BUSINESS TRAVEL NEWSLETTER

Airlines

White House Moves to End Onboard Air Traffic Delays


 The Office of the Inspector General took airlines to task late last month on the problem of onboard flight delays. The IG office issued a report to the DOT that said many of its recommended solutions had been made back in 2001. Now President Bush has entered the fray. At his direction, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters has formed a group of airline, airport and travel officials and given them the job of developing a series of measures to reduce congestion at New York’s three major airports by the end of the year. Secretary Peters said that the DOT will develop options for reducing flight schedules at JFK. The announcements came after an Oval Office meeting with President Bush. New York is key to the solution, according to Peters, because one-third of the nation's air traffic goes in, out or over New York airspace every day, accounting for three-quarters of all chronic air delays.  At the same time, an aviation industry group, the Air Transport Association, called for the appointment of an aviation “czar” to oversee an initiative to end air traffic delays by eliminating air capacity limitations. James May, head of the ATA, advised against considering economic measures that would dampen demand. (Source: DOT, White House and ATA press releases).  

Clear Opens at SFO


 Clear, which operates registered traveler lanes at U.S. airports, has opened its express security lanes at both domestic terminals at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The Clear lanes in the International Terminal will open in the middle of this month. Clear pre-screens travelers and, once they’ve been approved, provides them with an identity card with an encrypted fingerprint or iris image, that gives them access to a separate, faster lane through airport security checkpoints. It costs $99.95 annually. Clear is now set up in Albany, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Little Rock, New York’s JFK, Newark, Orlando, Reno, San Jose, Westchester County, N.Y., and soon, La Guardia. (Source: Clear press release).

Continental Plans Expansion at Cleveland Airport


Continental Airlines plans to increase its capacity at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport by 40 percent over the next two years. It will initially operate another 50 flights, most on regional jets, and add 20 new nonstop destinations by next summer. Airport improvements planned in tandem with this development include an expanded security checkpoint area, a new meet-and-greet waiting area and additional ticket counters. A concession redevelopment program is underway to provide more retail and food and beverage options for travelers at Cleveland Hopkins -- at prices that are comparable to non-airport locations. Continental and the Airport are also reviewing different options to expand and/or relocate the current Federal Inspection Services and customs hall. (Source: Continental press release).

Alaska Air to Introduce In-Flight WiFi Next Year


 Alaska Airlines plans to introduce in-flight wireless internet service next year using Row 44’s satellite-based connectivity. Alaska will test the system on a 737 aircraft in the spring; depending on the outcome, it will then equip its 11-4aircraft fleet with the service. There will be wireless hotspots installed in the aircraft cabin. (Source: Alaska Airlines press release).

JetBlue Adds Flights from Northeast to Florida
JetBlue Airways has added to its Florida service out of Boston’s Logan International Airport, adding five new nonstop flights -- one each to Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, Tampa, and West Palm Beach. JetBlue is also adding nonstop service to Orlando this winter from Burlington, Vt., Portland, Maine, and Buffalo and Rochester, N.Y.  (Source: JetBlue press release).

 

American Introduces Round-Trip Check-in on Web Site

American Airlines has introduced an enhancement to online Flight Check-In at AA.com. Now travelers who have return flights within 24 hours of departure can check in for both outbound and return flight segments at the same time. Round-Trip Flight Check-In is available at www.aa.com/checkin for customers traveling with domestic e-tickets. The new feature is especially helpful for passengers who want to check in for their entire same-day trip online but may not have computer and printer access at their destination. Additionally, Round-Trip Flight Check-In provides the earliest possible check-in time for customers seeking a flight upgrade or for those who would like to be added to a standby list. Just as before, passengers are able to check in online up to 24 hours prior to departure. (Source: American Airlines press release). 

JetBlue Launches More Nonstops                                                                                                                  
JetBlue has begun nonstop service between Orlando and Syracuse. It has also begun four daily nonstops between New York City’s JFK Airport and Raleigh-Durham, N.C. In October, it will begin four flights a day between Columbus, Ohio, and JFK, and one daily nonstop between Boston and Columbus. (Source: JetBlue press releases).
American Introduces Next Generation Business Class
 American Airlines has introduced its international Next Generation Business Class, which features lie-flat seats, a personal in-flight entertainment system with audio and video on demand, state-of-the-art lighting and ergonomically-designed overhead bins. American will install its new Next Generation Business Class on its Boeing 777 fleet beginning in 2007. (Source: American press release).

Low Fare Carriers Tackle Transatlantic Routes


 Two low-fare carriers, Canada’s Zoom Airlines and Scotland-based Flyglobespan, have entered the transatlantic market, flying between the U.S. and the British Isles. Zoom flies between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and London Gatwick for $199 each way.  It offers Premium Economy seats for an additional $179.  Flyglobespan is offering flights from New York and Boston to Ireland West Airport Knock, with one-way fares starting at $203 from New York and $259 from Boston; from JFK to Liverpool, with flights starting at $99 and from Boston to Glasgow, with flights starting at $99 one-way. (Source: Zoom, Flyglobespan press releases).

Study Finds JetBLue, Continental Tops


 The J.D. Power and Associates 2007 North America Airline Satisfaction Study has found that JetBlue ranks highest among low-cost airlines and Continental is highest among traditional network carriers. The study measures overall customer satisfaction based on performance in seven measures (in order of importance): cost and fees, flight crew, in-flight services, aircraft, boarding/deplaning/baggage, check-in and reservation. JetBlue ranks highest overall for a third consecutive year, earning the highest ranking for low-cost carriers in 2006 and 2007. JetBlue also earned particularly high ratings in the low-cost carrier segment across all seven customer satisfaction measures -- despite a double-digit segment decline in overall satisfaction since 2006.  Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines ranked second and third. Continental Airlines, improved in six measures: reservations, check-in, boarding/deplaning/baggage, aircraft, flight crew, and cost and fees. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines ranked second and third respectively. Traditional network carriers are defined as airlines that operate multi-cabin aircraft and use multiple airport hubs. (Source: J.D. Power press release).

