- Courtesy of Ovation Corporate Travel July 2, 2008 In This Issue...
	WARNING STRIKE FORCES LUFTHANSA TO CANCEL FLIGHTS
	DELTA ADDS FUEL FEE TO FREQUENT-FLIER TICKETS
	TSA EXPANDS PAPERLESS BOARDING PASS PILOT PROGRAM
	OVATION CLUB E-NEWSLETTER WEEKLY SURVEY
	OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
	- THREADNEEDLES, London
	- TAJ, Boston
	- W CHICAGO LAKESHORE, Chicago
	- IVY, San Diego
	- JUMEIRAH ESSEX HOUSE, New York City

WARNING STRIKE FORCES LUFTHANSA TO CANCEL FLIGHTS
(source: Reuters)

Germany's Deutsche Lufthansa cut 40 flights on Tuesday, July 1 and did not rule out further cancellations as workers carried out warning strikes to pressure the airline in a dispute over pay.

Ground staff carried out strikes at Lufthansa's main German hubs at Frankfurt and Munich as well as catering staff at Frankfurt, a Lufthansa spokeswoman said. Stuttgart and Cologne were also affected.

The cancelled flights were mainly domestic services, as well as some intra-European flights. There were also delays to some long-haul services from Frankfurt and Munich, she added.

DELTA ADDS FUEL FEE TO FREQUENT-FLIER TICKETS
(source: The New York Times)

In the latest fee to hit the airline industry, Delta Air Lines said that it planned to begin charging a fuel surcharge of up to $50 for booking frequent-flier tickets under its awards program. Delta is not the first airline to charge a fee for previously free tickets, but it is specifically attributing the step to the soaring cost of jet fuel.

The new fee takes effect on tickets booked on or after August 15. Delta will charge a $25 fuel surcharge on tickets booked within the United States, and $50 on tickets booked for travel elsewhere, including the Caribbean, the United States Virgin Islands, Latin America and other international destinations.

Jet fuel prices have risen 83.6% in the last year, according to the International Air Transport Association, the global industry’s trade group. Jeff Robertson, managing director of Delta’s SkyMiles program, said the increase in fuel was “causing considerable financial stress to Delta’s business.” He called the step “a difficult but essential decision in the face of record-high fuel costs.”

“We hope this is temporary,” Mr. Robertson said, “and should fuel prices subside from current levels, we will re-evaluate this surcharge.”

TSA EXPANDS PAPERLESS BOARDING PASS PILOT PROGRAM
(source: TSA.gov)

In an effort to reduce the vulnerability associated with fraudulent boarding passes, TSA has partnered with Continental, Northwest, and Delta Airlines to create paperless boarding passes displayed on passengers' cell phone or personal digital assistants (PDAs).

The service is offered by Continental Airlines to passengers flying out of Houston's George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Newark International Airport (EWR) and Logan International Airport (BOS). Northwest Airlines has launched the paperless boarding pass to passengers flying out of Indianapolis and Delta has launched the service at La Guardia (LGA) in New York.

These state-of-the-art boarding passes contain a hi-tech two-dimensional (2-D) barcode encrypted with specific passenger information, such as the traveler's name and flight information. The two dimensional barcode is a rectangle of black and white squares resembling the static "snow" on an unreceptive television.

At the checkpoint, passengers present their cell phones or PDA with the encrypted barcode to a TSA travel document checking officer. The officer will scan the barcode using a handheld device to verify its authenticity. Passengers will still be required to show photo identification. The complexity of the two dimensional barcode creates an additional layer of security because it cannot be altered without being discovered upon scanning at the checkpoint.

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.

OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THREADNEEDLES
5 Threadneedle Street
London

Threadneedles: a luxury boutique hotel in the City's Square Mile.

Originally a Banking Hall built in 1865, with solid oak doors and impressive marble columns, the hotel echoes its colorful past with a rich and contemporary interior.

A multitude of textures and complementary tones create a feeling of understated luxury and tranquility in the heart of the City of London.

Crowning the "honesty bar" of Threadneedles hotel is a stunning antique dome, born in 1856. This dome bears the inscription ‘CB’, echoing its past life as The City Bank, prior to becoming a five star boutique hotel. Enjoy a strong gin and tonic, a refreshing white wine, a glass of bubbles or a simple beer from the honesty bar. The bar and dome combine to make a lovely spot to relax, work or conduct that final ‘deal’.

Ovation offers special rates this summer from £250 midweek per night (originally £355) or £125 on weekends. Price excludes VAT. Valid 25th July to 31st August 2008. Based on double occupancy. Subject to availability.

OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
TAJ
15 Arlington Street
Boston

Looking for accommodations for business, a romantic retreat or simply to enjoy Boston? The Taj Boston, the Crown Jewel of Boston’s luxury hotels, is conveniently located directly across from the Public Garden and adjacent to Fashionable Newbury Street. Taj Boston offers impeccable service and the finest amenities. The Café, The Bar, and Afternoon Tea in the Lounge complete the unforgettable experience.

All booked and consumed reservations made during the months of July and August will entitle guests to receive a complimentary upgrade to the next room type upon check-in at Taj Boston. Upgrades are based upon availability at the time of arrival.

The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Taj Boston is $295 (compared to a consortia rate of $550).

OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
W CHICAGO LAKESHORE
644 North Lake Shore Drive
Chicago

There is a moment when the sun sparkles through the window and one is awakened 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.

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 rooftop nightclub Whiskey Sky or over an inventive Mediterranean dinner at Wave.

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 W Chicago Lakeshore is $245 (compared to a corporate rate of $355).

OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
IVY
600 F Street
San Diego

Condé Nast 2008 List of Best New Hotels in the World - The mark of true elegance is infinite options. Immerse yourself in modern elegance at San Diego’s premier urban luxury resort.  Ivy’s lavish guestrooms feature glass-enclosed showers, Thai bed linens and personal butler service. Downstairs lies the city’s most vibrant fine dining and nightlife scene. Quarter Kitchen offers a sophisticated menu fusing exotic flavors with California cuisine. Every dish is designed to delight the palate and imagination. Journey to the largest rooftop space in San Diego. Eden Rooftop's pool and sundeck is an outdoor paradise adorned with daybeds, cabanas and stunning panoramic views. At night, Eden and the multi-level Envy nightclub present the most sought-after DJs and entertainment. Located in the heart of Downtown San Diego, Ivy Hotel provides unprecedented luxury in the historic Gaslamp District.

The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Ivy Hotel is $289 (compared to a corporate rate of $314).

OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
JUMEIRAH ESSEX HOUSE
160 Central Park South
New York City

Voted North America's Leading Hotel in 2007 by the World Travel Awards

Celebrating over 75 years of luxury on Central Park South, the historic Jumeirah Essex House first opened its gilded doors in 1931. This Manhattan landmark has recently completed a $90 million refurbishment program that pays homage to its classic Art Deco heritage.

Jumeirah Essex House is nestled between the beauty of Central Park and the buzz of Broadway. Enjoy their stylish setting, surrounded in the elegance that has lured dignitaries, celebrities and world leaders to this exclusive hotel for years.

Experience their new restaurant, South Gate - a neighborhood restaurant with inspired American cuisine and vibrant design, overlooking Central Park.

Welcome to Jumeirah Essex House. Relax and stay a while.

The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Jumeirah Essex House is $409 through December 31 (compared to a corporate rate of $566).

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Ovation Corporate Travel
www.ovationtravel.com
info@ovationtravel.com
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