DELTA CASHLESS ONBOARD Don't forget to pack your credit card. Delta is switching to plastic-only to expedite their onboard payment process. Beginning December 1st, Delta will only accept credit cards – no cash – on Delta and Northwest Airlines® flights traveling within North America, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Bermuda and the Caribbean. So just swipe your card to purchase tasty selections from the airline's EATS menu, a refreshing signature cocktail, premium Delta on Demand entertainment and other in-flight amenities. SkyMiles Credit Cards from American Express® are warmly welcomed in-flight, and Delta also accepts most major credit cards. Flying across international waters? Delta will continue to accept cash and credit on all trans-Atlantic, trans-Pacific and South American flights as well as for all duty-free items. Visit delta.com for merger information. MIDWAY MAKES A COMEBACK Chicago's Midway Airport is pulling out of the recession faster than O'Hare International Airport, as shifts in the air travel market boost Midway's fortunes and breathe new life into Mayor Richard M. Daley's plan to privatize the city's No. 2 airport. Year-over-year passenger traffic has been increasing at Midway in recent months while it's still in decline at much-bigger O'Hare, according to Crain's. Crain's says, "Midway is benefiting from a recovery in leisure travel and Southwest Airlines Co.'s expansion. Dallas-based Southwest put Chicago at the center of its growth strategy, with new service to destinations such as Minneapolis and New York." Meanwhile, Porter Air has added new service to Toronto while Delta has come in with its own new routes at Midway – routes that presumably are a competitive response by Delta to Southwest's expansion into the New York LaGuardia and Minneapolis/St. Paul markets. Additionally, Crain's says the "quick recovery" is likely to make Midway more attractive to private investors as efforts continue to privatize the airport. THE RULES ON NAMES COULD BEND A LITTLE The Transportation Security Administration and the airline industry are trying to address public anxiety over how the new Secure Flight identity-matching program will affect travelers. The program is rolling out smoothly, the airlines say. "We believe that the Secure Flight implementation is working quite well," said David A. Castelveter, a spokesman for the Air Transport Association. "We have seen no significant interruption to travel." The next phase of the program comes after airlines get their reservations and other customer information in order early next year. That is when passengers' full names are expected to be the same on reservations, boarding passes and government-issued identification. Right now, travelers experience Secure Flight through dealings with airlines. Starting in late summer, airlines began asking customers to make reservations under the exact name that appears on the ID to be used at airport security. That is, a John Thomas Smith who makes a reservation should be using an ID with that name — and not, say, John T. Smith. Airlines have also been asking that customers ensure that all personal information, including frequent-flier accounts, appear under the same full name. Once the airlines are finished with the initial phase, the T.S.A. plans to begin more closely matching names on boarding passes with IDs at the checkpoints. This prospect is where confusion lies. Will passengers whose IDs have slight variations from their boarding passes be delayed at checkpoints for an extra measure of scrutiny? On its Web site, the T.S.A. is less than crystal clear on this point. "For the near future, small differences between the passenger's ID and the passenger's reservation information, such as the use of a middle initial instead of a full middle name, or no middle initial at all, should not cause a problem for the passenger," it says. "We do understand there are slight variations in the way airlines book their reservations and print their boarding passes," said the T.S.A.'s director of Secure Flight, Paul Leyh. A "slight variation" between a name on an ID and a boarding pass "should not delay the passenger's travel," he said. Secure Flight was intended to solve a relatively small but widely publicized problem — the extra security screening and resulting delays that some people routinely encounter because their names match or approximate the identities of people on a secret security watch list maintained by the government. That so-called selectee list contains the identities of people deemed to be subject to extra security before flying. Given more precise information at booking, the T.S.A. expects to be able to match more precisely a passenger's identity against those on the watch list. This should reduce the number of false positives — people who are flagged at security until it can be determined that they are not the person with a similar name who is on a watch list. "The Secure Flight watch-list matching process occurs before a passenger even gets to the airport," Mr. Leyh said. "So if you get a boarding pass, the Secure Flight watch-list matching process is done." In other words, you are clear once you get that pass.
