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THOUSANDS OF SOUTHWEST FLIGHTS AFFECTED BY TECHNICAL ISSUE
A technology failure caused a one-hour nationwide stoppage of Southwest's flights on Tuesday, just months after a software problem stranded thousands of travelers over the winter holiday, reports Reuters. Southwest flights resumed Tuesday afternoon after a vendor-supplied computer network firewall went down in the morning and connection to some operational data was "unexpectedly" lost. Still, the carrier saw nearly 47 percent of its flights delayed in the aftermath of the issue. "This is another demonstration that Southwest Airlines needs to upgrade their systems and stop the negative impacts to individual travelers,” said Senator Maria Cantwell in a statement. The carrier has been scrutinized ever since a staffing crisis due to bad weather during the Christmas holidays overwhelmed its crew scheduling software, disrupting travel plans for 2 million travelers. As a result of the software issue, Southwest executives committed to upgrading the company's systems and enhancing their internal processes to manage unexpected operational issues. The airline also slashed executive compensation in response to the winter operational failures.
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UNITED ANNOUNCES LARGEST SOUTH PACIFIC EXPANSION EVER
United Airlines has announced the largest South Pacific network expansion ever to and from the continental US, including the first non-stop flight between San Francisco and Christchurch, New Zealand. Beginning December 1, United will offer three times weekly non-stop flights on its Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Christchurch International Airport (CHC). The carrier is also adding new direct flights from Los Angeles to Brisbane and Auckland, as well as increasing service to the region from its San Francisco hub with daily flights to Brisbane, twice daily flights to Sydney, and flying larger aircraft to Melbourne. "This past winter, United enhanced our network and became the largest carrier to the South Pacific region. Now, this upcoming winter, we will expand even further," said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances. "Our strong partnerships with Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia provide unparalleled connectivity, and with our historic expansion across five destinations in New Zealand and Australia, United is the clear choice for customers' travel to the region."
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ALASKA AIRLINES TO STREAMLINE CHECK-IN PROCESS, REMOVE KIOSKS
Alaska Airlines has announced that it will begin removing check-in kiosks as part of its plan to streamline the check-in process and make the traveler experience in the airport lobby more efficient, reports Condé Nast Traveler. The airline will start to phase out the kiosks at its five main airports - Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Anchorage - hoping to completely remove all those kiosks by the end of 2023. “We realized the majority of our guests were doing most of the kiosk actions on their own phones, and we could reduce the congestion in our airports,” Charu Jain, Alaska Airlines senior vice president of innovation and merchandising, said. The removal of the kiosks is part of the airline's larger plan to streamline the check-in process. Over the next three years, Alaska will spend $2.5 billion on improvements, which include rolling out new Bag Tag stations with iPads for travelers to scan their boarding pass and print luggage tags and more automatic baggage drops. The carrier says its goal is to get travelers through the check-in process and into the security line in five minutes or less.
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STATE DEPARTMENT MAKES SOME PROGRESS ON REDUCING VISA WAIT TIMES
The US State Department has made some progress reducing visitor visa wait times to the US, reports Business Travel News. According to the US Travel Association (USTA), the State Department has reduced visa wait time from India by nearly 50 percent in recent weeks. India is one of the US’s top source markets experiencing long visa processing times, as applicants have dealt with delays as long as 669 days. The USTA credits the recent reduction to the department's actions of increasing consulate staffing and expanding operating hours at consulates to include Saturdays. Despite these improvements, USTA said there is still much work to do to improve US visitor visa processing in other important source markets. Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico - three of the top inbound markets - are experiencing wait times of 511 days, 752 days, and 590 days, respectively. The State Department has put in place initiatives in those countries similar to the ones it put in India. USTA said the long wait times will cut into the travel marketshare for the US, as many of the largest inbound markets requiring visas to the US are not required to obtain visas to travel to Canada, the European Union, or the United Kingdom.
