DECEMBER 13, 2023

US AIRPORTS EXPECTED TO BE BUSIER THAN EVER THIS CHRISTMAS


Over 7.5 million travelers are expected to pass through US airports during the 10-day year-end holiday season spanning from December 23 to January 1, reports AP News. According to a report from AAA, the expected numbers would surpass the 2019 record of 7.3 million travelers, an increase of over 2 percent during the comparable stretch last year. Airlines for America (A4A) added that 39 million travelers - about 2.8 million a day on average - will board US flights between December 20 and January 2. A4A expects about 3 million on the peak days, which include the Thursday and Friday before Christmas and the four days after the holiday. So far this year, the number of travelers going through US airport checkpoints is up 12.4 percent over last year and 1.4 percent higher than in 2019, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Travel around the Thanksgiving Day holiday topped 2019 numbers, peaking at 2.9 million, which is a single-day record for TSA.

DELTA EXPANDS DIGITAL ID PROGRAM FOR TOUCHLESS AIRPORT EXPERIENCE


Delta Air Lines has announced that it is expanding its Digital ID program to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to allow travelers to check bags and move through security without showing a physical government ID. Debuted in 2021 at the carrier’s Detroit and Atlanta hubs, Delta Digital ID provides travelers with a seamless, hands-free way to navigate the airport. This optional technology is eligible to travelers who: have a TSA PreCheck® membership; have passport information and a Known Traveler Number (KTN) stored in their Delta profile; have a (free) SkyMiles membership; and have the Fly Delta app. Eligible travelers will receive a notification in their Fly Delta app when traveling from a Digital ID-enabled airport. Once opted in, Delta Digital ID becomes part of a traveler’s SkyMiles profile, though they may choose to opt out at any time; the carrier does not save or store any biometric data. Delta said it also plans to expand the technology to additional hubs in 2024. 

AMTRAK ANNOUNCES NORTHEAST WINTER GETAWAY SALE


Amtrak has announced its Northeast Winter Getaway Sale with discounts up to 20% off when travelers book Northeast Regional Coach and Acela Business Class fares from now until Tuesday, December 19, 2023. The sale-priced tickets are valid for travel between Tuesday, January 2, 2024, and Friday, February 29, 2024, to and from Boston, New York City, Virginia, Washington, DC, and more. One-way coach fares between Boston and Providence on the Northeast Regional train can be had for as low as $4, while tickets for Acela Business class on the same route are as low as $14. Tickets can be purchased via Amtrak.com/Northeast-Winter-Sale or through the Amtrak app. Fares will be marked as “sale” in the fare finder with no promo code required. 

UNITED AIRLINES INTRODUCES NEW SNACK STATION ON SELECT FLIGHTS


United Airlines is introducing a new snack station aboard certain select flights, reports Travel Pulse. The 'Grab-N-Go' station will be free and features traditional snacks and bottles of water. According to the carrier, the complementary snacks will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The new feature rolled out at the beginning of December on a flight from Houston to Chicago. The snack station will only be available on United's fleet of new A321neo aircraft after the main cabin has been served. A United spokesperson said that the selection of the snacks will be dependent on the length of the flight, with availability on flights of 801 miles or more in its introductory stages. The new snack station is just part of several changes being made by United. The carrier also plans to revamp its entertainment system on select planes by 2025.

HOUSE PASSES ANOTHER SHORT-TERM EXTENSION FOR THE FAA


The House of Representatives has passed a bill that would extend the funding and authority of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through March 8, 2024, reports Travel Weekly. The Senate must now pass a companion bill to ensure that FAA funding doesn't expire at year's end. Congress had been scheduled to complete a five-year FAA reauthorization bill by September 30, but instead passed an eleventh-hour short-term funding extension that runs through the end of the year. An initial holdup from the Senate had been due to a dispute over pilot training. While Senate committee members have reached a deal over pilot training, other disputes are now delaying the process. In a recent statement, leaders of the House Transportation Committee from both parties called on the Senate to end the delay. "Because of the Senate's inaction, today's extension is necessary to ensure the continued safe operation of our aviation system," the statement reads. "But make no mistake -- the Senate must promptly act on a long-term bill, as a series of short-term extensions hamstrings FAA operations, maintains outdated policies, and fails to provide critical policy updates for aviation safety, efficiency, innovation and more."

