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TSA IS PREPARED FOR RECORD TRAVELER VOLUMES OVER THE JULY 4TH HOLIDAY PERIOD
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is preparing for a record-breaking Independence Day holiday travel period and sustained higher summertime traveler volumes at airport security checkpoints nationwide. TSA anticipates the busiest travel days will occur from Thursday, June 29, through Wednesday, July 5, with an estimated total of 17.7 million travelers screened. The peak travel day of the holiday period is expected to be Friday, June 30, with TSA expected to screen approximately 2.82 million individuals. Friday’s travel figure would surpass the current single day travel record since Friday, June 16, where TSA screened nearly 2.8 million travelers. “TSA is staffed and ready for the increasing travel volumes during this holiday travel period with the technologies and resources for improved security effectiveness, efficiency and passenger experience at security checkpoints,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “We expect that passenger volumes will continue to grow, and we will continue to work with our industry partners in the transportation network to meet our passenger throughput standards of 30 minutes or less in standard lanes and 10 minutes or less in TSA PreCheck® lanes. We met these standards over 98% of the time so far this year.”
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HEATHROW AIRPORT STRIKES CALLED OFF AFTER PAY DEAL
Security workers at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) have called off strikes after voting to accept a pay deal, reports BBC. Approximately 2,000 members of the Unite union were prepared to strike on 29 days throughout summer if an agreement could not be reached. Unite staff at LHR had previously said they would postpone industrial action on June 24 and 25 as a "gesture of goodwill" after "extensive talks" between workers and management. The union said that workers had voted to accept a pay increase worth between 15.5% and 17.5% depending on their band. A Heathrow spokesperson said, "We are pleased to confirm Unite members have voted to accept a two-year above-inflation pay deal, ending the current dispute and allowing the strikes to be called off. We can now move forward together and focus on delivering an excellent summer for our passengers." Workers had already staged 18 days of strikes in recent months, and while management said it would be able to keep operations running smoothly despite walkouts over the summer, there was growing concern that LHR would experience similar disruptions as much of Europe did in 2022 when labor shortages caused long delays at several airports.
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US ONLINE PASSPORT RENEWAL WILL AGAIN BE AVAILABLE LATER THIS YEAR
The US State Department has stated that they plan on reopening the online passport renewal program later this year, reports Travel Market Report. The online passport renewal portal (OPR) was first launched as a pilot in February 2022 for government employees and contractors, and then expanded to the public in August 2022. Since then, more than 565,000 passports have been renewed by the online system. The State Department closed the OPR in March, stating that, after the first few pilot programs, it would be making improvements to the system “to optimize the user experience for renewing passports online.” Once the department reopens the portal, about five million Americans will be able to renew their passports each year, which would represent two-thirds of all renewals and roughly 25% of all applications. “In time, OPR will save Americans time and effort, making it more convenient to renew their passports,” a spokesperson said.
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MORE THAN 9,000 US FLIGHTS DELAYED OR CANCELED AFTER SEVERE STORMS
Powerful storms throughout the US have caused more than 9,000 flights to be delayed or cancelled on Tuesday, with the possibility of more delays and cancellations throughout the rest of the week, reports CNN. Data from FlightAware reports that over 7,300 flights within, into, or out of the US were delayed Tuesday and more than 2,100 were canceled. On Tuesday night, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented temporary ground stops for flights going to all three major airports in the New York metro area. The average delays leaving LaGuardia Airport (LGA) were more than two hours, according to an FAA advisory, and more than four hours for flights bound to the airport. While weather is part of the reason for the flight disruptions, a lack of adequate staffing at the air traffic control centers run by the FAA and a lack of capacity at US airlines also had an effect. These issues make it difficult for the system to handle disruptions caused by bad weather, and for travelers to find seats on new flights when their original flight is canceled. The head of United Airlines blamed the FAA’s air traffic controller staffing problems for “unprecedented challenges” this past weekend that impacted “over 150,000 customers on United alone.”
