TRAPPED ON THE TARMAC? TRY THESE ESCAPES As the airline industry toasts its latest on-time arrival record of 79.1 percent of flights in April arrived on schedule, up just a fraction from the previous month and about one percentage point higher than a year ago -- no one seems to be paying much attention to the price we pay for this improvement. It's true that one reason for the uptick in on-time arrivals is that there are fewer flights and therefore less air traffic to get stuck in. But airlines have also given themselves more time, which is often referred to as "padding" their schedules. They've added anywhere between five minutes to more than half an hour to some of their domestic flights since deregulation, in order to keep up their on-time ratings. Can you avoid a long taxi-in time? Perhaps. 1. Think alternate Smaller, alternate airports, such as Chicago's Midway Airport or Ontario International Airport in Southern California, aren't as busy and far less likely to send dozens of aircraft to the penalty box. 2. Fly early The first flight of the day is less likely to experience a taxi-in delay. If yours is the first flight of the day to arrive, chances are there won't be another plane competing for the same gate. There are a lot of things that could happen during the day, a safe bet for a delay would be the last flight of the day between two busy airports. Avoid those if at all possible. 3. Bigger is better Smaller aircraft tend to get held in the penalty box more often than larger planes, according to recent statistics and several passengers. For example, three of the most-delayed flights for April were on American Eagle, a regional carrier. It makes sense that air traffic controllers wouldn't want to keep a Boeing 747 waiting for an hour. 4. Avoid bad weather If you're flying into South Florida during a summer afternoon, you're practically guaranteed a close encounter with a thunderstorm. Headed to Montana in January? Look out for blizzards. Flying into San Francisco or Juneau, Alaska? At certain times of year, mind the fog. Bad weather isn't the sole cause of taxi-in delays, of course, but the most extreme taxi-in troubles are often tied to storms and other meteorological disturbances, some of which are predictable. By flying into a small airport on a big plane, avoiding peak travel times and predictably bad weather, you can minimize your chance of getting stuck on the ground. But you can't avoid it entirely. LOOKING FOR WI-FI HOT SPOT? TRY 10,000 FEET UP The days of being cut off from the Internet while you're on a plane are quickly disappearing. A number of domestic airlines have recently begun offering Wi-Fi Internet access aboard planes, and other airlines say they are working toward making it happen. Here is what major U.S. airlines offer, and what is coming up: • AirTran announced in May that it would equip all of its aircraft with Aircell's Gogo by summer 2009. • Alaska Airlines offers in-flight Wi-Fi through Row 44. The airline said it launched a trial in mid-February on flights along the West Coast to determine usage and demand, and announced in April it would begin to determine pricing. • American Airlines announced in late March it would install Gogo on more than 300 domestic aircraft over the next two years. • Delta Air Lines is using Gogo, and will have Wi-Fi capabilities aboard more than 330 aircraft by the end of this year, the airline announced in August 2008. • Frontier Airlines uses LiveTV for its in-flight entertainment. The airline is testing a LiveTV product that would provide Wi-Fi, which they hope to launch by the end of the year, said Frontier spokesman Steve Snyder. Pricing has not yet been determined, he said. • JetBlue provides limited, free Wi-Fi on its BetaBlue aircraft using LiveTV. Services include e-mail, instant messages, shopping and BlackBerry smart phone access. JetBlue is not ruling out the possibility of offering expanded services for a fee, said company spokeswoman Alison Croyle. The airline plans to roll out the LiveTV service on more of its fleet this year, she said. • Southwest Airlines is testing Wi-Fi on four of its aircraft using Row 44 technology. After testing, which will probably last through April, the airline will determine pricing and how it will install the product on the rest of its fleet, spokeswoman Whitney Eichinger said. • United Airlines will use Gogo technology as it begins testing Wi-Fi on flights between New York and California in the second half of this year. The airline will decide on availability elsewhere after assessing feedback from testing, said United spokeswoman Robin Urbanski. • Virgin America offers Wi-Fi using Gogo on all flights between Washington and Los Angeles and all of its Boston routes. The airline said its entire fleet will have Internet access by the second quarter of this year. In addition to Gogo's standard rates, Virgin America offers a rate of $5.95 for red-eye flights. • Continental and US Airways do not offer in-flight Wi-Fi, but representatives for those airlines said they are looking into it. SATELLITE RADIO NOW A STANDARD FOR HERTZ All rentals for Hertz's Prestige Collection now include complimentary Sirius XM Radio. Free satellite radio is now a standard for Hertz's Fun and Prestige collections. These vehicles can be reserved by specific make and model.
