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US PASSPORT RENEWAL WAIT TIME DROPS; NOW 8 TO 11 WEEKS
The US State Department has announced that the wait time for a standard passport renewal is now 8 to 11 weeks and expedited applications is 5 to 7 weeks. The new timeline is down from 10 to 13 weeks earlier in the year, yet still longer than the 4 to 6 weeks the department was estimating in 2019. Additionally, the State Department said it has issued more than 24 million passport books and cards between October 2022 and September 2023, the most ever for a single fiscal year. “Our dedicated staff have worked countless hours to reduce passport processing times. We are continuously reassessing our operations to maximize efficiencies and are introducing innovations to our customer service and processing models,” State Department officials said. “We are investing in supporting and modernizing our technology, increased staffing levels by ten percent, and have hundreds of additional staff in the hiring pipeline. We remain focused on lowering processing times, and this reduction is an important first step.” To ensure on-time delivery of passports, the State Department encourages travelers check their passport expiration date before making plans for international travel and renew their passport well in advance of international travel (at least 6-9 months).
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DELTA TO TWEAK UNPOPULAR CHANGES TO FREQUENT FLYER LOYALTY PROGRAM
Delta Air Lines plans on tweaking changes to its previously announced loyalty program, as the airline’s CEO said it went too far trying to address a surge in the ranks of elite frequent flyers, reports The Associated Press. Delta recently said that, starting in 2025, it would base elite status on spending instead of also counting flights, and limit airport club access for holders of Delta credit cards. “No question we probably went too far in doing that,” CEO Ed Bastian said. “I think we moved too fast, and we are looking at it now. We have received a lot of feedback.” Bastian promised “modifications” that Delta is expected to announce sometime over the next few weeks. He didn’t provide any other details. Bastian also stated that the number of Delta flyers with top-tier Diamond status has doubled since the beginning of the pandemic, leading to a higher demand for premium seats, upgrades, and access to its airport Sky Clubs. As a result, the carrier attempted to fight against overcrowding by making it harder to earn the rewards. Bastian said Delta needs to be sure it can provide top-tier frequent flyers with the service they expect.
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UNIONIZED BAGGAGE STAFF AT LONDON HEATHROW PLAN TO STRIKE OCTOBER 6-9
Baggage workers affiliated with Unite the Union at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) are threatening to strike from Friday, October 6, to Monday, October 9, amid an ongoing dispute over pay, reports risk management company Crisis24. The strike involves around 170 maintenance staff who manage the baggage handling services at LHR. If the strike proceeds, travelers should anticipate possible disruptions to airport operations and flight schedules, including possible delays and cancelations. To minimize disruption and delays throughout the strike period, travelers are advised to check into their flight status before travelling to the airport, and to arrive early to allow additional time for processing procedures.
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CBP LAUNCHES NEW GLOBAL ENTRY MOBILE APP
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has launched a new Global Entry mobile app designed to enhance the travel experience for Global Entry members, reports Travel Pulse. The new app is currently available for Global Entry members to complete their arrival processing instead of waiting in line to use a portal. With the new app, travelers take a photo of their face, which will be compared to a photo gallery to verify their identity through facial biometrics. After submitting their photo, users will receive a receipt on the app. The mobile receipt can then be used to bypass the Global Entry Portals upon arrival at the primary inspection area. For now, the app is available for use at seven airports including Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Miami International Airport (MIA), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA), and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). CBP said it plans to evaluate and expand the use of the app at airports where Global Entry processing occurs in the future. The new app is free and available for download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
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AUGUST US AIR PASSENGER TRIPS HIGHEST SINCE PANDEMIC
The number of August US air passenger trips reached more than 23.4 million, the highest level since before the pandemic, reports Business Travel News. According to Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), that figure represents a 7.9 percent increase year over year and 6.8 percent jump month over month. Additionally, the average price of a US domestic roundtrip ticket in August declined for the third month in a row, coming in at $514, roughly $14 lower than July's average price. It also declined on a year-over-year basis by 2.3 percent. "The positive travel trends for August matched what we're hearing from the largest airlines regarding the strength of travel demand," ARC managing director of data science and research Chuck Thackston said in a statement. "Travelers continue to take advantage of lower airfare, particularly in the US domestic market."
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EVEN HOTEL NEW YORK – MIDTOWN EAST, AN IHG HOTEL | |
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221 EAST 44TH STREET
NEW YORK CITY
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Refresh body and soul at the EVEN Hotel New York - Midtown East, an IHG Hotel located near Grand Central Station and Bryant Park. The team at EVEN Hotel New York - Midtown East, and IHG Hotel is here to make travelers’ stay in bustling midtown NYC memorable. Not only are they positioned within walking distance of the city’s best sights, but they’re also focused on helping guests maintain their wellness routine.
Their athletic studio is stocked with WOODWAY treadmills, Peloton bikes, and water rowers. Satisfy post-workout cravings with avocado toast or a Green Goddess Breakfast wrap at EVEN Kitchen & Bar. Guests can finish the evening with a yoga session in the comfort of their room. At Even Hotel New York - Midtown East, guest wellness matters.
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2332 LEONARD STREET
DALLAS
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Nestled in the fashionable Uptown neighborhood, Hotel ZaZa Dallas Uptown offers business and leisure travelers an inspiring hotel experience with extensive perks. Striking the perfect accord between Mediterranean elegance and comfortable chic, this unique choice among Dallas boutique hotels offers exquisite guestrooms and concept suites, award-winning dining at Dragonfly restaurant, a nightlife scene, and a relaxing day spa.
