NEW PRIORITY BAGGAGE DELIVERY FOR AA'S TOP CUSTOMERS Immediately available system-wide, American Airlines customers with AAdvantage elite status, AAirpass and those traveling in First and Business Class will experience Priority Baggage Delivery. Upon check in, luggage will be tagged with branded Priority bag tags. When arriving at their destination, the bags will be the first delivered to the baggage claim area, allowing a swift, convenient exit from the airport. American Airlines already offers PriorityAAccessSM privileges to AAdvantage elite status members and other top customers to enhance their travel experience at the airport with expedited check-in and security screening processes plus special boarding lanes at the gate. PriorityAAccessSM gives AA's top customers swift travel through the airport now their bags get top Priority too! Eligible Priority Baggage Delivery customers include First Class and Business Class passengers, AAdvantage Executive Platinum® members, AAdvantage Platinum® members, AAirpass® travelers, oneworld® Emerald and Sapphire members. AIRPORT CHECK-IN: PARKING FEES ON RISE Parking rates are rising at airports across the USA as aviation authorities and local governments seek additional revenue amid shrinking air traffic. Chicago's O'Hare and Midway airports and San Diego's Lindbergh Field announced parking price increases earlier this month, following other large airports that raised rates in the past year. They include: Minneapolis-St. Paul; Los Angeles; Honolulu; Little Rock National; St. Louis; Dallas/Fort Worth; Detroit; Boston; Pittsburgh; Oklahoma City's Will Rogers; Indianapolis; and Portland, Ore. At O'Hare, rates for most long-term parking (5 hours or more) will rise by $1, and the 24-hour maximum will increase by $1, to $31, at the daily lot. At Midway, a $1 increase will apply for long-term parking (7 hours or more) at the hourly and daily garages, and the 24-hour maximum will increase by $1, to $29. Rates for short-term parking will remain the same at both airports. The Chicago Department of Aviation says the increases are a response to the city of Chicago's parking tax increase of 75 cents last year, and that rounding up to a whole dollar speeds payment transactions. Starting July 1, San Diego airport will change its rate structure, which will result in higher prices. Parking for an hour will rise by $1, to $4. The daily maximum for the first day will remain at $21, but each additional 24 hours will cost $26. Airports are looking for other ways to save. Indianapolis closed the top level of the main parking garage, which will result in an electricity savings of $70,000 a year. Parking is a huge business for U.S. airports and the largest source of non-aviation revenue. Domestic airport parking revenue rose 2.6% in 2008 to $3 billion, even as passenger volume fell 3.6% to 735 million. RAISED CHECKED-BAG FEES American Airlines has joined its competitors in raising checked luggage fees. The airline announced Monday it would charge $25 for the first checked bag and $35 for the second. American is the last major legacy carrier to join in a wave of baggage fee increases that Delta Air Lines initiated earlier this month. The changes are effective for tickets purchased on or after February 1 for travel within the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Delta, United and Continental airlines, and US Airways all are charging $25 for the first bag and $35 for the second bag checked in at the airport. Passengers who check in online on those four airlines will pay $23 for the first bag and $32 for the second. American does not offer online check-in. Some passengers -- such as first-class fliers, some frequent fliers and military personnel on deployment -- are exempt from most checked-luggage fees. BOSTON'S LOGAN AIRPORT TO OFFER FREE WI-FI The Massachusetts Port Authority Board has approved a plan to offer free Wi-Fi to passengers at Boston's Logan International Airport. The board voted Tuesday to offer passengers free wireless Internet access to be supported by advertising and sponsorship programs. The airport currently offers paid roaming service such as Boingo or T-Mobile. Recently, free Wi-Fi temporarily has been available at Logan as part of a Google sponsorship. Under the new system, roaming subscribers will get access and those using the free service might view advertising before accessing the Internet for at least the next two years.
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Hyatt Regency Denver is $179 (compared to a corporate rate of $205).*
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
In one of the most fast-paced and populous cities on Earth, sits an enclave of quiet elegance and luxury, the Loews Regency Hotel. Located in one of the most revered sections of Manhattan, the hotel is situated on a tree-lined avenue and neighbors upscale boutiques, antique shops and museums. Once inside, the lobby exudes warmth and friendliness: an exceptional quality that's just as inherent in the attentive staff. A recent multi-million dollar renovation has turned this hotel into a closely guarded secret getaway. The luxurious fabrics that grace the contemporary accommodations are enhanced with gold and wood accents. Sheets of the 200-thread variety and premier mattresses ensure that guests will sleep deeply even if the city doesn't. The polish and flair of the hotel isn't purely cosmetic. An impeccably attentive staff ensures that The Regency lives up to its refined Park Avenue address. Distinctive services range from individually designed workouts with personal trainers to the simple, welcoming gesture of a doorman that remembers and refers to guests by name throughout any visit. LOEWS is thinking of YOU. LoewsFirst is now YouFirst. With exciting new benefits at all membership levels. To give you more of what travelers want. It's Loews' way of saying "thank you" to their loyal guests. Now there are more ways than ever to join Loews' new YouFirst program. Enroll today at loewshotels.com/youfirst and start enjoying benefits immediately. The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Loews Regency Hotel is $275 (compared to a corporate rate of $289).*
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
The Omni Charlotte Hotel envelopes travelers in ultimate comfort with a signature touch of genuine North Carolina hospitality. This four-diamond luxury hotel sparkles in the heart of Charlotte's financial district and is 2.5 blocks from the Charlotte Convention Center and many of the city's other cultural and entertainment highlights. Yet this is also the ideal respite, with spacious, graciously appointed guest room accommodations that let travelers discreetly close the world outside. The Omni Charlotte Hotel lobby is located just a short escalator ride away from the Overstreet Mall (open from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday), which features more than 30 unique stores, boutiques and restaurants. Just 15 minutes from Charlotte/Douglas International Airport. Planning a meeting? The Omni Charlotte's prime location and elegant facilities will create a memorable event for business meetings. The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Omni Charlotte is $159 (compared to a corporate rate of $199).*
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
Retreat from the rigors of travel; sleep well in the Westin Heavenly Bed(R) or reenergize in the heated indoor pool. One can explore the surroundings with their complimentary shuttle to the nearby King Street Metro. Everyone wants to feel special and have a unique personal experience. At Westin, there is an approach to making sure this feeling of personal renewal happens for every guest. Let all senses come alive. Feel welcome and renewed at Westin. The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at The Westin Alexandria is $239 (compared to a corporate rate of $289).* * All rates are subject to availability. Ovation Corporate Travel |
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