OCTOBER 25, 2023

US STATE DEPARTMENT ISSUES WORLDWIDE TRAVEL ADVISORY


The US State Department has issued a worldwide caution for Americans traveling overseas, encouraging travelers to take caution, reports Travel Pulse. "Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against US citizens and interests, the Department of State advises US citizens overseas to exercise increased caution," officials stated. The department is advising US travelers abroad to stay alert in locations frequented by tourists and follow the department's information and alerts on social media or through its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. The worldwide caution comes on the heels of recent travel advisories for Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, where conflict and tension continues to rise. The worldwide caution is the first issued by the State Department since August 2022.

EU CONFIRMS ETIAS DELAY TO SPRING 2025


The European Union (EU) has confirmed that the launch of the new European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) for non-EU visitors has been delayed until Spring 2025, reports Business Travel News. Last month, Schengen Area-specialist website SchengenVisaInfo.com reported that the ETIAS would be delayed until 2025 due to continued issues launching the Entry/Exit System (EES) that would track visitors into Europe. Now, the European Council has endorsed a new timeline for the EU’s roll-out of several major new digital IT projects including ETIAS and EES. This new schedule would see EES launching in Fall 2024 with ETIAS set to follow in Spring 2025. Once introduced, ETIAS will see travelers from outside the EU who currently have visa-waiver status, including travelers from the US and UK, having to apply for an ETIAS authorization to visit 30 European countries.

DELTA SHARES MODIFICATIONS, NEW BENEFITS TO SKYMILES LOYALTY PROGRAM


Delta Air Lines has announced its modifications to the changes to its SkyMiles Loyalty Program announced in September, while adding several new benefits as well. Delta will adjust the number of Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) required to achieve 2025 Medallion Status, further enhance the Million Miler program, update Delta Sky Club access policies for eligible Card Members, and enhance options for Rollover Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs). The changes come weeks after September’s announcement drew negative reactions from SkyMiles members. “Over the past few weeks, many of you have shared feedback about the changes we announced to Delta’s SkyMiles Program,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian said. “It’s been a challenge to balance the growth of our membership with our need to deliver premium service experiences. We made some difficult program decisions to address this issue…. But your response made clear that the changes did not fully reflect the loyalty you have demonstrated to Delta. Based on your feedback, we are making program adjustments and adding new benefits to begin earning in 2024 toward your 2025 Status."

DOT: AUGUST FLIGHT OPERATIONS UP, CANCELLATIONS DOWN


US reporting air carriers in August increased the number of flights they operated compared with a year ago and with July, while cancellation rates declined, reports Business Travel News. According to the latest US Department of Transportation (DOT) Air Travel Consumer Report, operated flights in August were up nearly 5.5 percent year over year to about 631,000 and up 1.2 percent from July 2023. The monthly cancellation rate was 1.5 percent of scheduled flights, lower than the 2.5 percent rate reported in August 2022 and July 2023. The carriers with the lowest rates of canceled flights were Alaska (0.4 percent), Allegiant Air (1 percent), and United (1.1 percent). Carriers with the highest rates of canceled flights were Frontier Airlines (5 percent), JetBlue (2.9 percent), and Southwest (1.6 percent).

AMTRAK ANNOUNCES SIMPLIFIED FARE STRUCTURE


Amtrak has announced a new, simplified fare structure that offers more flexible and affordable options for travelers. Set to take effect later this fall, the changes were finalized after conducting extensive customer research and analyzing feedback, as Amtrak determined that the less complicated pricing model would build upon other recent improvements made to the booking process in an effort to better meet travelers’ needs. “This streamlined fare structure with more affordable and flexible fares is part of Amtrak’s continued commitment to upgrading the customer experience at every step along their journey,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. The new fare structure reduces fare types from three categories to two and serves to provide a more consistent booking experience with fare types that are clearly differentiated and easy-to-understand. Amtrak’s two new fare types include:


  • Flex: For travelers who want a more flexible travel option, these tickets will be fully refundable if canceled, and can be changed without fees before departure
  • Value: For travelers who know their travel plans and want a more affordable option, these tickets will be a lower price than Flex tickets, non-changeable, and receive a 75% refund if canceled


Although a specific start date has not yet been released, any tickets acquired before the implementation of the new fare structure remain subject to Amtrak’s existing fare regulations and terms.

CONRAD LONDON ST. JAMES

22-28 BROADWAY

LONDON

Located in the former Queen Anne's Chambers, the Conrad London St. James is less than a mile from Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Buckingham Palace. The hotel is next to St. James's Park underground and offers curated city excursions. Discover their world-class art collection, afternoon tea, and restaurants featuring contemporary British cuisine. 


Find thoughtful amenities and midcentury-inspired décor in their 256 rooms and suites — each the perfect launchpad for city exploring.

EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON SEATTLE TACOMA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

15920 WEST VALLEY HIGHWAY

SEATTLE

The Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Tacoma International Airport hotel is located less than 10 minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport via 24-hour shuttle. Tukwila station is a 6-minute walk away, providing direct links to downtown Seattle. Start the day with a free made-to-order breakfast and enjoy their complimentary evening reception with light appetizers and drinks.


Suites feature Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and separate living rooms with pull-out sofas, as well as microwaves, minifridges, and coffeemakers. Other amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, and a fitness center.

