FEES FIND THEIR WAY TO FREQUENT FLIER PROGRAMS Say goodbye to bonus miles. On Wednesday, August 6 US Airways is eliminating this standard perk. Not only will elite Dividend Miles members no longer earn extra miles on flights with US Airways and partner airlines, but they'll also pay processing fees on flight award redemptions ranging between $25 and $50. Such is the state of frequent flier programs, as airlines struggle to find new sources of revenue. Frequent flier mile redemption fees are just the latest tactics airlines have instituted. Little luxuries that once were free are now assessed a fee from checked-in bags at the gate to soda and snacks served on the plane. Frequent flier miles are big business. American Airlines reported in its 2007 annual report that it sold 100 billion AAdvantage miles to credit card companies, hotels, car rental companies and other third parties that use airline miles for their own customer loyalty outreaches. Those miles can generate at least $1 billion in revenue. "These programs have an impact on the carriers’ financial health and are very important for their liquidity at the moment," said said Jay Sorensen, an airline industry consultant and president of IdeaWorks, Milwaukee. "Airlines have to be smart enough not to degrade these programs, but we'll see a decrease in advantages and perks until business comes back." TSA TO ALLOW LAPTOPS TO STAY IN APPROVED BAGS There's a new option for people annoyed at having to take their laptops out of their bags at airport security. The Transportation Security Administration will now allow travelers to leave their computers inside "checkpoint friendly" cases. The new rules, announced Tuesday, August 5 and set to take effect August 16, are intended to help streamline the X-ray inspection lines. TSA said it reached out to bag manufacturers this year to design laptop cases that would provide a clear, unobstructed image of the computer as it passed through an X-ray machine. The agency said the new bags will be available for purchase this month. To qualify as "checkpoint friendly," a bag must have a designated laptop-only section that unfolds to lie flat on the X-ray machine belt and contains no metal snaps, zippers or buckles and no pockets. Among the manufacturers selling TSA-approved laptop bags are Mobile Edge, Skooba Design and Targus Inc. WORLD’S LARGEST AIRCRAFT LANDS AT JFK The new generation double-decker plane made a historic landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport Friday, August 1. More than 500 passengers and crew arrived on Emirates Airline Flight 3801 from Dubai. They flew on the Airbus A380, which is billed as the world's largest passenger aircraft. The new generation double-decker plane has a wingspan of 261 feet and 8 inches and length of 238 feet and 6 inches. It has a maximum range of 8,000 nautical miles and a thrust of 70,000 pounds, according to the Emirates’ Web site. It will mark the first commercial flight of its kind to the continent. The A380 has three classes, comprising of a 14-seat first class, 76-seat business class and 399-seat economy class, according to the airline’s Web site. It also claims to be more fuel-efficient than other large jets. Emirates Airline and Group, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, was the first to fly the double-decker jet to the United States. Following its arrival in New York, Emirates Airline is planning to showcase the first of its 58 double-decker aircraft during visits to San Francisco and Los Angeles. Beginning August 8, Emirates will operate its A380 three times a week on its New York to Dubai route on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
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 recent changes to many of the airlines' frequent flyer policies (such as Delta recently implementing a $25-50 fuel surcharge even on award tickets) has your attitude towards frequent flyer programs changed in recent months?- I'm done! I no longer think it's worth it to stick with a loyalty program. I'm totally over it. - Where's the loyalty? Frequent flyer downgrades are frustrating and disappointing. What's the point of sticking with a program when the rewards are lackluster? - Go with the flow. I don't think the recent changes are that big of a deal. The airlines have to do what they can to offset rising fuel costs. - Small price to pay. I've been true to my program for a long, long time and I still feel my points are valuable and worth earning and redeeming. - Gimme more! I'm excited about the rewards that are currently being offered and totally enthusiastic to continue participating in my frequent flyer program(s). To cast your vote go to: https://ovationtravel.com/enewssurvey/
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One of Boston’s premier four-diamond hotels, Hilton Boston Financial District exemplifies 1920’s Art Deco architecture. Perfectly situated in the heart of downtown Boston in the Financial District, one block from Boston’s waterfront and ten minutes from Logan International Airport. Nearby attractions include Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall, Post Office Square, Downtown crossing, the Freedom Trail, The New England Aquarium, IMAX and the TD Banknorth Garden.
In Texas, things are done in a big way, and The Fairmont Dallas is no exception. In this modern city of soaring skyscrapers, The Fairmont hotel in Dallas has, for nearly forty years, taken its place as the standard of elegance and grand style. Making its home in the Dallas Arts District, our Dallas hotel is just minutes from the Central Business District, Victory Park (home of the American Airlines Center), the Financial District, outstanding culture and entertainment activities of The Arts District, the West End Historic District known for its shopping and lively restaurants as well as the exciting upscale shops, restaurants and entertainment of the nearby West Village.
A fabulous location next door to Regent’s Park makes the Landmark London Hotel the ideal place to stay when enjoying London, trips to the theatre, a day at The Spa or some shopping therapy are all easy when you make The Landmark London your home.
1. An early wake up