BAG FEES TO COME ON INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS American Airlines announced last week that it would begin charging customers $50 for checking in a second bag on flights to India and most of its European destinations. Customers can still check one bag at no charge. AIRLINES SWEETEN FREQUENT FLIER PROGRAMS In recent weeks, American Airlines introduced new awards for one-way flights; United dropped its $75 to $100 fees for booking an award within three weeks of travel; and Delta Air Lines made it easier for elite frequent fliers to retain their V.I.P. status. Carriers have also been dangling mileage offers, including double-mile promotions, and have even resurrected bonuses for booking online. Those who follow the programs describe the changes as a slight shift in a more consumer-friendly direction, giving customers more ways to earn and redeem miles. In a similar vein, the new one-way award from American Airlines lets members book a flight after as little as 12,500 miles. There have also been changes in financial regulations that require airlines to account for unused frequent-flier miles as a liability, which has motivated carriers to make awards easier to redeem. Delta Airlines recently announced new benefits for its elite SkyMiles members, which take effect in 2010. FEWER DELAYS AS AIR TRAVEL SLIDES A marked decrease in airline travel has made this summer the smoothest in years for fliers accustomed to lengthy delays and snarled traffic. The aviation system is suffering significantly fewer delays than the past two years, according to government data and aviation experts. The lengthiest delays — which cause people to miss connecting flights and trigger the most havoc — are down even more steeply. In May, June and July, delays longer than two hours dropped by more than 25% compared with 2008 and 2007, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Overall, traffic at large airports is down 9% this year compared with last, according to the FAA. But the overall lower traffic, prompted by last year's high fuel prices and the economy, has created nearly across-the-board improvements for passengers. A new runway that opened last fall at Chicago's O'Hare International— a major choke point in the aviation system — also had a big impact. The trend is expected to continue through the Labor Day travel period: About 3.5% fewer passengers are expected to travel compared with last year's Labor Day period, according to the Air Transport Association of America. TROPICAL STORM FORMS IN THE ATLANTIC Tropical Storm Danny has formed in the open Atlantic off the Bahamas, and forecasters say it could get stronger as it moves toward the U.S. The storm has top winds of 45 mph and is moving to the west-northwest at 18 mph. As of 11 a.m. EDT Wednesday, the storm's center was about 445 miles east of Nassau, Bahamas and about 775 miles south of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
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The InterContinental Los Angeles Century City is a taste of true Hollywood style. The 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 offers Cardio Vascular equipment, Stair Stepper, Stationary Bike, Steam Bathing, and Treadmills. Spa InterContinental - 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 $245 (compared to a corporate rate of $289).*
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Hotel Palomar Washington DC - a luxury, boutique hotel in DuPont Circle, where high-end, art-house design meets sophisticated, personalized service - sets "Art In Motion" for an unforgettable experience. Conveniently located within walking distance of two of the City's most popular neighborhood enclaves - Georgetown and DuPont Circle - Hotel Palomar Washington DC is an ideal destination when visiting the nation's capital. The perfect location makes a perfect complement to the elegant design, inspired by 1930s French Modern designers. Guests are greeted by the dramatic two-story lobby and the striking design elements throughout - the niches of eclectic and colorful objet d'art, the geometric marble flooring, the bold artwork and the exotic woods. Hotel Palomar Washington DC, a Kimpton Hotel, invites you to enjoy: - Complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access in guest rooms and public space - Complimentary evening wine and beer reception in the lobby from 5-6 pm - Complimentary morning coffee and tea in the living room - Flat screen TV, CD player and sound system in each room - Organic mini bar - In-room safe, large enough to accommodate laptops - 24-hour room and concierge service - Choice of four complimentary daily newspapers - Plush spa robes, PJ, and socks - Bath amenities by L'Occitane® - "Mind.Body.Spa." in-room exercise programs for Yoga, Pilates and core strengthening The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Palomar Washington DC is $224 (compared to a corporate rate of $278).*
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM The PuLi Hotel and Spa – China's first urban resort and Shanghai's latest luxury hotel opens 1 July The PuLi Hotel and Spa is China's first luxury urban resort and is the only hotel in Asia-Pacific to be included in Conde Nast Traveller's Hot List 2009: 10 Ones To Watch. The hotel is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and managed by Urban Resort Concepts. The PuLi Hotel and Spa is centrally located in the heart of Shanghai within JingAn District, between Nanjing West Road and YanAn Road, and is accessible via road and subway lines 2 and 7, which takes you direct to the Shanghai World Expo site. The hotel has a prime location close to some of Shanghai's best business, shopping, sightseeing and entertainment areas and is part of the new multi-use development Park Place, which is poised to become a business landmark of Shanghai. All new first-time treats in Shanghai include all inclusive rate plans including complimentary breakfast, mini bar and high-speed Internet access, in-room mobile phones with dual SIM card slot and citywide coverage within Shanghai, Jing'An restaurant, a 32-metre Long Bar offering one of Shanghai's longest wine and champagne selections by the glass and the first Anantara Spa in Shanghai. The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the PuLi Hotel and Spa is 1480 CNY (compared to a corporate rate of 1680 CNY).*
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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 Hotel Partners Program rate at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead is $259 (compared to a corporate rate of $309).* OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM Central Park, Fifth Avenue, spectacular art, thriving culture, endless shopping, unbelievable dining and lively nightlife – this is New York City. Amid the whirl of excitement one will find The Plaza, a timeless landmarked New York hotel capturing memories since 1907. *All rates are subject to availability. _________________________________________________________________ Ovation Corporate Travel |
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