JANUARY 4, 2023

US TO REQUIRE MANDATORY COVID-19 TESTS FOR TRAVELERS FROM CHINA


The United States will require a negative COVID-19 test for travelers to the US from China, reports Business Travel News. Beginning January 5, 2023, all air travelers ages 2 and up will need to provide a negative test to their airline no more than two days prior to their departure from China, Hong Kong, or Macau. Should a traveler test positive more than 10 days before a flight, they can provide documentation of recovery in lieu of the negative test result, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Airlines must confirm the negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of the recovery for all travelers before they board or deny boarding to the traveler. The requirement applies to all travelers regardless of nationality and vaccination status. It also applies to individuals traveling from China via a third country transit, and to travelers connecting through the US onward to further destinations. The US is one of several countries requiring such testing after the Chinese government announced it was lifting its COVID-19 requirements in December. 

SOUTHWEST'S MELTDOWN SHOULD BE A TECHNOLOGY WARNING FOR AIRLINES


The Southwest Airlines meltdown over the holidays should serve as a reminder for other airlines to take stock of their operations to ensure nothing like this happens again, reports Skift. The primary reason for Southwest's issues was its outdated optimization technology, which the airline has outgrown over the past couple of decades. Company executives have admitted to prioritizing other things over investing in technology for operations, despite warnings from staff and some close calls in the past. Paired with a staff shortage, the issue became too much for Southwest’s system to handle. Unions said they had warned Southwest of tech inadequacies and that the problem could have been avoided if the carrier would have invested in its own operations. Southwest had invested in some new technology, mostly customer-facing applications like self-service capabilities, as outlined in a public filing in early 2022. The filing also said the company had deferred a “significant number of technology projects” during the pandemic, though it did finish the “long-awaited milestone” of establishing a single system for all aircraft maintenance and record-keeping.

DELTA TOPS ON-TIME PERFORMANCE FOR NORTH AMERICAN CARRIERS IN 2022


Delta Air Lines took the top spot for on-time performance among major North American carriers in 2022, reports USA Today. According to the 2022 report conducted by aviation analytics company Cirium, Delta had an on-time performance of 84.1 percent on a total of 959,987 flights, down a few points from last year's 87.8 percent performance. Alaska Airlines came in second, with 81.4 percent on a total of 231,000 flights, followed by United Airlines at 81.3 percent out of nearly 750,000 flights. These were the only three carriers with scores above 80 percent. Overall, nearly 72 percent of the more than 5 million flights tracked by Cirium made it to their destination on time. A flight is considered on time if it arrives within 15 minutes of the scheduled gate arrival.

FAA SAYS IT FIXED COMPUTER ISSUE THAT DELAYED FLORIDA FLIGHTS


The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has fixed the problem with a critical air traffic control system that caused flight delays at major airports in Florida on Monday, reports Reuters. A problem with the functioning of a system known as the En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) used to control air traffic prompted the FAA to issue a so-called ground stop order, slowing traffic into Florida airports. "The computer issue has been resolved. The FAA is working toward safely returning to a normal traffic rate in the Florida airspace," the agency said in a statement. According to FlightAware, Orlando International Airport (ORD) saw 221 outbound flights and 246 inbound flights delayed. Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) had 186 outbound flights delayed and 152 inbound flights delayed, while Miami International Airport (MIA) had 111 flights delayed.

UNITED AIRLINES TO PURCHASE UP TO 200 NEW BOEING WIDEBODY PLANES


United Airlines has announced the largest widebody order by a US carrier in commercial aviation history, as it plans to purchase up to 200 new Boeing widebody planes between 2024 and 2032.

Approximately 100 planes of the new widebody order are expected to replace older Boeing 767 and Boeing 777 aircraft, with all 767 aircraft removed from the United fleet by 2030. The new planes should help reduce carbon emissions per seat by as much as 25 percent. "This order solves for our current widebody replacement needs in a more fuel-efficient and cost-efficient way, while also giving our customers a best-in-class experience," said Gerry Laderman, United's EVP and Chief Financial Officer. Additionally, the carrier continues to upgrade the interiors of its existing fleet. More than 90% of the carrier's international widebodies now feature the United Polaris® business class seat, as well as United Premium Plus® seating – upgrades for the remaining aircraft will be completed by the summer of 2023. United also will retrofit all of its mainline, narrow-body planes with its signature interior - about 100 aircraft are scheduled to be completed in 2023 with the remaining expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

CAMBRIA HOTEL CHICAGO LOOP - THEATRE DISTRICT

32 WEST RANDOLPH STREET

CHICAGO

Experience upscale accommodations and amenities in the heart of Chicago at Cambria Chicago Loop - Theatre District. Located conveniently close to some of Chicago's top attractions, Cambria Chicago Loop is ideal for business travel and vacations. Enjoy top-notch services and an onsite restaurant that offers classic American cuisine. Unwind and relax in comfortable guest rooms with Chicago inspired décor. Whether traveling for work or leisure, Cambria Chicago Loop provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

