HEIGHTENED AIRLINE SECURITY UPDATE The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced enhanced security screening for air travelers bound for the US from a select list of countries effective Jan. 4. The administration did not detail what the increased screening would include but unconfirmed reports indicate passengers would face pat-down body searches and searches of carry-on luggage. The enhanced security measures will apply to individuals flying from state sponsors of terrorism as well as other "countries of interest." The US State Department deems four countries to be sponsors of terrorism: Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria. However, unconfirmed reports indicate that the measures would apply to air travelers from at least 14 countries, including Afghanistan, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen. The remaining four countries have not been disclosed. The US will likely attempt to keep secret the list of countries forced to take increased security measures under the new directive in an attempt to keep terrorists off-guard. A similar move was enforced with the increased security measures initiated last month; most reports detailing the tighter security came from airlines and air passengers. Allow additional time for check-in procedures. REMINDER: OVATION IS COLLECTING SECURE FLIGHT DATA To facilitate the collection of the Secure Flight Passenger Data, Ovation Corporate Travel has created a secure, encrypted web form which travelers can use to input this information. When the information is submitted, your traveler profile will be updated. If you have not already done so, please click on the URL directly below to complete the collection process. https://secureflight.ovationtravel.com For additional Secure Flight information go to: http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/secureflight/index.shtm DELTA EXPECTS FULL INTEGRATION OF NORTHWEST Clearing that last big regulatory hurdle sets the stage for Northwest to disappear as a separate carrier by this spring and, Delta executives hope, to help unlock billions of dollars in merger benefits after operating the two carriers at arm's length. Delta and Northwest, based in Eagan, Minn., became the world's largest airline group by traffic when they merged in October 2008. The two airlines boast a combined fleet of 750 airplanes that fly to more than 360 destinations around the globe and booked $21.26 billion in revenue in the first nine months of last year. More than 80% of Northwest's silver-and-red planes already have been painted in Delta's white, blue and red. Northwest ticket agents and flight crews have been wearing Delta uniforms since April. In the coming weeks, pilots from Delta and Northwest are scheduled to share cockpits for the first time. By the end of March, Delta plans to replace separate ticketing systems with a single one as Northwest's flight codes are retired and visitors to Northwest's Web site get redirected to Delta. All but one of Northwest's airports, Philadelphia International, had been rebranded with Delta's logo by year end. Delta in October consolidated the carriers' frequent-flier programs, spanning more than 74 million members. Delta says annual cost and revenue benefits at a fully integrated airline could top $2 billion within a few years. As one airline, it can eliminate duplicate technology platforms and consolidate scheduling systems for pilots. It also will be able to better manage its inventory of seats, more easily shifting planes and crews to wherever they are needed. Delta says it has been phasing in and testing technology changes to avoid the major disruptions of other airline mergers.
JAPAN AIRLINES STILL IN TALKS Japan Airlines Corp. said this week it is still in talks with Delta Air Lines Inc. and American Airlines on potential tie-ups, and that it hasn't decided which to partner with. The comment was in response to a report in the Yomiuri Shimbun's Monday evening edition that Japan Airlines Corp. and quasi-government investment fund Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corporation of Japan the same day chose Delta Air Lines as a capital alliance partner for the struggling airline. A Japan Airlines Corp. spokesman denied these reports, saying the company is continuing discussions with both parties.
OLYMPICS HIGHLIGHT NEW BORDER REQUIREMENTS When the 2010 Winter Olympic Games start in Vancouver on Feb. 12, they not only will draw athletes from across the globe but legions of citizens from the USA — all of whom will need to present newly required forms of identification to cross the border. In anticipation of that, and in the face of criticism of the increased documentation requirements and costs for cross-border travel that went into effect last June, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has launched a $2 million marketing campaign to remind people in the Northwest about identification options for border crossings. Last month, the department began targeting Washington, Idaho and Oregon with radio, television, print and Internet ads, said Joanne Ferreira, public affairs officer with Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection office. The ads, featuring Olympians such as skier Bill Demong, include reminders that identity documentation will be required to return to the USA and direct people to GetYouHome.gov, a Homeland Security travel website, to find out about the various document options, several of which are less expensive than obtaining a passport. The Olympics-centered campaign is part of an ongoing effort by Homeland Security to publicize ways of crossing the border in light of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative rules, which since June 1 have required American citizens to have a passport, passport card or enhanced driver's license or to be enrolled in a trusted traveler program such as NEXUS and SENTRI (for frequent travelers to Canada and Mexico respectively) or FAST (for commercial drivers) in order to get back into the USA from Canada or Mexico. The change also began requiring Canadians to have a passport, enhanced driver's license or trusted traveler program card for getting into the USA. It did not change the similar documentation Mexican citizens already were required to show.
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W Goes to Washington Next to the White House, the most powerful suits - pinstripes and black lace—rendezvous at W Washington D.C., where Italian Renaissance meets modern cool. With commanding rooftop views of major landmarks, W-Gate is all about stately indulgence. By George, a Capital Time Calling all style senators—the Congress of Cool is in session. In Dianna Wong's sleek setting, J&G Steakhouse by Jean-Georges, Sasha Petraske's rooftop POV bar, SWEAT® Fitness Center and the capital city's first Bliss® Spa assemble in vogue. Presidential Sweet With 317 rooms featuring the signature W bed, fully wired technology, fabulous in-room entertainment, delightful Munchie Box and their Whatever/Whenever® service, the First Amendment of luxury, travelers will never want to leave. The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the W Washington DC is $299 (compared to a corporate rate of $309). *
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he Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Hyatt Regency Denver is $175 (compared to a corporate rate of $195). *
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Following an extensive refurbishment confirming its place among the capital's most luxurious and desirable 5-star hotels as a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the hotel's 281 bedrooms and suites have been transformed into state-of-the-art luxury hotel accommodation, with many of its rooms overlooking the Thames. This central London luxury hotel is near Charing Cross mainline railway station and Theatreland, Covent Garden, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye are on its doorstep. Yet with its renowned AA rosette restaurant, bar, and lounge, and 14 fully-equipped meeting-rooms for special events in both the hotel and in the adjacent One Whitehall Place, one never needs to set foot outside the hotel. The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Royal Horseguards is £189 (compared to a corporate rate of £200). * * All rates are subject to availability. Ovation Corporate Travel |
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