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The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Alden-Houston is $131 (compared to a corporate rate of $161).*
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Welcome to the Jewel of Times Square Located in the heart of Times Square, the Crowne Plaza Times Square just completed an $85 million renovation and is the perfect base from which to do business, shop on Fifth Avenue, stroll through Central Park or rejuvenate in their Sleep Advantage beds that grace every one of their 770 newly renovated guest rooms. Every room has a stunning city skyline or river view; one will find 24-hour fine dining, Manhattan's largest indoor swimming pool in their two story fitness club, a dedicated conference and business center, and state-of-the-art meeting facilities amongst many other amenities. The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Crowne Plaza Times Square is $239 (compared to a corporate rate of $249).*
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The InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel is an historic Austin icon located in the heart of one of America's most culturally vibrant cities. Within the hotel, you'll find world class dining, complimentary health facilities, and 6000 sq ft of banquet/meeting space. A preferred downtown Austin hotel among the local business community, the InterContinental Stephen F Austin Hotel is only three blocks from the State Capitol Building, one block from the Austin entertainment district, and only one block to most downtown law firms and businesses! Their Concierge will also guide you to the best hidden gems in restaurants, shopping, theatre, sporting, and cultural events in this exciting city. The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at InterContinental Stephen F. Austin is $189 (compared to a corporate rate of $207).*
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HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR ON THE AVENUE OF THE STARS The InterContinental Los Angeles Century City is a taste of true Hollywood style. Their convenient Westside address is within walking distance of 20th Century Fox Studios, MGM Tower, Beverly Hills' Rodeo Drive and upscale shopping at Westfield Century City. A quick drive will take you to the Getty Center, Los Angeles city centre, UCLA or the beach. Elegantly decorated suites makes travelers feel like they are at a home away from home. Their Presidential suite has a spacious 1575 sq ft and their Royal Suite 3300 sq ft both with walk out balconies with beautiful views. All suites equipped with Flat screen HDTV's as well as HSIA at a fee to keep travelers connected. The on-site fitness center features Cardio Vascular equipment, Stair Stepper, Stationary Bike, Steam Bathing, and Treadmills. The Spa InterContinental is an Ultra Urban Spa Oasis Featuring Zen-Inspired Villas offering complete privacy and tranquility. This intimate spa oasis encompasses three Zen-inspired spa villas providing the ultimate in city pampering and urban retreats. French chef Vincent Cachot's 20 years of culinary experience are evident on the unique menu at the Park Grill. Using local organic produce and other healthy ingredients, he creates California-style cuisine sure to be a highlight on any itinerary. A long list of fine wines, a choice of patio or indoor seating and intimate surroundings complete the experience. The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the InterContinental Los Angeles is $194 (compared to a corporate rate of $229).*
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Le Méridien San Francisco is a luxury hotel located in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District. The hotel is connected by a landscaped pedestrian bridge to the historic Federal Reserve Building, and the shops, entertainment, and cafés of the dynamic Embarcadero Center. Le Méridien is also steps away from San Francisco's main leisure attractions such as Chinatown and the California Street cable cars, with easy access to Fisherman's Wharf and Ghirardelli Square. The guest rooms are spacious and many offer sweeping views of the bay as well as the city. The rooms have an attractive, contemporary décor and appointments with fine furnishings. Accommodations are 100% non-smoking and are equipped with wired and wireless High Speed Internet Access, plush robes, beds with 300-count Frette sheets, down duvets, and a Nakamichi stereo/CD player. Room service is available 24 hours a day. A professional staff and superior facilities, including onsite catering and audiovisual resources with state-of-the-art telecommunication services, provide support for all conference needs. Le Méridien San Francisco… the premier choice in the downtown area for one's next executive conference, meeting or retreat. The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Le Méridien San Francisco is $239 (compared to a corporate rate of $299).*
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Park Hyatt Washington combines dynamic modernism with classic American style. Ideally situated in the fashionable West End Georgetown neighborhood, steps from historic sites and a short ride to the U.S. Capitol, the hotel is a preferred choice among world travelers and the city's elite. The hotel's 216 guest rooms and suites include walnut flooring, contemporary lighting, plush sitting area with a designated workspace, comfortable swivel chairs and a large flat-screen television. The signature Park Deluxe rooms, the largest in the city at 618 sq. ft, feature a lavish spa-inspired limestone bathroom with a rain shower, deep soaking bathtub and custom-designed amenities by Blaise Mautin. An award-winning restaurant, the Blue Duck Tavern, invites guests to gather and celebrate in good taste by offering menu selections focusing on the freshest ingredients available from regional purveyors. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. The hotel's Lounge offers guests an oasis in the nation's capital with comfortable seating and "Capitol Hill" glass-enclosed booths. A lounge-style power breakfast is served each morning, followed by a full-service lunch and dinner menu. Tempting cocktails and an extensive wine list complement a nightly cheese presentation showcasing artisanal cheeses by the ounce. Unique to the hotel is an intimate Tea Cellar, featuring more than 50 rare and limited production single-estate teas. The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Park Hyatt Washington is $335 (compared to a corporate rate of $345).*
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The Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead invite you to experience the $38 million renovation of their guestrooms, featuring a new color palette of azaleas, magnolias and hydrangeas inspired by the timeless appeal of Southern gardens. Embraced by trendsetters and tastemakers across the Southeast when it opened in 1984, the hotel has been the epicenter of the social community for more than two decades, and a coveted destination for couples and families celebrating life's milestones. The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead is $259 (compared to a corporate rate of $309).*
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Once the palatial home of a Texas cotton magnate, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek has received such honors as the top U.S. hotel by Zagat and the top hotel for service in the world and top U.S. hotel restaurant by Travel + Leisure. In addition, the Mansion has been rated Mobil Five-Star since 1991 and AAA Five–Diamond since 1992. Situated in Dallas' most fashionable neighborhood, the Mansion retains the intimate ambience of a private residence while providing the highest levels of quality and service. The luxurious rooms and suites at the Mansion feature tasteful furnishings, sumptuous marble baths and French doors that open onto private balconies. Thoughtful amenities assure every need is fulfilled, from round–the–clock room service and twice–daily housekeeping. The 143 rooms including 16 suites: each offer at least 450 square feet, a comfortable living area and well–designed work area. The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek is $215 (compared to a corporate rate of $275).*
* All rates are subject to availability. Ovation Corporate Travel |
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