|
SWINE FLU COULD AFFECT AIRLINES
(source: The Wall Street Journal)
The outbreak of swine flu could hurt global airline traffic just as carriers are struggling with the consequences of the global economic downturn and last year's spike in fuel prices. Airlines around the world have so far reported only a small number of cancellations.
A spokesman for the Air Transport Association, which represents U.S. airlines in Washington, said he hadn't heard of any cancellations or drop-offs in bookings. An American Airlines spokesman said the carrier had received only a small number of calls from passengers trying to change reservations. American, along with other airlines including US Airways and JetBlue relaxed restrictions for passengers seeking to change existing bookings to or from Mexico.
A spokesman for a European airline, however, noted that travel agents are already seeing a fall in bookings to Mexico, while flights out of the country are almost completely full.
Swine flu updates and developments may be monitored via the following websites:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/?s_cid=swineFlu_outbreak_internal_001
World Health Organization
http://www.who.int/en/
AA DOUBLE ELITE STATUS MILES
(source: American Airlines)
Qualify or re-qualify for AAdvantage Gold®, AAdvantage Platinum®, or AAdvantage Executive Platinum® status faster than ever with this special promotion. Just book a trip and fly on American Airlines, American Eagle, or AmericanConnection® between March 18, 2009, and June 15, 2009, and earn double elite-qualifying miles - the miles that bring you closer to AAdvantage elite-status membership - at an accelerated rate.
Register prior to travel on aa.com to qualify for this special offer.
BAGGAGE FEES UPDATE
(source: American Society of Travel Agents)
Effective for tickets issued on or after April 23, 2009 for travel on or after July 9, 2009, US Airways will charge an additional $5 fee to check a bag at the airport, resulting in a $20 fee for the first checked bag and a $30 fee for second checked bag. Bags checked-in online will pay $15 for their first checked bag and $25 for their second.
Delta’s and Northwest’s baggage policies are aligned. As a result, Delta’s new $50 second bag fee for international travel also applies to Northwest flights.
Effective for tickets issued May 1, 2009 for travel on or after July 7, 2009, Alaska/Horizon will charge $15 for the first checked bag.

OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
FLATOTEL
135 West 52nd Street
New York City
The Flatotel Hotel New York City, a contemporary, intimate and cosmopolitan hotel in midtown Manhattan. Featuring 288 deluxe rooms and suites with custom designed furniture and state of the art amenities, Flatotel offers boutique hotel intimacy with apartment size rooms.
With a new design based on the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright's concept of the hearth being the heart and soul of a house, Flatotel has created a place that draws its spirit from the bed, a custom-designed piece that becomes the central element of the room.
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
LANDMARK
222 Marylebone Road
London
A fabulous location next door to Regent’s Park makes the Landmark London Hotel an ideal place to stay when enjoying London. Trips to the theatre, a day at The Spa or some shopping therapy are all easy when one makes The Landmark London home.
Guests will find the Landmark London's bedrooms amongst the largest in the Capital. Guest rooms reflect classic Victorian British elegance, averaging 592 square feet. Luxurious Suites average 1184 square feet and provide exceptional convenience for the most discerning traveler.
Hotel guests and locals alike enjoy the special Sunday pace at the Winter Garden Restaurant's Champagne Brunch. Family and friends relax with champagne and live jazz.
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
OMNI HOTEL AT INDEPENDENCE PARK
401 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia
Overlooking Independence National Historic Park and surrounded by Philadelphia’s Society Hill, stands the four-diamond Omni Hotel at Independence Park. This is European-style luxury hotel in downtown Philadelphia offers elegance and style at its best - at its best – all within walking distance of the Liberty Bell, U.S. Mint, Independence Hall and the Benjamin Franklin House. Situated just 10 minutes from the Philadelphia International Airport, the Omni Hotel at Independence Park offers the ideal Philadelphia hotel location.
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
OMNI WILLIAM PENN
530 William Penn Place
Pittsburgh
With a blend of classic elegance and modern sophistication, the renowned Omni William Penn Hotel has served as Pittsburgh’s premier hotel since 1916. Guests from around the world have been captivated by the striking beauty and charming presence of this Historic Hotel. Guests will enjoy the spacious, stately rooms with High Speed Wireless Internet access. Located in the heart of downtown, it has easy access to all major office buildings and to both courthouses: just two blocks to either the County or Federal courthouse. Full service dining options, 24-hour room service & fitness center access. Suites are also available.
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
ROCCO FORTE HOTEL DE RUSSIE
Via del Babuino 9
Rome
The Hotel de Russie is a luxury five-star hotel located in the heart of the beautiful city of Rome between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo on the Via del Babuino. The hotel is within easy walking distance of Rome's key attractions, fashion houses and Via Condotti. The Vatican City, with St Peter's and the Sistine Chapel, is just a ten-minute walk from the Hotel de Russie while Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain are also within easy access.
The most unique luxury hotel in Rome, Hotel de Russie provides a stunning feature - extensive, terraced gardens named the “Secret Garden.” Overlooking Via del Babuino, the garden provides a tranquil oasis amid the bustle of central Rome where one can dine alfresco at “Le Jardin de Russie” or enjoy a peaceful stroll. Soft lights complete the beauty of the garden, where the “Stracinskij Bar” is open during the spring and summer.
The hotel also has one of Rome's best health clubs and spa with a hydropool, jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish steam bath, beauty treatments and gym.
Whether visiting Rome on business or pleasure, Hotel de Russie's picturesque gardens and spa facilities combined with impeccable service will provide a complete escape and allow guests to experience the very best of Rome.
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
ROYAL PALMS RESORT & SPA
5200 East Camelback Road
Phoenix
Privacy remains the ultimate luxury at Royal Palms Resort and Spa. Enchanting stone walkways curve throughout the property, inviting guests to indulge in a leisurely stroll amongst the fragrant citrus groves and exotic foliage. Set amidst lush courtyards and blooming gardens, the 119 beautifully appointed casitas, guestrooms, and villas surround as an oasis for guests seeking tranquility and solitude. Each room is resplendent in Old World charm, many appointed with a breathtaking collection of European antiques, tiles and artifacts. Set in the Valley of the Sun, the resort is located in the beautiful Phoenix-Scottsdale resort community, with the majestic Camelback Mountain providing a striking visual backdrop.
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
ST. REGIS
125 Third Street
San Francisco
At the most artful address, The St. Regis San Francisco is located in the vibrant SoMA district affording guests magnificent views of the San Francisco cityscape. A modern day interpretation of the St. Regis legacy, the hotel is a prestigious landmark of architectural bravura, seamlessly incorporating the historic Williams Building and a contemporary 40-story tower. Redefining the splendor of the gilded age, the hotel features the award-winning Ame restaurant, the 9,000-square foot Remède Spa, Pratesi linens and a heated full-lap pool.
_____________________________________________________________________
Ovation Corporate Travel
www.ovationtravel.com
info@ovationtravel.com
800.431.1112 |