FAIRMONT COPLEY PLAZA

138 ST. JAMES AVENUE

BOSTON

At Fairmont Copley Plaza, the "Grande Dame of Boston," guests have been charmed for over a century. In the heart of the city's famed Back Bay neighborhood, this historic landmark hotel connects guests to the quintessential Boston experience. Nearby, find many of the city's finest sights and activities, from the historic Freedom Trail to the fashionable boutiques of Newbury Street. A luxury four-diamond property, Fairmont Copley Plaza offers 383 lavish guest rooms, including 17 elegant suites, daily in-room dining service, a complimentary onsite 3,000 square foot rooftop health club overlooking Back Bay, and is home to one of the hottest drinking and dining destinations in the city, OAK Long Bar + Kitchen. The hotel recently celebrated its 110th anniversary and proudly remains the epitome of elegance in Boston while sharing its rich history every day with guests. 

HOTEL WASHINGTON

515 15TH STREET NW

WASHINGTON, DC

Hotel Washington is the perfect destination. Located in downtown Washington, DC, this iconic property is home to luxe amenities, VUE Rooftop restaurant and bar, and is steps away from the city's best attractions. Hotel Washington has five meeting spaces with over 11,000 square feet of meeting and event space; there is enough space for board meetings and workshops during the day, retreats, and happy hours at night. Hotel Washington has 326 rooms, including 31 luxurious suites and the Presidential Suite overlooking the Washington Monument. 


All guests will receive a complimentary upgrade to the next room category (subject to availability at the time of booking). 

KIMPTON GEORGE HOTEL

15 EAST STREET NW

WASHINGTON, DC

A monumental location steps from Capitol Hill, Union Station, and the National Mall that does upscale in an impeccably approachable way, with creative design nods to the founding father, George Washington. Kimpton George Hotel’s prime location, whimsical personality and engaging staff will cater to travelers’ every wish. Come find out why the Kimpton George Hotel is one of the top rated hotels on Trip Advisor.


Kimpton George Hotel is walking distance to major downtown law firms and is offering a complimentary upgrade to the next room category (based on availability at check in) and 1000 Bonus IHG Points per night for all stays January 1 – March 31, 2023. 

KIMPTON HOTEL BORN

1600 WEWATTA STREET

DENVER

Anchoring Denver’s revitalized LoDo neighborhood and Colorado’s transportation hub, Kimpton Hotel Born serves as Union Station’s most authentic urban refuge. With every architectural and culinary detail crafted to convey an elegant vibe, the hotel welcomes guests into a community of creativity, comfort, and, ultimately, revitalization. Settle into furnishings inspired by a modern alpine aesthetic. Socialize at an outdoor happy hour that blends into dinner and two of the city’s best chef-driven restaurants. Hallmarks of Union Station’s new LEED silver certified luxury hotel include floor-to-ceiling windows in each room and a curated, entirely original art collection. Check into the Kimpton Hotel Born at Union Station - a gateway to the Rockies - and be revitalized by Colorado’s liberating lifestyle.

MAISON DE LA LUZ

546 CARONDELET STREET

NEW ORLEANS

Maison de la Luz is a distinctive new guest house from Atelier Ace. A place for reverie and proper Southern swoon, for prophetic visions or quiet inspiration, Maison de la Luz finds beauty in the curious and defines luxury as moving through the world with grace. With 67 resplendent suites, private sanctuaries, and bespoke concierge service, Maison de la Luz is a lighthouse for the senses, reverent of elegance, irreverent of convention, and is marked by generosity of spirit.

PGA NATIONAL RESORT AND SPA

400 AVENUE OF THE CHAMPIONS

PALM BEACH GARDENS

Palm Beach style meets breathtaking amenities at the crown jewel PGA National Resort, newly reopened and completely redesigned. Commanding 800 manicured acres just minutes from Palm Beach’s aquamarine coastline, the all-new resort’s legendary history meets fresh tropical modernity with gorgeous rooms & suites, inventive dining, stunning spa, family, fitness, pickleball, and golf programs that are renowned worldwide. Reinvigorated with $100 million in luxurious upgrades, PGA National Resort swaggers with sophistication the moment guests arrive, with a sweeping lobby bar & social terrace, opulent furnishings, and unmistakable Palm Beach vibes in exotic marbles, woods, and colorful tropical touches. Bathed in radiant sunlight, peer through the lobby to the resort-style pool, lakes, and golf courses adorned with Instagrammable swaying palms. 

THE PLAZA

768 FIFTH AVENUE

NEW YORK CITY

The Plaza has welcomed guests from around the world to enjoy its magic at the castle in Central Park South for 115 years. Located on Fifth Avenue, The Plaza’s prestigious address defines elegance with unmatched service and an ever-evolving modern sensibility. Revel in the magic of Afternoon Tea in The Palm Court and savor the sights in the elegant Champagne Bar. Offering 282 distinctive guest rooms, including 102 luxurious suites, The Plaza showcases its limitless future with its Legacy Suite collection.

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