 

TSA Takes Over Security Checks at JFK


The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is now validating passenger identification and boarding passes at a number of security checkpoints at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The Port Authority Police Department provides law enforcement support. TSA security officers are conducting document checking at more than 200 smaller airports, as well as Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) and Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) in addition to JFK. Airline contract employees previously conducted document checking at these facilities. In addition to fraudulent document detection, TSA officers serving in this role are also trained in interview techniques and methods to identify suspicious behavior. As part of the fiscal year 2008 budget request, President Bush has requested funding from Congress for an additional 1,300 document checking security officers. (Source: TSA press release).  Continental Introduces Cleveland- Quebec FlightContinental Airlines is introducing nonstop scheduled service between the airline's Cleveland hub (CLE) and Quebec's Jean Lesage International Airport (YQB). The flights will enhance Continental's existing service to Quebec from its New York hub at Newark.  Continental Express, the regional carrier for Continental Airlines, is operating the new flight utilizing a 50-seat Embraer ERJ-145 regional jet. (Source: Continental press release).

 

Hotels

 

St. Regis Washington, D.C., Reopens


The landmark St. Regis Washington, D.C., will reopen in December, after a 16-month, multi-million dollar renovation. The project included a makeover of all guest rooms and public areas and new landscaping. There are now 175 guest rooms, instead of 193, because the hotel has an additional 11 suites. Rooms now have including wireless Internet, 32" LCD televisions, DVD players, Pratesi linens and Remčde amenities, and bathrooms with mosaic tiles and custom-designed brass fixtures.  (Source: St. Regis press release).

 

 

Wingate by Wyndham

 

Wingate is now Wingate by Wyndham!  A different name, but Wingate still offer the same great advantages for all business travelers.  Wingate offers everything you will need for one convenient all-inclusive price, including a hot continental breakfast, wired and wireless high-speed Internet access, 24-hour business center, local calls & long distance access, and a whole lot more. Plus, their affiliation with Wyndham Hotels and Resorts offers more choices in more destinations when planning travel.         

 

Choice Hotels Goes Smoke Free


 Choice Hotels International has made all 433 of its domestic Comfort Suites smoke-free. Other 100 percent smoke-free hoteliers include Marriott International, Westin and Heartland Inn hotels. Approximately ten percent of the United States’ 53,000 hotels have gone 100 percent smoke free.. A directory of smoke-free hotels worldwide can be found at www.FreshStay.com. (Source: Choice Hotels press release).

 

Cars

 

Car Rental Gets Greener


 Three of the nation’s major car rental companies have added hybrid vehicles to their fleets. Enterprise has more than 3,300 hybrids in its fleet as well as more than 38,000 flex-fuel vehicles that are fueled with E85, an alternative fuel that is 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Hertz, which introduced its “Green Collection,” high-mileages, low-emission vehicles, last fall, is adding 3,400 Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles to its fleet. And Avis is also adding 1,000 hybrids, the Toyota Prius. (Source: Avis, Hertz and Enterprise press releases and interviews).  

Avis Offers In-Car Wi-Fi at Newark


Travelers at Newark Liberty International Airport now can rent Avis Connect, the portable Wi-Fi service. Units are also available at Avis locations in San Francisco, San Jose and Fort Lauderdale, and will be offered at airports in Dallas, Los Angeles and Miami within the coming weeks. Avis Connect compatible with all Wi-Fi enabled devices including laptops, Ultra-Mobile PC handhelds and PDAs. (Source: Avis press release).


Hertz Launches Hourly Rental Program in New York City

 

Offering 'No Strings' Short-Term Rental Options is now available at three Manhattan locations. With no fuel charge, no application fees and no fees for canceling or changing a reservation, Hertz Hourly Rentals are truly the easiest way to rent a car on an hourly basis. As with all Hertz rentals, Hertz Hourly Rentals also include unlimited mileage and 24-hour and Emergency Roadside Assistance.  Hertz Hourly Rental rates start as low as $12.00 per hour, midweek and includes one-year complimentary membership in Hertz #1 Club Gold, Hertz's top-rated membership program (a $50 value).   Hertz Hourly Rentals can be reserved* by calling 888-HERTZ-HR (888-437-8947)
 

Dollar and Thrifty Give Free Upgrades

 

Dollar Rent A Car and Thrifty Car Rental are awarding customers who rent three or more consecutive days with a free upgrade when paying with their American Express Card. In addition, they will receive a $25 American Express branded rewards card when renting a compact through full-size car (with a maximum upgrade to a premium car) at any participating Dollar or Thrifty Car Rental location in the U.S. The promotion is effective with 24-hour advance reservations made now through June 30. To take advantage of the offer, use Promotion Code AX25. (Source: Dollar Thrifty press release).

 

 Rail

 

Amtrak Expands At-Seat Cart Service on Acela


Amtrak has expanded the food cart service on its New York-Washington Acela Express trains. The at-seat cart service is now available on ten trains Monday through Wednesday and 12 on Thursdays and Fridays. This is in addition to enhanced menu for Acela Express and upgraded meal service for First Class passengers and recent capital improvements to tracks and signals in the Northeast corridor. (Source: Amtrak press release).