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UNITED ADDS DISRUPTION MANAGEMENT FEATURES TO APP
United Airlines has launched new features in its mobile app for travelers to manage delays and cancellations, reports Business Travel News. The feature notifies travelers by text when a flight is canceled or delayed by more than 60 minutes, either via link or directly in the mobile app if the traveler's reservation is already loaded in it. From there, travelers can see whether they've been rebooked already or see rebooking options as well as see the status of checked luggage and any eligible vouchers for hotels, meals, or rideshare service if available, according to United. Travelers also can connect to customer service via call, text, or video chat within the app. The update "offers more transparency, saves time and reduces stress for our customers, and it shortens lines at customer service desks so our employees can better assist passengers with complex issues or questions," according to United chief customer officer Linda Jojo.
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COMO Metropolitan London is positioned on Old Park Lane in Mayfair, opposite Hyde Park. Bond Street, Belgravia, Knightsbridge, and Piccadilly are within easy walking distance. COMO Metropolitan London has 144 rooms and suites that feel both contemporary and timeless — they are sophisticated, and entirely welcoming, each room a serene hideaway from London's bustle. Brick Street and Hertford Street Residences are also located adjacent to the hotel for long-stay guests and families who prefer larger spaces with a home from home feel. Their hotel balances the contemporary and the timeless: cool, sophisticated yet entirely welcoming. | |
EVEN HOTEL PITTSBURGH DOWNTOWN | |
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425 FORBES AVENUE
PITTSBURGH
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Just steps from Pittsburgh's Market Square, EVEN® Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown keeps guests close to all the action. Walk to a Penguins game at PPG Paints Arena, jog through Point State Park, or head to Heinz Field, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Head to the Duquesne Incline on Mount Washington for great views of the city and visit the Phipps Conservatory for a calm oasis in the city.
Stay fit at their Pittsburgh downtown hotel which offers great amenities to help guests stay healthier while traveling. They offer a state-of-the-art fitness studio, in-room fitness equipment, and fresh, healthy entrees at their restaurant, EVEN Kitchen & Bar.
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2100 WEST END AVENUE
NASHVILLE
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They certainly didn’t invent Southern hospitality at Loews Vanderbilt, but some might say that they’ve elevated it to an art form. Guests feel their special brand of graciousness in the warmth of the smiles they get when they check-in—and see it in touches like a complimentary shoeshine or when they fix up that button that’s missing on a guest’s favorite dress shirt. Of course, it goes without saying that Loews Vanderbilt has a knowledgeable concierge who can assist with things like tickets to tour the historic Ryman Auditorium, singer-songwriter nights at a listening room, or transportation to the airport. | |
An artful coexistence of historic and modern, Lotte Hotel Seattle is a luxurious gem that honors the Emerald City’s storied heritage through a distinctly opulent vision—one that’s been intentionally imbued into every aspect of their hotel, from the way their spaces were crafted to the sense of intentionality felt in every interaction. The hotel’s past-meets-present spirit is captured in the juxtaposition of its striking exterior, a modern glass skyscraper almost seamlessly joined to the Sanctuary, one of Seattle’s most treasured historic landmarks. From the mind of world-renowned French industrial designer Philippe Starck come signature twists, from windows unexpectedly placed above bathroom sinks to full-length arched mirrors designed to spark a sense of self-reflection. Lotte Hotel Seattle quickly took its place among the city’s premier hotels, becoming the only West Coast hotel named in the “Best New Hotel” category of USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. If guests dream of a Seattle hotel with a view, their downtown jewel’s Elliott Bay vistas won’t disappoint. | | |
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27 GRAND STREET
NEW YORK CITY
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Set against the backdrop of SoHo’s iconic cast-iron buildings and cobblestone streets, ModernHaus is a gathering place for urban travelers—and a thoughtfully designed extension of their neighborhood’s creative and dynamic spirit. Artworks from some of the most influential figures of the past century grace their walls: George Condo, Harland Miller, Jean Dubuffet, KAWS. It’s their homage to their neighborhood’s artistic past and an inspiring canvas for a thoroughly modern stay.
