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IT’S BACK: THE MINIMUM STAY (OVATION'S DAN GOGERTY INTERVIEWED)
(source: The New York Times)
Ovation Corporate Travel's Senior Vice President, Operations, Dan Gogerty, was quoted in Sunday's The New York Times 'Business' section. The article "It's Back - The Minimum Stay" discusses the resurgence of Saturday night stay requirements among airlines and what business travelers can do to avoid adding days to their trips.
"Thanks to vastly more complex fare and booking technologies, it's easier for an airline to catch a back-to-backer now than it was eight years ago. But it's also easier for travel managers to use sophisticated technology to find creative fare-cutting alternatives — including small adjustments in dates and times, and using nearby alternative airports that are just as convenient," Mr. Gogerty said.
Click here to view the full article
LUFTHANSA URGES STRIKE-HIT PASSENGERS TO TAKE TRAIN
(source: Reuters)
German airline Deutsche Lufthansa urged passengers to take the train as a strike by airport workers in Germany forced it to cut 142 mainly domestic flights scheduled for Wednesday, June 4. Services to and from its main German hubs at Frankfurt and Munich would be worst hit, Lufthansa said in a statement on Tuesday, June 3.
But intercontinental flights would leave and arrive as planned, the carrier said.
"Passengers travelling within Germany whose flights are cancelled are asked to use the train," Lufthansa said, adding that trains would accept air tickets.
Germany's Verdi union said on Tuesday its members would strike at German airports on Wednesday as it tries to increase pressure on the government to agree to an 8% wage hike for some 2 million public-sector workers.
HAVE LAPTOP, WILL BREEZE THROUGH SECURITY?
(source: USA Today)
The Transportation Security Administration is moving closer to easing one of the biggest security hassles: making airline travelers take laptops out of cases at airport checkpoints.
A policy likely to take effect in a few months would allow passengers to put certain types of cases through airport X-ray machines with laptops inside, according to TSA chief Kip Hawley.
Manufacturers such as Targus and Skooba Design are designing new "checkpoint-friendly" cases, which passengers would have to buy if they want to take advantage of the new TSA policy. Travelers could still use old cases but would have to continue removing laptops at checkpoints. The TSA is testing prototypes of new laptop cases that would let airport screeners see a laptop clearly and not block or clutter an X-ray image with thick padding, straps or electronics.
"This is very doable, and we'll be in a position in a couple of months to say people who show up with these types of laptop cases will be able to put them though X-ray machines," Hawley said.
E-NEWSLETTER READERS SHARE OPINIONS ON AIRLINE BAGGAGE FEES
(source: Ovation Club E-Newsletter Weekly Survey)
With more and more airlines charging for checked baggage, we asked Ovation Club E-Newsletter readers to share some opinions on the charges and how it affects the way they pack for business. One reader said, “I've learned how to pack into a carry-on bag and prefer doing so if possible, checked-baggage charges aside, because this way I am almost guaranteed to not lose my bag (assuming I remember where I stored it) and to not have to wait at the baggage carousel (unless a traveling companion checked his or her bag).”
50% of readers said they would make an effort to pack lighter because of the new charges, but won’t lose sleep over it if they need to pay a fee. 32% said they found the charges to be unfair. Another reader said, “The trend seems to be heading toward these fees, so it may be something I just have to learn to live with.” 10% had no problem with the fees, and 7% said they would look into alternative methods of getting baggage to their destination.
OVATION CLUB E-NEWSLETTER WEEKLY SURVEY!
The Ovation Club E-Newsletter Weekly Survey gives you the opportunity to weigh in by voting your opinion on hot topics in business travel. You can also post comments online on the topic of the week.
Question of the Week: With the recent expansion of the Clear Registered Travel Program into Salt Lake City and Atlanta, Clear cards are now accepted at 18 locations nationwide. Do you think it's worth the membership cost (approximately $128 for the first year) for expedited passage through security?
- Absolutely, I'm already a member and love it!
- I think it's probably worth it and I'm planning to sign up.
- Since I travel mostly for business, I think it's worth it as long as my company covers the membership fees.
- I'm still not sure. Ask me again when they've expanded to a few more airports.
- Not worth it. Traditional security lanes aren't that bad.