HALL ARTS HOTEL DALLAS, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON

1717 LEONARD STREET

DALLAS

At the award-winning HALL Arts Hotel Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton, every guest gets pampered with a VIP treatment, including four-legged world travelers. Book now to experience New-Luxury with -or without- a pup. Located in the Dallas Arts District, experience a world-class art collection, access to exceptional museums and performing arts centers, and unwind at premier amenities including the rooftop pool and fitness studio.

LOEWS CHICAGO HOTEL

455 NORTH PARK DRIVE

CHICAGO

Loews Chicago Hotel welcomes travelers like family for a productive and enjoyable business trip in the heart of downtown Chicago. The hotel offers friendly and attentive staff, beautifully appointed accommodations with spectacular views, and delicious onsite food and beverage options. Kick-start the morning with freshly brewed coffee and a quick bite to eat from For Five Coffee Roasters. Enjoy a selection of pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and more – prepared daily by the hotel’s culinary team. Cap off the day at ETA Restaurant and Bar, located on the lobby level, and enjoy globally inspired cuisine featuring seasonal locally sourced ingredients.

MILLENNIUM HILTON NEW YORK ONE UN PLAZA

ONE UN PLAZA

NEW YORK CITY

Enjoy sky-high views in Midtown Manhattan in the closest hotel to the United Nations. Millennium Hilton New York One UN Plaza is located half a mile from Grand Central Station and within one mile of Bryant Park, The Morgan Library, and Rockefeller Center. Take in unobstructed views of Manhattan and the East River skylines. Their historic Ambassador Grill and iconic lobby are both official New York City Interior Landmarks.

OCEANA SANTA MONICA, LXR HOTELS & RESORTS

849 OCEAN AVENUE

SANTA MONICA

Urban sophistication meets the allure of a private beach home at Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts. A short stroll from the Pacific Ocean in the heart of Santa Monica’s most coveted neighborhood, their all-suites hotel is blocks from the boutiques and cafes of Montana Avenue, the iconic Promenade, and Santa Monica Pier. From al fresco dining near their pool and fire pits to unscripted 5-star service, this hotel enchants with a new definition of luxury: it's refined, relaxed, and captivatingly local. Outside, where bluffs give way to miles of bike paths and the shoreline, complimentary yoga and beach cruisers allow for play and exploration.


Lawyers Travel clients will automatically be upgraded to the Lanai Suite category.

THE NEWBURY BOSTON

1 NEWBURY STREET

BOSTON

Explore a beautifully restored and reimagined luxury hotel at the intersection of Newbury and Arlington Streets, where the bustle of the Back Bay is their playground and the idyllic Boston Public Garden their front yard. They’ve been a beloved landmark, a distinctive symbol of Boston’s rich history, a place of gathering, and now—a striking homage to the neighborhood they call home.


Heritage architecture and residential comfort define each guestroom at The Newbury Boston, the newest boutique hotel in Boston's Back Bay area. Intuitive interiors give way to calming, contemporary accommodations featuring original artwork by illustrator Veronica Lawlor, custom-designed furnishings by acclaimed interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud, handcrafted woods, and marble touches. Revel in layered luxury with bespoke amenities that include Byredo bath products made expressly for the hotel, luxurious robes and linens, in-room Nespresso Vertuo espresso-maker, and private access to The Library and Fitness Center, along with preferred seating at The Street Bar.

THE PLAZA, A FAIRMONT MANAGED HOTEL

768 FIFTH AVENUE

NEW YORK CITY

Steeped in French Renaissance charm, The Plaza, a Fairmont Managed Hotel presides like a pâtissier’s fantasy over the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park South. Since it first opened in 1907, the hotel has become a landmark in its own right – representing the pinnacle of New York City hospitality and hosting the highest echelons of society from world leaders to stars of screen and stage. Make memories over afternoon tea at the legendary Palm Court, attend the wedding of the year in the Grand Ballroom, or settle in for a spa break at the most luxurious hotel in New York City.


There are 282 gorgeously appointed rooms and suites at their dog-friendly hotel, each one pairing understated opulence with thoughtful amenities and flawless service. Expect Beaux Arts chandeliers and gilded headboards, 24-carat gold-plated bathroom fixtures, and classic crown molding. Legacy Suites juxtapose these heritage accents with contemporary artworks and dramatic lighting, while their penthouses welcome celebrities and dignitaries with private terraces overlooking panoramic Central Park views.

THE ROYAL SONESTA WASHINGTON, DC DUPONT CIRCLE

2121 P STREET NW

WASHINGTON, DC

At The Royal Sonesta Washington, DC Dupont Circle take advantage of all they have to offer business travelers. They are tucked inside the cosmopolitan Dupont Circle neighborhood and their hotel offers 355 stylishly designed, spacious guest rooms and specialty suites, ranging in size from 520 - 2,600 square feet with work desks in all rooms. Their location is ideally suited for exploration and concierge services are onsite to assist with local attractions, restaurants, and entertainment. Dine at Certo!, a socially buzzing culinary hub offering flavorful Italian coastal cuisine. Take advantage of their 24/7 fitness center, 24/7 valet parking, 24-hour business center, and seasonal outdoor pool. 


For stays now through December 31, 2023, Lawyers Travel clients receive complimentary upgrade to next room category and complimentary daily breakfast for one.

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