WAYS TO AVOID CHECKED BAGGAGE FEES Now that baggage fees are generating serious money — they accounted for $1.5 billion in 2008, according to the Transportation Department — airlines are less likely to let the surplus bags slide. It's clear that airlines are depending on ancillary revenues in general, and luggage fees in particular, more than ever. Meaning air travelers must be more vigilant than ever about avoiding them. A proposed new law would see to that. It tasks the Transportation Security Administration with limiting the number of carry-ons travelers can bring through security checkpoints. What to do? • Bring less. Obviously, the best way to avoid paying for a checked bag is not to bring one in the first place. "How can you tell if your luggage is overweight? You can purchase Balanzza digital luggage scale, at a $24.99 list price, doesn't break the bank. • Look for loopholes. They still exist. For example, US Airways exempts all of its frequent fliers, passengers traveling to and from Europe or Asia, Star Alliance Silver and Gold status members, unaccompanied minors, first class passengers and active duty military. • Ask someone else to pay. Hotels are mindful that first-bag fees can hurt their business, so they're offering to cover the fees. For example, Kimpton hotels offers air travelers a room credit for checked baggage fees. • Mail it. Federal Express, UPS, the postal service, or a company like Luggage Forward can help you avoid the fees, but often, these options cost far more than what the airlines are charging. Then again, they're probably more reliable. An overnight delivery service is far less likely to lose your belongings. REGISTERED TRAVEL VENDORS CEASE OPERATIONS The remaining two Registered Traveler providers, FLO and Vigilant Solutions, have halted operations according to company and Transportation Security Administration officials. Clear, the main Registered Traveler operator, shut down operations at its 18 airport locations late last month. It operated expedited lines meant to move passengers more quickly through security checkpoints. The other two providers, FLO and Vigilant Solutions, were hoping to pick up some of those Clear customers, but they, too, have closed their airport operations. FLO has closed its operations at Reno-Tahoe Airport in Nevada while the future of the Registered Traveler program is debated, said Fred Fischer, company senior vice president and managing partner. FLO is now negotiating with several airports and hopes to have a deal by the week's end, Fischer said. Vigilant's status in Jacksonville, Fla., and Louisville, Ky., is less certain. Company officials could not be reached for comment. But the TSA released a statement saying, "We have been informed that Vigilant has ceased operations."
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Discover the regal elegance and unmatched service of Hyatt Regency Century Plaza. This iconic Los Angeles luxury hotel has been catering to discerning clients – including dignitaries and Hollywood elite – for over 40 years. Delight in the attention to detail by their experienced staff and our beautiful setting in LA's most fashionable address. A host of deluxe amenities – including fine dining and gracious guestrooms – combine with state-of-the-art meeting facilities and business center to create the ideal choice among luxury hotels in Los Angeles. Eat at Breeze, their award-winning, signature restaurant serving seasonal California Cuisine and the freshest Sushi. Or indulge in the Lobby Court & Patio – a great spot for people watching, dining or relaxing with friends and business associates. The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza is $285 including full breakfast for one, internet access for one computer, bottle of water, newspaper, 1 pressed shirt or blouse, local, 800 and long distance calls within the US and Canada (compared to a corporate rate of $329).