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TSA AWARDS UP TO $1.3 BILLION FOR AIRPORT CT X-RAY SCANNERS
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has placed three orders totaling $1.3bn for CT scanners, reports Airport Technology. According to the TSA, the new scanners could be deployed as early as this summer. “These CT units represent sophisticated technology that helps our professional, dedicated and highly skilled workforce detect new and evolving threats to improve aviation security,” said TSA administrator David Pekoske. “Deploying these units across our security checkpoints as expeditiously as possible will also improve checkpoint efficiency and the passenger experience.” The algorithms and 3D rotatable images on the new CT scanners will assist operators in detecting explosives and other prohibited items. The TSA is aiming to replace older versions of X-ray scanners at airports.
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EVEN HOTEL NEW YORK MIDTOWN EAST | |
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221 EAST 44TH STREET
NEW YORK CITY
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Just a short walk from Grand Central Station and Bryant Park, EVEN Hotel New York Midtown East provides an unrivaled location in New York City. Venture out to the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) for the latest exhibits or stroll through Central Park. Watch the perfect sunset at the top of the One Vanderbilt Observatory and the iconic Empire State Building nearby. This Midtown Manhattan hotel also offers premium amenities, such as a state-of-the-art Athletic Studio featuring Peloton bikes, in-room fitness equipment, and delectable healthy entrees and organic cocktails at our restaurant, EVEN Kitchen & Bar. With contemporary guestrooms, sparkling city views, and a fresh perspective on wellness, EVEN Hotel New York Midtown East is the ideal place to stay. | |
INTERCONTINENTAL NEW YORK TIMES SQUARE | |
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300 W 44TH STREET
NEW YORK CITY
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Escape the bustle of New York’s streets in the serene surroundings of the Intercontinental New York Times Square hotel. The epitome of modern glamour, our hotel is LEED-certified, with design highlights that include a sculpture garden and tree-inspire columns. Find ease in chic accommodations, including sleek and spacious guest rooms and newly renovated studio suites while sipping a signature cocktail in The Stinger Cocktail Bar and Kitchen before stepping out into the heart of Manhattan. Indulge our services including our elaborate minibar program, in-room dining, and 24-hour fitness center.
InterContinental New York Times Square is pleased to offer Ovation clients $35 Food & Beverage credit, daily breakfast for two, and complimentary room upgrade based upon availability.
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15 E STREET NW
WASHINGTON, DC
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Premier Capitol Hill DC Hotel. In the nation’s capital, the character remains rooted in the rich history. George Washington would send a nod of approval toward this capital Washington, DC hotel that has been created in his name. Whether for work or play, travelers become immersed in the hotel’s historical downtown location, just a stone’s throw away from Union Station and a short walk from the Capitol Building and countless Smithsonian museums. Visit the famous neighbors, the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, or delve into the local scene at Eastern Market. Located near DC’s top Law Firms, find out why the Kimpton George is one of the top rated hotels in DC on Trip Advisor. | |
KIMPTON HOTEL MONACO DENVER | |
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1717 CHAMPA STREET
DENVER
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Bold and inviting, stylish but warm, Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver delivers signature Kimpton service, luxury amenities, a convenient downtown location, and richly renovated guest rooms. Whether hitting the slopes, doing business, or checking out Denver’s dynamic, up-and-coming neighborhoods, this is the ideal retreat. Guests will be enchanted by the hotel’s spectacular living-room lobby, authentic Italian cuisine from Panzano, and nightly wine social hour. In the chic, newly updated rooms, guests can relax in style, and the friendly staff will make guests feeling perfectly at home. | | |
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546 CARONDELET STREET
NEW ORLEANS
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Maison de la Luz is a distinctive and private guest house from Atelier Ace. A place for reverie and proper Southern swoon, for prophetic visions or quiet inspiration, Maison de la Luz finds beauty in the curious and defines luxury as moving through the world with grace.