Fusing art and craftsmanship, their 114 guestrooms and suites, as well as Jumpin Jacks breakfast and cocktail bar, are modern tributes to Bauhaus design. Clean lines, functional shapes, and ornamental forms set the scene for artful lounging, while residential touches and sumptuous amenities offer home-like comforts.
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420 PARK AVENUE SOUTH
NEW YORK CITY
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Royalton Park Avenue combines luxury and trendiness, in the center of the city’s most influential happenings. The hotel’s central location in the heart of Manhattan, NoMad offers every convenience for guests ready to explore. An oasis of casual comfort where guests can find tranquility, rest, and relaxation just steps from all the action. Inside the hotel’s stunning all-glass building, visitors find an inviting spaciousness and warm residential ambiance that makes them feel at home on Park Avenue. The designer lobby scene features the Parisian-chic showpiece of a Roche Bobois Mah Jong sofa, bringing dramatic flair and pattern to the space.
Boasting 249 luxury rooms and suites, most with lofty ceilings, Juliet balconies, and five fixture bathrooms – the property perched on the corner of 29th Street and Park Avenue couldn’t be more centrally located. Royalton Park Avenue welcomes guests of all abilities. The property descriptions aim to allow any visitor to make an informed decision on whether the hotel is an appropriate choice for their needs.
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SOFITEL WASHINGTON, DC LAFAYETTE SQUARE | |
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806 15TH STREET NW
WASHINGTON, DC
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Sofitel Washington, DC Lafayette Square is a stunning boutique property offering luxurious accommodations in Downtown DC. Drawing inspiration from both the local culture and the French art de vivre, here guests find a celebration of innovation as well as luxurious touches and design details. Whether guests are leading a brainstorming session for a close-knit team or presenting a new product to dozens of delegates, Sofitel Lafayette Square has the right space for them, with six stylish meeting rooms accommodating anywhere from two to 200 attendees. With a business center, state of the art gym, and only steps from the White House and historic monuments, Sofitel Lafayette Square provides French hospitality with a modern twist. | |
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SONESTA
FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH
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999 N FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH BOULEVARD
FORT LAUDERDALE
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The sun. The surf. The soft, sandy beach—all just steps away from the laid-back sophistication of Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach. Stay close to the Galleria Mall, Port Everglades, Las Olas Boulevard, and more. Find stylish guest rooms and suites with spectacular ocean views at their beach resort. Enjoy generous amenities including a full-service beachfront restaurant, 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space, business and fitness facilities, and an outdoor pool.
Their Fort Lauderdale Beach resort offers spacious guest rooms and suites that exude an elegant beach and yacht club feel. Guest rooms blend traditional styling with contemporary flair. The design touches are inspired by the natural sand patterns of Florida’s beaches, while warm fabrics and wood accents provide a soft and casual echo of the ocean waters. Deluxe bedding in a contemporary and stylish setting provides a restful night’s sleep. Generous in-room amenities are designed to make this Fort Lauderdale visit a memorable experience.
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206 6TH AVENUE
DES MOINES
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At Surety Hotel in downtown Des Moines, they combine modern elegance with nods to their roots as the Savings & Loan building in every room. Each detail and amenity have been thoughtfully considered for guests’ comfort and delight. Their hotel rooms boast remarkable views of downtown Des Moines, designed with a nod to midcentury modern elegance and filled with local amenities from some favorite Des Moines makers. In the private bar find Mo Crack Pretzels, Almost Famous Popcorn, Old Station Craft Meats Snack Sticks, Des Moines IPA, and Revelton Liquors, to name a few. | | |
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11 EAST WALTON STREET
CHICAGO
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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, relax on a 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 September 30th.
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1143 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVENUE NW
WASHINGTON, DC
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This Bohemian-inspired hotel in Washington, DC warmly invites guests to make themselves at home. Yours Truly DC is part of IHG’s Vignette Collection hotel – and showcases a nonconformist nature. From the moment guests put down their bags, they'll feel settled and at ease at the hotel near Georgetown. Make this corner of DC yours, truly. | | | | |
