JUNE 22, 2022

US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said his department could take enforcement actions, including fines, against airlines that fail to live up to consumer-protection standards, reports The Associated Press. Widespread flight disruptions and cancellations are causing chaos for travelers and Buttigieg is pushing the airlines to stress-test their summer schedules to ensure they can operate all their planned flights with the employees they have, and to add customer-service workers. Before enforcing fines, Buttigieg wants to see how airlines handle the 4th of July holiday weekend and the rest of the summer. On June 17, more than 2.4 million people passed through security checkpoints at US airports, roughly 12,500 less than the pandemic-era high on the Sunday after Thanksgiving last year. 

The AAA annual forecast for the July 4 holiday weekend predicts that 42 million Americans will take a road trip of 50 miles or more, despite gas prices hitting a record earlier this month, reports CNN. The national average per gallon on Monday stood at $4.98, just pennies off the high of $5.02 reached a week earlier. The most congested routes will likely include highways around Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle.

Some tips to save on gas prices include bypassing gas stations directly off highways, which typically have higher prices, refueling to the minimum level if having a critical need but are at an expensive station, and settling for a "nearcation" rather than a roadtrip.

American Airlines has introduced a new fare product to its offerings, reports Business Travel News. Originally announced in November, the new fares were launched today. Targeting corporate customers, the new product will offer refundable fares, same-day flight changes, priority boarding, priority check-in, and the choice of all seats in the Main Cabin at the time of booking, including Main Cabin Extra.
 
The new fare program currently is available on American-operated flights between Boston and DC-Reagan, Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago-O'Hare, NY-LaGuardia and each DC-Reagan and Chicago-O'Hare, as well as between NY-JFK and Los Angeles International Airport. The carrier has plans to expand to additional markets later this year, according to American.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects that 65% of emission reductions will come from replacing kerosene-based jet fuel with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), reports Travel Weekly. SAF accounted for just 0.1% of global jet fuel in 2021, but IATA projects a 50-fold production increase by 2025. "The industry used every single available drop of sustainable fuel last year, and we will use every single drop this year and we would use more if it was available," IATA director general Willie Walsh said at the trade group's annual general meeting Tuesday. Aviation is responsible for approximately 2.5% of global emissions, and the airline industry has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
CAMBRIA HOTEL HOUSTON DOWNTOWN CONVENTION
1314 TEXAS AVENUE
HOUSTON
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 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.
CONRAD NEW YORK MIDTOWN
151 WEST 54TH STREET
NEW YORK CITY
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.
GALLERIA PARK HOTEL
191 SUTTER STREET
SAN FRANCISCO
The spirit of adventure, bold style, and iconic history live on at the Galleria Park Hotel. A historic facade belies the all-new interior which is as fashionable as it is comfortable. Guests can enjoy staying on the edge of the Financial District (FiDi), just minutes from Union Square, and have the best of the city at their fingertips. Guests can immerse themselves in elegant accommodations, indulge in elevated French-inspired dining, or plan the social soiree of the year at Galleria Park Hotel. Completely reimagined, elegant rooms and suites are outfitted with custom furnishings and eclectic accents that infuse a sense of vibrant style into the space.
MILLENNIUM NEW YORK DOWNTOWN
55 CHURCH STREET
NEW YORK CITY
Experience the stunning architecture of The Oculus and explore the One World Observatory and 9/11 Memorial Museum. A stay at Millennium Hotel New York Downtown places guests in the heart of the Financial District with unobstructed panoramas of Lower Manhattan from City View rooms. Select rooms also offer views of the Hudson River, the Freedom Tower, Manhattan Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge.

For convenient breakfast, lunch and dinner options, onsite restaurant Church & Dey serves American cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients, while the lobby bar Liquid Assets offers cocktails and live music on select evenings. Meetings come together seamlessly in the 55th floor event spaces, complemented by a business and fitness center.

Millennium Downtown is pleased to offer Lawyers Travel clients a complimentary upgrade when booking the negotiated rate. Offer valid for new bookings made through June 30, 2022 for stay dates until December 31, 2022. Lawyers Travel clients will receive complimentary upgrade at check-in.
NOVOTEL MIAMI BRICKELL
20 EAST CHESTNUT STREET - DOWNTOWN
CHICAGO
Novotel Miami Brickell combines design and convenience to provide a welcoming and relaxing environment where travelers can truly unwind. With a modern, lifestyle approach that blurs the line between business and pleasure, a stay at this modern Miami hotel promises to be as productive and relaxing as travelers desire.

With a terrific location in Downtown Miami, guests will discover easy access to the very best of the city. Business travelers will enjoy modern business amenities and spacious suites, perfect for completing business in an efficient, yet relaxing manner. With a relaxing pool, chic bar and restaurant, and attentive, efficient service, Novotel Miami Brickell is an ideal hotel for business and leisure travel in Florida.

Take in the stunning views, enjoy a sublime meal at the on-site restaurant, and relax at the Miami rooftop pool, then get to work in one of the fully equipped meeting rooms.
THE LANGHAM CHICAGO
330 NORTH WABASH
CHICAGO
Retreat to The Langham Club and experience elevated services and offerings from the uppermost floor of The Langham, Chicago. An expansive 4,000 square-foot lounge features panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Chicago River, Lake Michigan, and world-renowned architecture. Food and beverage offerings range from warm and cold breakfast items to afternoon tea and evening canapes. Lite fare and beverages are offered throughout the day, while an assortment of wine and spirits is available in the early evening.

Whether traveling on business or extending a visit for leisure purposes, The Langham Club is a luxurious complement to spacious accommodations. The writer’s corner offers bibliophiles a semi-private area to take in a good book while a sprawling lounge provides the quintessential backdrop to relax after a productive day.