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TSA IS PREPARED FOR BUSY WINTER HOLIDAY TRAVEL SEASON
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that it expects travel volumes to be close to pre-pandemic levels during the winter holiday season, projecting the busiest days to be Thursday, December 22, and Friday, December 30. “During the Thanksgiving travel period, we saw the highest throughput volume since 2019, and we expect that trend to continue over the upcoming holiday travel period,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “We are prepared for the increased volume and expect to meet our wait time standards of 30 minutes or less in standard lanes and 10 minutes or less in TSA PreCheck® lanes.” The TSA is preparing for the busy holiday season by offering assistance via text message to travelers who have with questions about security screening. Travelers can now send a message using any mobile device to “AskTSA,” where a virtual assistant is available 24/7/365. Additionally, the TSA is also providing other tips and tricks for all travelers to help make travel easier and safer this holiday season.
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AMERICAN AIRLINES TO ENHANCE AADVANTAGE PROGRAM
American Airlines has announced that it will enhance its AAdvantage program to deliver more value for members, including new benefits and the ability to earn rewards "before, between, and beyond" status levels. Beginning March 2023, the carrier will introduce opportunities to receive benefits and earn rewards more often, such as members earning their first Loyalty Point Reward after earning only 15,000 Loyalty Points and before reaching AAdvantage Gold status. These members will receive the benefit of Group 5 boarding for the year and the choice between two Loyalty Point Rewards: priority check-in, security, and Group 4 boarding for one trip or five preferred seat coupons. As members continue to advance toward higher levels of status, they will receive new benefits such as Loyalty Points bonuses for shopping with American’s partners and status with the airline’s preferred car partner. The carrier is also removing the 75,000 limit on miles that a member could earn on a single ticket.
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DELTA EXPECTED TO LAUNCH FREE WI-FI IN 2023
Delta Air Lines is reportedly planning to make in-flight Wi-Fi free on a “significant portion” of its planes starting early next year, reports Travel Market Report. The carrier is testing out the service by providing it to select SkyMiles Member before making it standard across its offerings sometime in 2023. Travelers would likely have to log in with their Delta Skylines number in order to get online for free. The move would make Delta the first major US carrier to offer free Wi-Fi across its fleet. While some airlines do offer it already, including JetBlue Airways, most carriers have either been charging somewhere between $5 and $10 for inflight Wi-Fi or asking travelers to first watch an ad before connecting. Delta's plan to launch free Wi-Fi has been ongoing for several years. CEO Ed Bastion specifically mentioned the possibility during his keynote address at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in early 2020, and the carrier had also tested a two-week program in May 2019. Earlier this year, Delta announced that by the end of 2022, it would equip all its domestic aircraft with the level of Wi-Fi connectivity that travelers would find at home.
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AMTRAK UNVEILS VISUALS OF NEWEST TRAINS
Amtrak has unveiled the first renderings of its newest trains, the Amtrak Airo series, which are scheduled to debut in 2026 on routes throughout the United States. The new trains have been developed to enhance the traveler experience by focusing on safety, comfort, reliability, and sustainability. Enhancements include spacious interior spaces, panoramic windows, a redesigned Café Car, spacious seating, more business-class options. Increases in amenities include enhanced lighting, touchless restroom controls, dedicated individual outlets, USB ports, and onboard Wi-Fi. The Amtrak Airo series will operate on many major routes such as the Amtrak Northeast Regional, Empire Service, Virginia Services, Keystone Service, Downeaster, Cascades, Maple Leaf, New Haven/Springfield Service, Palmetto, Carolinian, Pennsylvanian, Vermonter, Ethan Allen Express, and Adirondack. In addition, the move to the new trains includes major infrastructure projects, service expansion, station upgrades, modernization efforts, and improved track capacity along the Northeast Corridor.
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AIR CANADA TO ADD MORE SERVICE TO NEW YORK CITY
In 2023, Air Canada will launch new service between New York and Canada's two most populated cities, Montreal and Toronto, reports Business Travel News. The new service will begin on March 26, with flights operating twice-daily service between Toronto's Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), as well as daily service between Montreal's Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and JFK. Each flight will operate daily by Air Canada Express on an Embraer 175 aircraft, featuring both business class and economy class seating. Additionally, Air Canada plans to inaugurate service between Toronto and Sacramento, restore service on 13 transborder routes, and increase frequency on 14 existing routes between the United States and Canada.
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CAMBRIA HOTEL HOUSTON DOWNTOWN CONVENTION CENTER | |
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1314 TEXAS AVENUE
HOUSTON
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Modern sophistication and Art Deco design collide in one of the city’s most iconic skyscrapers, the historic Great Southwest Building. Indulge in spacious suites with upscale amenities, enjoy a locally inspired meal at the restaurant, The Rig, and stay fit in the state-of-the-art exercise room, the Cambria Hotel Houston Downtown Convention Center is just minutes from downtown Houston's top attractions.
