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US TO EXTEND VISA INTERVIEW WAIVER PROGRAM IN 2024
The US State Department has indefinitely extended its visa waiver interview program that allows consular offices the discretion to waive in-person interviews for low-risk nonimmigrant visa applicants who are applying within 48 months of their most recent visa's expiration, reports Travel Weekly. The program was set to expire at the end of the year but will now remain in effect without a sunset date, subject to regular review. It will also apply to consular offices worldwide. The State Department estimates that under the rules of the updated program, the pool of applicants eligible for an interview waiver will at least double. "Over the past several years, the ability to waive the in-person interview requirement for certain applicants transformed the Department of State's ability to efficiently and securely process nonimmigrant visa applications," the State Department said. "From October 2022 through September 2023 the Department of State issued a near record number of visas -- more than 10.4 million nonimmigrant visas globally -- due in part to interview waiver authority." Visa wait times averaged 130 days during the State Department's fiscal 2023, which ended in October. That was down from post-pandemic highs but still much longer than 30-day maximum that was achieved during the Obama administration. The US Travel Association says visa interview wait times still average more than 400 days in some source markets.
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DOT TO INVESTIGATE AIRLINE FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAMS
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) is looking into airline frequent flyer programs for potential deceptive or unfair practices, reports Reuters. According to the DOT’s report, the agency has been looking into transparency when booking award tickets, transferability of award miles, and notice given before making changes to such programs. One other key issue DOT is looking at is the devaluation of frequent flyer miles over time that makes it harder to book award tickets. "We plan to carefully review complaints regarding loyalty programs and exercise our authority to investigate airlines for unfair and deceptive practices that hurt travelers as warranted," a department spokesperson said. "DOT officials are actively meeting with US airlines and gathering more information on this issue." The meetings come as some members of Congress have raised concerns about frequent flyer programs. In October, Senate Judiciary Committee chair Dick Durbin and Republican Senator Roger Marshal asked the Transportation Department and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau about "troubling reports" of unfair and deceptive practices in airlines’ frequent flyer and loyalty programs.
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FIVE US AIRPORTS AMONG WORLD'S BUSIEST IN 2023
Five of the ten busiest global airports in 2023 are in the US, reports Business Travel News. According to global travel data provider OAG's latest report, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) ranked number one as the busiest global airport with more than 61.2 million departing seats. ATL was also the busiest global airport in 2022 and in 2019. The other US airports in the top ten global list included Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in fifth, Denver International Airport (DEN) at sixth, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in eighth, and Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in ninth. Outside of the US, Dubai International Airport (DXB) was the busiest, coming in second overall with more than 56.4 million departing seats.
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TSA AIRPORT SECURITY SELF-SCREENING LANES COULD BE PART OF THE FUTURE OF TRAVEL
In an attempt to improve airport security screening times, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will begin a series of tests for self-screening lanes at several airports, beginning with Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in January, reports Skift. The pilot, which is part of the DHS Screening at Speed Program, will start first with TSA PreCheck members, the department said. “Travelers will use passenger and carry-on screening systems at individual consoles or screening lanes themselves, reducing the number of pat-downs and bag inspections Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) need to perform and freeing their time to be reallocated to the busier aspects of screening operations,” said John Fortune, manager of the Screening at Speed Program. “The feedback we’ve already received during testing from both mock passengers and TSOs has been incredibly positive.” Self-screening wouldn’t eliminate current security screenings, but if the pilot works well, it could help reduce security screening wait times and ease the workload for TSA personnel.
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AMTRAK REACHES NEXT MAJOR MILESTONE IN TRANSFORMING LONG DISTANCE TRAIN SERVICE
Amtrak has announced that it is taking a major step towards improving overnight, cross-country train travel by issuing a formal Request for Proposals (RFP) to railcar manufacturers to begin the replacement of Amtrak’s current Long Distance fleet. This multi-billion-dollar procurement will start reequipping a fleet that provides vital train service from coast to coast. “We believe in the future of our Long Distance service,” said Amtrak Board Chair Tony Coscia. “Amtrak’s Long Distance network provides vital mobility and an economic link for communities around the country. A new Amtrak Long Distance fleet will help us modernize and transform the service to meet the needs of customers now and into the future.” The new fleet will allow Amtrak to introduce an updated product that meets current and future market expectations, improves traveler experience, reimagines onboard accessibility and mobility, improves operational efficiency, and bolsters sustainability, resiliency, and ridership. Amtrak Long Distance ridership grew by more than twelve percent across its network in fiscal 2023 (October 2022 - September 2023), serving nearly 3.9 million traveler trips.