BOSTON HARBOR HOTEL

70 ROWES WHARF

BOSTON

Experience the epitome of luxury and hospitality at Boston Harbor Hotel. Located in Downtown Boston and walking distance from the historic North End and bustling Seaport district, each of the hotel’s 232 beautifully designed, and thoughtfully decorated rooms and suites makes this urban resort the ideal location for work and play. As a distinguished member of the LEGEND collection within Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Boston Harbor Hotel proudly holds the esteemed titles of Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond, solidifying its place among the world's most celebrated hotels. 


Modern comforts such as complimentary Wi-Fi, Diptyque amenities, twice daily housekeeping, Frette bed linens, in-room tablets, Smart TVs with Internet access and spacious work desks offer a measure of tech-savvy convenience. Step inside and be greeted by lush fabrics, sophisticated coastal color tones, rich woods and spectacular skyline or harbor views. Dine at the hotel’s nationally recognized restaurant, Rowes Wharf Sea Grille, sitting boldly on the Boston Harbor waterfront or sip bespoke cocktails at the hotel’s moody, dark bar, Rowes Wharf Bar.

COMO METROPOLITAN LONDON

19 OLD PARK LANE

LONDON

Como Metropolitan London is within walking distance of Bond Street, Belgravia, Knightsbridge, and Piccadilly. Hyde Park is just across the road. Light floods all 144 rooms, suites and their 19 private residences, through expansive windows. The uncluttered design and intuitive technology create a haven of calm.


Hotel guests can enjoy priority bookings at the iconic Japanese-Peruvian restaurant Nobu, on the first floor of the hotel. They also host regular pop-up dining in their event space on the ground floor, and all-day healthy in-room dining, including COMO Shambhala classics.

CONRAD WASHINGTON, DC

950 NEW YORK AVENUE NORTHWEST

WASHINGTON, DC

Conrad Washington, DC will be hosting fun and interactive workshops for guests of all ages, from cookie decorating or tasting mulled wines. Families will have a chance to have brunch with Santa on Sunday, December 17. They will also have a dog-friendly Santa on December 16. A photographer will be on-site for all occasions. 


A Capella group from Georgetown and the University of Maryland will be in-house and a harpist, violinist, and guitarist throughout the holiday season. The kid’s corner will have a Santa writing station, panda-themed holiday tree, and dreidel playing station in the North Wing.

EVEN HOTEL PITTSBURGH DOWNTOWN

425 FORBES AVENUE

PITTSBURGH

Just steps from Pittsburgh's Market Square, EVEN® Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown, an IHG Hotel keeps guests close to all the action. Walk to a Penguins game at PPG Paints Arena, jog through Point State Park, or head to Acrisure Stadium, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Make a trip 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.


Their wellness hotel offers great amenities to help guests stay healthier while traveling, such as a state-of-the-art fitness studio, in-room fitness equipment, and fresh, healthy entrees at our restaurant, EVEN Kitchen & Bar.

HOTEL MONTERA MADRID, CURIO COLLECTION

BY HILTON

C. DE LA MONTERA, 47, 28013

MADRID

Almost 100 years after its construction in 1924, the building is getting dressed up to become the new Hotel Montera Madrid, Curio Collection by Hilton, a clear benchmark for casual luxury in the capital of Spain, which just opened its doors in April as the first 5 stars Hilton hotel in the city.

 

A unique concept developed by the internationally acclaimed interior designer Lázaro Rosa Violán. The hotel has 93 rooms, 8 of them spacious and bright suites with unbeatable views of Madrid’s Gran Vía and Montera street. 


On the rooftop, the city’s skyline merges with the vibrant life of the two streets that surround the building. There, guests will have access to the pool/solarium, Balinese beds, and the option of tapas and cocktails at El Cielo de Chicote, their famous cocktail bar.

LOEWS VANDERBILT HOTEL

2100 WEST END AVENUE

NASHVILLE

In November 2023, Loews Vanderbilt Hotel opened its new 1,963-square-foot state-of-the-art gym – Tune Fitness Studio, which is a play on tuning up one's instrument and tuning up one's health. The boutique-style amenity is open 24 hours a day and is Nashville’s most technologically advanced hotel gym featuring primarily “connected fitness” equipment. Designed to meet the intrapersonal needs of the hotel’s entertainment, jet-setting and business travelers, Tune features a collection of 13 cardio machines comprised of two Peloton stationary bikes, one rower, four treadmills, three ellipticals, one stair climber and two recumbent stationary bikes; one Lululemon Mirror with guided strength-training workouts, six plate-loaded strength machines, a 15-pair dumbbell rack ranging from 5-pound to 75-pound free-weights, barbells, benches, and a power rack; and mirrored alcove for agility training, stretching and body-weight workouts. 