The property is located in the heart of Downtown Houston within easy reach of Minute Maid Park, the George R. Brown Convention Center, and Houston's famous Theater District.
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151 WEST 54TH STREET
NEW YORK CITY
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Guests can stay in their own New York City pied-a-terre and make today a work-from-Conrad New York Midtown day. Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, Conrad New York Midtown offers discerning business travelers a uniquely spacious and innately residential retreat. Just steps away from Central Park, Times Square, and the Midtown business district, guests will be close to work or entertainment in any direction. Guests can transform their suite into a private workplace with high-speed internet, an in-room Nespresso machine, and open space to spark creativity and brainstorm the next big idea. Celebrate a productive day with cocktails and dinner at the signature restaurant and bar, Dabble. | | |
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540 PARK AVENUE
NEW YORK CITY
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Experience the allure of Park Avenue at the iconic Loews Regency New York. The Loews Regency Hotel’s 58 suites and six signature suites, exemplify the elegance and refinement guests expect in a first-class New York City hotel, offering more space, more seating, and more amenities. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s onsite restaurant, The Regency Bar & Grill and Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa along with all the amenities of the Upper East Side and Manhattan right outside the doors. | |
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The renowned London hotel, with its distinctive charm and character, opened in 1865 as Europe’s first grand hotel, and it has accommodated royalty, foreign dignitaries, and celebrities in luxury for over 150 years.
Located at the top of Regent Street, The Langham, London offers an award-winning glamorous bar, Artesian, and a stylish restaurant, Roux at the Landau. Free Wi-Fi is available and Oxford Circus tube station is just a 5-minute walk away. Numerous shops, theaters and restaurants are in the local area.
The Langham, London’s bars and restaurants include the award-winning Palm Court, Artesian Bar and The Wigmore all overseen by culinary icon Michel Roux Jr. Guests can enjoy the property's Chuan Body + Soul Spa and Health Club, which features a 50-foot swimming pool, sauna, steam rooms, fully equipped gym, and treatment rooms.
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Located at the corner of Newbury and Arlington Streets at the city’s most coveted address, The Newbury Boston is a new luxury hotel in the heart of the destination. From sophisticated fireside cocktails at The Street Bar to rooftop dining overlooking a snow dusted Public Garden at Contessa, each stay is an experience to be savored. Heritage architecture and residential comfort envelop each exquisite guestroom and suite incorporating a calming color palette and tactile materials that are contemporary, yet reflective of the tailored Bostonian aesthetic. The lobby and public spaces feature an unmatched selection of contemporary artwork, bringing to life the building’s traditional place as a salon for the arts. In addition, guests can enjoy exclusive access to a cozy Library Lounge featuring titles thoughtfully curated by The Boston Public Library. Located just steps from myriad sites and attractions, The Newbury Boston is the perfect location for an unforgettable stay. | | |
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11 EAST WALTON STREET
CHICAGO
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Waldorf Astoria Chicago recently unveiled a significant renovation of guestrooms, lobby, and corridors. The guestrooms and suites are refreshed with white-and-black color schemes, incorporating influences from Coco Chanel's style and providing a Parisian apartment feel with warming fireplaces. The rooms have new art and furnishings, including floral-inspired upholstered headboards. Hallways and public areas blend traditional Parisian flair with modern fashion.
Kick off an evening or relax in the new lobby-level Peacock Lounge. Bernard's, a beloved cocktail lounge, has a redesigned interior and menu with a craft beverage program rooted in classic cocktails and modern iterations alongside artisanal wines and rare spirits. Building upon the commitment to culinary excellence, the Waldorf Astoria Chicago introduced Brass Tack, a signature brasserie concept drawing inspirations and ingredients from the Midwest.
Ovation clients can enjoy a city retreat and earn 2,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points per stay.
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WALDORF ASTORIA MONARCH BEACH | |
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1 MONARCH BEACH RESORT NORTH
DANA POINT
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Welcome the new year with new experiences at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach. The Resort debuted renovated guest rooms and suites showcasing Orange County’s coastal aesthetic, complemented by the finest amenities synonymous with Waldorf Astoria. The new Fireside Terrace Guest Room is perfect for enjoying wine alfresco, roasting s’mores, or simply relaxing on the private terrace. For the “work from anywhere” traveler, the renovated Deluxe One-Bedroom Suites offer a spacious living room separate from the bedroom. Beyond the guest room, the private beach club, expansive spa, championship golf course, and oceanfront dining offer endless opportunities for exploration. | |
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. | | | | |