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2025 AVENUE OF THE STARS
LOS ANGELES
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For the second year, Los Angeles’ first Après-ski dining experience returns to Fairmont Century Plaza with custom-built Swiss Chalets, fire pit seating, and an exciting new three-course menu of Alpine favorites and winter cocktails. Featuring cozy décor and all the delicious tidings of an idyllic winter getaway, their Swiss Chalets offer a one-of-a-kind epicurean moment in the heart of Los Angeles. | |
HILTON NEW YORK FASHION DISTRICT | |
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152 WEST 26TH STREET
NEW YORK CITY
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Bordering Midtown and Chelsea, the Hilton New York Fashion District is across from the Fashion Institute of Technology and blocks from Penn Station and Madison Square Garden. Within a mile, reach The High Line, Chelsea Market, the Empire State Building, and Times Square. The hotel includes a rooftop bar and a 24-hour fitness center featuring a Peloton® Bike with toe cages. | |
HILTON SANTA MONICA HOTEL & SUITES | |
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1707 FOURTH STREET
SANTA MONICA
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The hotel is walking distance from the beach and Santa Monica Pier. 3rd Street Promenade shops and dining are a 15-minute walk, and West Los Angeles attractions are within a half-hour. Enjoy an outdoor pool and 24-hour fitness center. Enjoy their all-day restaurant, grab a casual drink at the bar, or a snack at the Market Place. Host events in the sunlit ballroom or garden terrace. Elegant, streamlined rooms feature Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minifridges, as well as coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms offer partial ocean views. Suites add living rooms; upgraded suites provide balconies. Room service is available. | | |
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RUE DE L’AMIGO 1, 1000
BRUSSELS
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At the heart of it lies the historic old town, circled around the famous Grand Place square. Hotel Amigo, A Rocco Forte Hotel is the best luxury hotel in Brussels—and one of the Leading Hotels of the World.
3 minutes’ walk from the Central Station and 20 minutes from the Zaventem Airport, from chic rooms to presidential suites, Hotel Amigo effortlessly marries elegant design contemporary creature comforts with fine art and superlative service.
Guests may enjoy the authentic Italian cuisine at the BoCConi Restaurant, sip well-crafted cocktails with a merveilleux Bite of Belgium in the charming Bar A, or have an unforgettable event or meeting in their elegant and well-appointed meeting spaces.
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1310 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVENUE NW
WASHINGTON, DC
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An urban retreat, Hotel Madera is a haven to escape to after experiencing the energy of the neighborhood and the excitement of DC. Small and boutique in nature, but big on space and experience, with nine huge rooms per floor, large open-air balconies, and windows that open to the eclectic city outside their doors. Much like the Dupont Circle fountain, the hotel is a gathering spot, an anchor in the neighborhood. Guests feel at once like a private exclusive club with personalized attention. A place with all the comfort and attention to detail of home.
A cozy retreat in Dupont Circle serving New American cuisine, comfort food staples and handcraft cocktails in the DC metroplex. It’s no surprise that their inviting restaurant happens to be a favorite among locals who consider this space a second home. Travelers and locals mingle in a casual yet upscale environment that’s seasoned with sumptuous, hearty foods. Their Chef’s modern takes on traditional comfort food are made to pair perfectly with delicious cocktails, carefully curated wine lists, and tasty microbrews. Guests love the weekday breakfast and happy hour menus. Weekend brunch also ushers in a loyal following to our charming Dupont Circle space.