When booking a stay at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel in Nashville, Lawyers Travel clients will receive a complimentary upgrade and late checkout, based on availability.  

MARTINIQUE NEW YORK

ON BROADWAY,

CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON

49 WEST 32ND STREET

NEW YORK CITY

Located on the lower lobby level of Martinique New York, Nōksu is Manhattan’s newest hidden gem where fine dining meets speakeasy. Piloted by acclaimed Chef Dae Kim, the establishment features a 13-seat tasting counter and 12-course tasting menu for $225 per person. Find innovative takes on Korean classics such as Brown Crab with Hakurei Turnip and Myoga. Nōksu’s main entrance is located down a flight of stairs of the 34th street Herald Square subway station. Visitors will enter through a discreet black door using a code they will receive upon the day of their reservation.

PENDRY CHICAGO

230 NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE

CHICAGO

Set within the iconic 1929 Art Deco Carbide & Carbon Building in Chicago’s Loop neighborhood, Pendry Chicago is a contemporary luxury hotel that pays homage to both the past and present with modern yet comfortable interiors, signature culinary and cocktail concepts, and inspired gathering spaces throughout that embody the spirit of Chicago. Its prime locale sets the very best stage for discovering the city and its brightest attractions with ease and convenience. Recognized for its refined yet spirited setting, this is a place where the soul of the city is on beautiful display, inside and out. Pendry Chicago is home to 364 newly redesigned guest rooms and suites, each carefully appointed with an eye for the Carbide & Carbon Building’s illustrious Art Deco heritage combined with a modern vision of luxury hospitality.

TEMPO BY HILTON

NEW YORK TIMES SQUARE

1568 BROADWAY

NEW YORK CITY

Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square is a thoughtfully designed place that invites guests to live in the moment and gives them space to rest and recharge. All while being warm, inviting, and within reach. Enjoy elevated amenities and inspiring spaces, from wake-up to wind-down. Find focus at the Coffee Fuel Bar or power down with mindfulness rituals from Thrive Global. No matter how guests travel, Tempo is designed to keep up with their pace. Each setting and element at Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square have been thoughtfully designed to encourage guests to look up, take notice, and be inspired.

THE JOULE

1530 MAIN STREET

DALLAS

Built in the 1920s, the neo-Gothic landmark building at 1530 Main Street was originally the Dallas National Bank. It dominated the downtown skyline during a thriving era of Dallas banking and West Texas oil booms. Downtown Dallas flourished through the ’80s, but as the 20th century ended, it was a shadow of its former glory. A decade of development deals and massive renovations transformed the then-vacant bank building into a Forbes four-star boutique hotel. Aptly named after the international unit of energy, The Joule brought a charge to downtown Dallas when it opened in 2008. Through a series of further renovations and expansions as adjacent properties became available, The Joule has become a cultural, shopping, and dining destination—a forerunner in the renaissance of downtown Dallas. Their rooms feature everything needed to unwind including a mini bar, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, flatscreen HDTV, 300-thread count Sferra sheets, spa amenities, rainfall shower, and down pillows and comforter.

THE WATERGATE HOTEL

2650 VIRGINIA AVENUE NORTHWEST

WASHINGTON, DC

The Watergate Hotel's spacious guest rooms and suites were designed for the modern traveler, with warm tones and amenities that artfully balance form and function - many with private balconies. From extravagant holiday décor to a spa oasis, the Watergate Hotel is the ideal winter getaway. Step inside an ornament-inspired igloo for a unique holiday experience at DC’s most iconic hotel. These heated, private igloos can accommodate up to six guests each. Follow the amber glow to The Next Whisky Bar. Inquire about top-shelf whisky flights, or order seasonal cocktails created by the Master Mixologist. Afterwards, spend some well-deserved self-care time at Argentta Spa. Enjoy a luxurious staycation complete with heated indoor saltwater pool, an invigorating whirlpool, day sauna, steam room, and a myriad of blissful treatments. 


Lawyers Travel clients will receive an upgrade based on availability.

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