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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 corporate 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 the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin is $169 (compared to a corporate rate of $174). OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM Experience the best of the city at Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. Boasting a spectacular waterfront location and lavish amenities, this unique urban resort offers a retreat. Take in stunning views from the inviting pool area, play tennis, or be pampered in Kin Spa. This luxury hotel in downtown San Diego is ideally placed to explore all this area has to offer. Step outside the doors to Seaport Village and cruises on the Bay, walk to the Gaslamp Quarter, visit the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld then browse museums in Balboa Park. Discover the advantages of this San Diego resort, distinctively heralded among downtown San Diego hotels. Relax in the comfortable elegance of these 340-sq.-ft. San Diego accommodations. Each guestroom offers a partial view of the city or Bay, and features one king or two double Grand Beds fitted with luxurious linens and down duvet over pillow-top mattresses, windows that open to allow in the fresh air, generous work area and high-speed Internet access (fees apply). The stylish decor of these downtown San Diego hotel accommodations complements deluxe amenities, including pampering Portico bath products and daily San Diego Union Tribune delivery. At Sally's Seafood on the Water cuisine is paired with world-renowned seafood with waterfront dining for lunch, happy hour, sunset, dinner or cocktails on San Diego Bay. The impressive "Grand Lobby Bar" is all things Grand from the location to the Grand offerings of cocktails and ultra-premium spirits. The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego is $179 (compared to a corporate rate of $199). OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
The Michelangelo Hotel is recognizedby Travel & Leisure Magazine as one of the top 500 'Greatest Hotels of the World' and has been placed on the 'Gold List' for the "Best Place to stay in the whole world" by Condë Nast Traveler. Envision a place that captures the imagination and attention of the world. The moment one enters the hotel they will feel like the honored guest of a devoted Italian host. Surrounded by oil paintings, crystal chandeliers, and cherished antique furnishings, one may think they have arrived in Florence or Venice. The interiors reflect an Old World approach for the guests' every pleasure and comfort. The lobby and multilingual staff set the tone. The lobby showcases rich Venetian and Florentine fabrics, lighting fixtures inspired by Roman cathedral torcheres and woodwork adapted from original Renaissance period designs. The Michelangelo Hotel is part of the 'Star Collection' of hotels worldwide. The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Michelangelo is $225 (compared to a corporate rate of $235). OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
The Hotel Raphael is a treasure in the heart of Paris. Built in 1925, close to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysées, The Hotel Raphael is the last Parisian Palace owned by a French Family. The Bar is an absolute must in the Triangle d'or, "le tout" Paris love to meet in this friendly, intimate and elegant atmosphere. The Gastronomic restaurant "La Salle à Manger" proposes a "Cuisine" innovative and refined in the stunning dining room. During the summer months, enjoy a lunch or dinner on the rooftop terrace of the Raphael, in the luxurious garden restaurant "Les Jardins Plein Ciel", where one can appreciate a breathtaking panoramic view over Paris and its famous monuments. After the renovation of the Suite Arc de Triomphe and the creation of a spacious and sophisticated apartment with a surface of 180 m2 and a magnificent view on the Eiffel Tower, 2008 has been marked by the full renovations of 16 Deluxe rooms. The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Raphael is € 335 (compared to a corporate rate of €435).
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In the heart of the SoMa district, the city is in reach. Neighbors with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, W San Francisco faces the beautiful Yerba Buena gardens and is a short walk to Union Square's shops, Financial District & the Waterfront. Panoramic views of the Bay Bridge and the city skyline fill each of the 410 guest rooms. Take in the view from the SoMa district's newly renovated W San Francisco combining whimsical Asian influences like Chinese checkers and origami butterflies with the cloud-like comfort of the W signature bed. An oasis beckons. Unwind in the heated lap pool, Zen on the cabana-ringed outdoor terrace. Melt in Bliss Spa's 5,000 square foot tension-banning oasis. Then relax with the perfect XYZ elixir & warm to Paul Piscopo's delights at XYZ Restaurant. The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the W San Francisco is $209 (compared to a corporate rate of $299).
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New Beginning There is a moment when the sun sparkles through the window and one wakes up to the sky, unfurling over Lake Michigan. W Chicago - Lakeshore, the only hotel overlooking the lake, is close to Navy Pier and has a flip-flop perfect beach next door. Urban Renewal Slip out of tension at Bliss Chicago's 9,600 square foot spa dedicated to erasing stress. Then flirt with the glittering skyline and drinks at Rande Gerber's nightclub Whiskey Sky or over an inventive Mediterranean dinner at Wave. The Big Picture Admire the city and lake views, or slide the shade closed for a sweet escape. Indulge in the legendary Bliss lemon + sage Sinkside Six. Then dive into dreams atop the featherbed and down pillows that comfort each of their 520 deluxe guest rooms. The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the W Chicago Lakeshore is $169 (compared to a corporate rate of $179). All rates are subject to availability. _________________________________________________________________ Ovation Corporate Travel |
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