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270 BISCAYNE BOULEVARD WAY
MIAMI
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When it comes to luxury hotels in Miami, Kimpton EPIC Hotel is a sultry escape providing the exquisite base camp for exploring Miami. Their gorgeously renovated 411 guestrooms and suites surround guests with an elegantly minimal, organic vibe inspired by the sea. Kimpton EPIC Hotel artfully blends urbane sophistication with a playful lifestyle spirit offering the best of today’s modern-day resorts with the convenience of being close to the extraordinary attributes of Miami. Situated right alongside the buzzing Brickell business district and the lively Biscayne Bay area, Kimpton EPIC’s Downtown Miami location offers an eclectic mix of culture and fun. | |
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Omni Houston Hotel is located in prestigious uptown, near the Galleria Mall, and situated in a park-like setting. This luxurious Houston hotel offers all the comforts and amenities of a resort with the convenience of an urban setting. Guests enjoy relaxing accommodations in the city, services at the on-site Mokara Spa, two outdoor resort-style pools, local whiskey speakeasy bar, and even a nightclub at their hotel in Houston, Texas. Endless fun and adventures await at the Houston Museum District, Theater District, and nearby parks. Guests find everything they want and more just a quick drive from this Galleria-area hotel.
Join Omni’s Loyalty Program, Select Guest, to take advantage of complimentary beverages, upgrades, credits towards free nights, and more.
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420 PARK AVENUE SOUTH
NEW YORK CITY
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Royalton Park Avenue combines luxury and trendiness, in the center of the city’s most influential happenings. The hotel’s central location in the heart of Manhattan, NoMad offers every convenience for guests ready to explore. An oasis of casual comfort where guests can find tranquility, rest, and relaxation just steps from all the action. Inside the hotel’s stunning all-glass building, visitors find an inviting spaciousness and warm residential ambiance that makes them feel at home on Park Avenue. The designer lobby scene features the Parisian-chic showpiece of a Roche Bobois Mah Jong sofa, bringing dramatic flair and pattern to the space.
Boasting 249 luxury rooms and remarkable suites, most with lofty ceilings, Juliet balconies, and five fixture bathrooms – the property perched on the corner of 29th Street and Park Avenue couldn’t be more centrally located. Royalton Park Avenue welcomes guests of all abilities. The property descriptions aim to allow any visitor to make an informed decision on whether the hotel is an appropriate choice for their needs.
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38 LEICESTER SQUARE
LONDON
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Discover London’s secret sanctuary for business travelers at The Residence, open exclusively to guests of The Londoner Hotel. Three beautifully designed rooms in the heart of London provide the perfect space to relax, work, and meet. The Residence offers complimentary light breakfast in the morning, antipasti, soft drinks, tea, and coffee throughout the day, full bar and food service, newspapers and magazines, complimentary superfast Wi-Fi, and concierge service. There is even a secret whisky parlor accessed via the powder rooms. Experience the luxury and comforts of an exclusive London members club – which is available complimentary to as a Londoner hotel guest. | | |
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700 FIFTH AVENUE
NEW YORK CITY
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Ideally located on Fifth Avenue and 55th Street in Midtown Manhattan, The Peninsula New York is in the heart of the city’s most prestigious shopping, entertainment, and cultural district. The hotel is within walking distance of Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue shopping, excellent restaurants, historic museums, and exciting Broadway theatres. The Peninsula New York is honored to be the recipient of some of the most prestigious accolades in the hospitality industry, including the Forbes Five Star rating and the AAA Five Diamond awards. Recently announced by Forbes Travel Guide, The Peninsula Hotels are thrilled to be the only hotel brand to achieve the highest possible Five-Star status across all ten of its properties. | | |
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11 EAST WALTON STREET
CHICAGO
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Experience the best of Chicago luxury at the newly renovated Waldorf Astoria Chicago. Located in the heart of the Gold Coast, this iconic hotel is steps away from world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment.
After a day of exploring the city, relax on a private suite terrace or indulge in a bespoke treatment at the hotel's four-star Forbes-rated spa. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the hotel's restaurants, including the new Brass Tack, or unwind with a cocktail at Bernard's.
Lawyers Travel clients can make a luxury city retreat to remember and earn 3,000 Hilton Honors Points per stay now through the end of 2023.
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1143 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVENUE NW
WASHINGTON, DC
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Guests can linger longer on their DC stay in the heart of Dupont Circle this holiday season. Relax with complimentary Wi-Fi and bottled waters, and a room upgrade (pending availability). Wake up with their Express Breakfast Package and enjoy a meal cooked with love daily. Get to know the city like a local – walk to Georgetown and discover the waterfront, head downstairs for a watercolor class, and enjoy co-working with the city’s creative community in their living room. Find out why DC is the new “it” destination, and why Yours Truly is its creative home. | |
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. | | | | |
