clift boasts 372 guestrooms of which 100 are spacious suites for upgrades.
Ovation clients that book now through June 30th and stay now through September 30th (for 2 nights or more), receive: a $40 Food and Beverage Credit and an Upgrade to Executive Level (and higher, if available). Blackout Dates do apply: April 23-26; July 11-12; and September 11-12.
| | |
|
|
88 WALL STREET
NEW YORK CITY
| |
A vibrant oasis nestled in the heart of the Financial District, The Wall Street Hotel is designed to be an escape from the neighborhood’s fast-paced energy and a destination to rediscover its Old World charm. Made with the modern traveler in mind, the hotel offers 180 rooms from intimate kings to opulent suites, each outfitted with heated bathroom floors, Frette linens, and access to concierge services. Most recently, they debuted their largest offering, The Great Pearl Suite, ideal for VIP stays or intimate meetings. The all-day Lounge on Pearl, in-room dining services, and signature restaurant, La Marchande, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, are curated by Michelin Chef John Fraser. Known as the "jewel box," the 15th-floor private event space includes a lounge, bar, and wrap-around terrace featuring skyline and harbor views, making it perfect for every celebration. | |
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. | | | | |