To cast your vote go to: https://ovationtravel.com/enewssurvey/
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
HYATT REGENCY
17900 Jamboree Road
Irvine
 At the Hyatt Regency Irvine, travelers will encounter an experience unparalleled in Irvine hotels - comfort, relaxation and easy access to fun and excitement that only Southern California can provide. Among Irvine, California hotels, the Hyatt Regency provides an extensive selection of upscale amenities, special services and premier dining for business travelers.
Enjoy amenities such as free breakfast and local calls, in-room wireless Internet and 24-hour access to copying, printing and business supplies. City, mountain or pool views complement modern decor including marble bath with Kohler fixtures and one king or two double Grand Beds featuring plush pillows, soft sheeting and thick down blankets piled upon pillow-top mattresses.
The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Hyatt Regency Irvine is $219 (compared to a corporate rate of $289).
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
MANDARIN ORIENTAL
222 Sansome Street
San Francisco
 Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco is a legend in an iconic city; their unmistakable architecture towers right above downtown, with panoramic views towards the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay.
MO Bar is the perfect venue for a casual and quiet atmosphere at any time of day. There’s always something delicious on the menu. In the evening, cocktails are the specialty along with a mouth watering array of "small plates" dining. Favorites include Peking Duck in Sesame-Crusted Lotus Buns and Grilled Pita Bread. There's no more inviting place to unwind after an exciting day in the city.
Spacious rooms and expansive views in the center of the financial district; convenience and luxury make business a pleasure. In the room one will find the level of comfort one of the most enjoyable aspects of any business trip. When it comes to work, the layout of every room gives the traveler adequate working space and the technical back up needed away from the office.
The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco is $325 (compared to a corporate rate of $445).
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
TRUMP INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & TOWER
401 North Wabash Avenue
Chicago
 Soaring high above the Loop and North Michigan Avenue, the city's newest landmark is within walking distance to the best of Chicago, from the exclusive shops to the historic sites along the Riverwalk.
Custom furnishings, sweeping lake, river and city views, and all the comforts of home define each sophisticated guestroom and indulgent Spa room.
Sample a spectrum of flavors and take in the panoramic views in Sixteen.
Each guest receives their own Trump attaché, providing comprehensive business and personal services.
The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago is $350 (compared to a corporate rate of $445).
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
INTERCONTINENTAL STEPHEN F. AUSTIN
701 Congress Avenue
Austin
 The InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel is a 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, health facilities and 6,000 sq. feet of banquet and 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 and one block from the Austin entertainment district. The Concierge can 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 the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel is $205 (compared to a corporate rate of $299).
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
GRAND VISCONTI PALACE
Viale Isonzo; 14
Milan
 The charm of the Grand Visconti Palace lies in its ability to place its guests into a dimension of welcome comprising atmospheres, feelings and areas in which they can take care of themselves, and settings far away from the bustle and noise to relax and work in.
The Grand Visconti Palace is in the heart of lived-in Milan, in a district which sprang up at the beginning of the 20th century, with straight roads and beautiful precise buildings now known as Old Milan style. Close to a railway branch which is now no longer in use, in a building which stands on the area of one of the reference points of industrial Milan. From 1920 onwards this area accommodated the Verga Mill: trains used to come right into the courtyard to load flour to be transported all over Italy. Nowadays that courtyard, which houses the bedrooms, the Health Centre and the Conference Centre, is an extraordinary spacious green area in the Italian garden style. A hotel that is both modern and old, classical but without trimmings, fashionable but without being trendy, and sober, elegant and true, the Grand Visconti Palace presents itself forward as a dynamic, versatile reality - an area to experience as a natural, prestigious location.
The hotel has 162 rooms and 10 Suites ranging from the Junior Suites to the Tower Suite. While the bedrooms are classical, many of the suites have been given touches of a slight minimalist design, for tastes which are sophisticated but not traditional. Sophisticated decoration, precious Italian polychromatic marble, and Murano crystal lamps and lights cocoon guests in an atmosphere rich in warmth and solid elegance.
The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Grand Visconti Palace is 248 Euro including breakfast, complimentary newspaper and upgrade upon availability.
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Ovation Corporate Travel
www.ovationtravel.com
info@ovationtravel.com
800.431.1112 |
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