Featuring artwork and Italian linen, the stylish rooms provide free Wi-Fi, flat-screens, and minibars. Some have balconies and/or whirlpool tubs. Themed suites add sitting areas, while upgraded suites come with kitchenettes, terraces, and iPod docks. Bungalows in a nearby 1930s annex offer car service from the main hotel at no extra cost. Room service is available.
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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, guests find the ideal retreat to recharge and prepare for their next adventure. Travelers will be enchanted by the spectacular living-room lobby, authentic Italian cuisine from Panzano, and nightly wine social hour. In chic, newly updated guest rooms, they’ll relax in style, and the friendly staff will have guests feeling perfectly at home with the best of Denver right at their fingertips. | | |
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2950 COCONUT GROVE DRIVE
CORAL GABLES
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Located in the heart of The Plaza Coral Gables, Loews Coral Gables Hotel offers a new level of hospitality just four blocks from the Gables’ iconic Miracle Mile. The newest Loews Hotel features 242 elegant guestrooms, luxe amenities, and a rooftop pool. From art festivals to major league baseball, F1 Miami Grand Prix, and more, the hotel is the ideal place to call home in Miami. Savor local flavors in four restaurants and lounges: Americana Kitchen, Americana Bar, Miami Joe Coffee Co. and Phineas, the 9th floor rooftop lounge. Retreat to The Spa for restorative wellness offerings. Explore the area with easy access to the iconic Miracle Mile, just four blocks from the hotel, and The Plaza’s high-end retail, premium dining, and collection of public art.
Lawyers Travel clients can enhance their Loews Coral Gables Hotel stay with exclusive perks including a complimentary upgrade and late check-out (based on availability).
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Located close to Seattle’s courthouse, Lotte Hotel Seattle has become a destination-worthy fixture of Seattle’s downtown business district. Designed by Philippe Starck, the award-winning Lotte Hotel Seattle presents the pinnacle of luxury escapism through spacious suites, contemporary Pacific Northwest dining experiences, unrivaled venues, and high-touch service. Plush and polished, the hotel’s 189 modern guestrooms, including 32 suites, pair extraordinary comfort with some of the city’s most breathtaking views. The hotel’s key amenities include Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge and Le Spa de l’hôtel LOTTE.
Lawyers Travel clients will receive a complimentary upgrade, subject to availability, for stays now through December 31, 2023.
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MINT HOUSE AT 70 PINE - NYC | |
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70 PINE STREET
NEW YORK CITY
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Mint House at 70 Pine - NYC combines the classic comfort of home and the modern luxury of a hotel, giving guests all the perks and none of the tradeoffs. They’ve ditched losable key cards, long lines, room service, and other relics for the things they miss when traveling—kitchens, groceries, workout routines, and the space to spread out. Every part of the Mint House at 70 Pine – NYC experience is powered by smart technology, making any stay personal, predictable, and effortless. Rooms feature ambient lighting, custom bed frames equipped with wireless charging and alarm clocks, designated workspaces with ring lights, and elegant wet bars perfect for a late-night snack. | | |
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125 SOUTH SPALDING DRIVE
BEVERLY HILLS
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Mosaic Hotel’s coveted locale in the heart of Beverly Hills offers an array of attractions just steps from their front door. Once inside, the quaint setting and welcoming ambiance will make guests feel at home. Mosaic Hotel Beverly Hills presents luxuriously designed rooms and offers smart business amenities, including oversized workstations, USB charging stations, an in-house business center, and more. After a day on the town, travelers can enjoy a unique dining experience at The Restaurant at Mosaic Hotel or a hand-crafted cocktail from their lobby bar. | |
OMNI BOSTON HOTEL AT THE SEAPORT | |
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A hotel inspired by the arts - Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport is in the center of the bustling Seaport District, steps away from downtown Boston and Boston Harbor and less than three miles from Boston’s Logan Airport. This hotel boasts 1,054 finely appointed guestrooms, including 52 suites, seven stellar dining experiences, a scenic year-round heated rooftop pool and hot tub, state-of-the-art fitness center, and the chic, full-service luxury spa, Breve. Whether travelers are heading to Boston for business, looking for a destination for a weekend getaway, a meeting room or event space for a conference, Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport is sure to meet the needs of the most discerning travelers.
Join Omni’s Loyalty Program, Select Guest, to take advantage of complimentary beverages, upgrades, credits towards free nights, and more.
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SOFITEL CHICAGO MAGNIFICENT MILE | |
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20 EAST CHESTNUT STREET
CHICAGO
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This stylish property presents an opportunity for travelers to experience the wonder of the Windy City through a creatively reimagined French lens. Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile invites guests to explore a contemporary interpretation of their storied heritage while exploring the best the city has to offer. Once guests enter this property, they will find that the avant-garde styling of the hotel’s exterior has blended seamlessly with their interior.
Now through October 31,2023, Lawyers Travel clients can enjoy complimentary early check in and late checkout. Based on availability at the time of stay.
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TEMPO BY HILTON NEW YORK TIMES SQUARE | |
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1568 BROADWAY
NEW YORK CITY
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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 has been thoughtfully designed to encourage guests to look up, take notice, and be inspired. | |
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 GBT 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. | | | | |