With 67 resplendent suites, private sanctuaries and bespoke concierge service, Maison de la Luz is a lighthouse for the senses, reverent of elegance, irreverent of convention and is marked by generosity of spirit. Designed in partnership with Studio Shamshiri, Maison de la Luz is a discrete refuge from the bustle of the city and the home of the distinguished Bar Marilou, created in partnership with Parisian hospitality group Quixotic Projects.
Guest suite options boast spacious tall ceilings, grand windows flooding in natural light, luxurious soaking tubs and showers, marble vanities, and bespoke amenities. High-touch details, bed sets with a custom crest, and generous closet space. Old world luxury makes room for modern conveniences with state-of-the-art technology.
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OCEANA SANTA MONICA, LXR HOTELS & RESORTS | |
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849 OCEAN AVENUE
SANTA MONICA
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Mere steps from the Pacific Ocean, nestled in a discreet nook of Santa Monica’s most coveted neighborhood, travelers arrive at what is the beach home of everyone’s dreams. Santa Monica's Hotel Oceana is a suites-only boutique destination that delivers impeccable sophistication at every turn, best-in-class service, and intimate access to the abundance of adventure essential to SoCal living. Oceana’s luxury seaside suites indulge beachside fantasies with every detail and amenity selected to fulfill, anticipate, and inspire guests’ desires. The hotel’s intimate restaurants are an ode to art and artisans, fusing local flavors with culinary excellence for an elegant expression of Southern California cuisine. | |
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THE CHARTER HOTEL SEATTLE,
A CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON
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The spirit of independence and bold design makes The Charter Hotel Seattle a true standout in Downtown Seattle. Modern design and elevated décor that is full of authentic charm and character. The gateway for all of Seattle’s best adventures, this boutique hotel in downtown Seattle offers luxurious accommodations, unparalleled details, artisanal dining, fitness and wellness center, and 10,000 square feet of event space, embodying the chic style and electric vibe that makes Seattle so special. | |
Old Love, New Flame. Originally opened in 1927 as one of the first Ritz Carlton hotels in the US, this iconic Boston landmark has made her long-awaited debut as The Newbury Boston in spring of 2021. In the heart of Back Bay directly across from the beloved Boston Public Garden. The property’s dramatic public spaces, 286 redesigned guestrooms (including 90 suites), 16,000 square feet of stunning event space, and new food and beverage experiences in partnership with Major Food Group, the restoration of the beloved Street Bar and the highly anticipated, newly opened rooftop restaurant Contessa, have been mindfully restored. | |
THE ROYAL SONESTA WASHINGTON, DC DUPONT CIRCLE | |
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2121 P STREET NW
WASHINGTON, DC
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An upscale experience at The Royal Sonesta Washington, DC Dupont Circle. Tucked inside the cosmopolitan Dupont Circle neighborhood, this boutique hotel offers tastefully appointed guest rooms and specialty suites. After a long day of meetings or work, unwind in the seasonal outdoor pool or at the state-of-the-art fitness center. With more than 10,000 square feet of flexible space, the hotel can also accommodate meetings and events of all kinds. Long Live the Guest at The Royal Sonesta. | | |
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PATRIOT SQUARE, BETHNAL GREEN
LONDON
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Town Hall Hotel is a London hotel, offering a delightful dose of approachable luxury, a place of charm and character. This exquisite building has been the beating heart of the area for over 100 years.
The hotel is home to two Michelin star restaurants. At Da Terra, guests can enjoy 5 -10 course tasting menus of Brazilian cuisine with an Italian twist, by Chef Rafael Cagali, matched with wines by an expert sommelier. While Restaurant Elis offers a more relaxed interpretation, serving rustic sharing dishes along with a selection of quality wines. In addition, Silk Weaver, the cozy yet elegant bar is ideal for a relaxed post-work cocktail or a pre-dinner aperitif.
The 97-bedroom hotel’s impressive health and wellness offering includes a heated, 14 meter pool, a fully equipped gym onsite, and luxurious in-room spa and beauty treatments.
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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. | | | | |
