Taking Travelers’ Allergies Seriously
Travelers with allergies understand how disruptive it can be to encounter pollen-filled air or feather pillows in a hotel room. Major hotel groups are increasingly addressing these concerns. Hyatt has rolled out a program across its 125 full-service North American properties offering optional hypoallergenic guest rooms. Using a six-step cleaning process, Hyatt treats rooms by dispersing tea tree oil through the ventilation system, followed by an ozone treatment. A medical-grade air purification unit removes about 98 percent of pollen, airborne viruses and bacteria. If windows are opened, the ventilation system filters irritants within an hour. These hypoallergenic rooms carry an additional nightly charge of about $20–$30.
Fairmont Hotels and Resorts has focused on dietary needs with Lifestyle Cuisine Plus menus at its 64 properties worldwide. Chefs at each hotel design dishes for guests with celiac disease, diabetes and heart disease, as well as those who follow macrobiotic, raw and vegan diets. Each menu features locally sourced ingredients and is offered at no extra charge.
Other hotel brands have also expanded special-diet options. Marriott’s Fit for You menu highlights dishes lower in carbohydrates, cholesterol and fat. Westin’s SuperFoods breakfast lineup emphasizes antioxidant- and phytonutrient-rich choices. Several other chains now clearly indicate heart-healthy options on their menus as well.
Bring a Good Book
Qantas now operates one of the world’s longest Boeing 747 flights, with non-stop service from Sydney (SYD) to Dallas (DFW) covering 8,585 miles and about 15 hours, 25 minutes in the air. This route replaces the airline’s previous San Francisco service. The longest-distance scheduled flight remains Singapore Airlines’ nonstop between Singapore (SIN) and Newark (EWR), covering 10,371 miles on an Airbus A340-500.
New Trans-Atlantic Routes
Several new trans-Atlantic services have launched this month. AirBerlin began non-stop flights between New York (JFK) and Berlin (TXL) and added daily connections from New York via Düsseldorf (DUS) to Mallorca (PMI). Los Angeles (LAX) connects to Mallorca three times weekly and San Francisco (SFO) once weekly; AirBerlin also operates weekly routes to Barcelona (BCN) and Alicante (ALC) from Los Angeles and San Francisco via Düsseldorf. Continental Airlines will begin daily non-stop service between Newark (EWR) and Stuttgart (STR) using Boeing 757-200 aircraft. TAP is adding service between Lisbon (LIS) and Miami (MIA), and SATA is expanding summer flights from Boston (BOS) to Lisbon and Madeira (FNC).
Get Connected with Amtrak
Amtrak is expanding free WiFi access with AmtrakConnect on more Northeast Corridor trains and additional West Coast services. Already available on Acela Express and Amtrak Cascades trains, the system will be installed in hundreds more railcars. Amtrak has also deployed a dedicated wireless network that improves connectivity through New York tunnels and at Penn Station platforms, increasing internet reliability for passengers.
News
Another Iberia First
Iberia Airlines has equipped customer service staff at Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) with iPad-based tools under the IBPad project, giving them real-time access to operational data. The portable devices run multiple applications that provide continuous updates from the Barajas Hub Control Centre, including check-in counter status, passengers at risk of missing connections (with loyalty status), flights facing delays or cancellations, and baggage remaining to be loaded with passenger names. The initiative aims to improve operational efficiency and passenger service.
Quick Jetaway
XOJET Inc. has opened operations in New York City at Grand Central Station and launched a Coast2Coast private jet program for transcontinental travelers. XOJET provides a range of services from private jet memberships to customized fixed-price charters and offers access to more than 15,000 locations. The company also provides helicopter transfers through HeliFlite from Manhattan heliports to regional private aviation airports such as Teterboro, White Plains and Farmingdale.
New London Trio
London sees several notable hotel openings. The Corinthia Hotel London presents a modern take on grand luxury with elegant, understated décor. W London – Leicester Square debuts in the heart of the entertainment district with a translucent glass façade that changes color with the light and will introduce the U.K.’s first Spice Market restaurant by Jean-Georges Vongerichten. InterContinental London Westminster, announced for 2012, will be within walking distance of Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and St. James’s Park.
Airlines Tie the Knot
Several airlines are expanding partnerships and codeshares. British Airways and Kingfisher Airlines have deepened their relationship into a partnership that enables single bookings and payments through British Airways for connecting flights, and grants access to Kingfisher lounges for premium BA customers. Japan Airlines and Iberia resumed codesharing between Japan and Madrid via London and Frankfurt. American Airlines and WestJet announced a codeshare that adds connections to 20 Canadian cities not previously served by American or American Eagle, initially placing WestJet’s code on American-operated flights from Canada to Chicago and Boston.
Debut in Lima
Westin has opened Westin Libertador Lima, its first property in South America, located in San Isidro’s financial and shopping district. The 301-room hotel is the country’s largest convention hotel and features Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed and Heavenly Bath amenities, plus a full-service spa.
New Trans-Atlantic Routes
(Note: several new trans-Atlantic connections launched this month.) AirBerlin added non-stop New York–Berlin service and expanded routes to Mallorca, Barcelona and Alicante via Düsseldorf, while Continental introduced daily New York–Stuttgart service. TAP and SATA increased links between Portugal and U.S. cities including Miami and Boston.
Rewards
Bonus Miles with AA Rewards
American Airlines offered bonus AAdvantage miles on its new non-stop Los Angeles (LAX) to Shanghai (PVG) service through June 30. First- and business-class passengers could earn triple miles for each flight and economy passengers double miles, with unlimited redemptions after registering pre-flight with the appropriate bonus code. The Boeing 777 on this route features lie-flat seats in first class and enhanced business-class amenities. During the promotion period, AAdvantage members could also earn double miles on new domestic flights from Los Angeles to several U.S. destinations after registering with the specified code.
Taj Treats
Taj Hotels introduced its Vivanta by Taj brand and celebrated with a promotion offering double British Airways BA Miles for stays at Taj hotels, with triple miles for suite stays and weekend upgrade opportunities for BA members. The new brand focuses on contemporary luxury with informal service and is available across Taj properties in India as well as in the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
Rewards for Shopping
Amtrak Guest Rewards members can earn points when shopping through the program’s online mall, which features more than 1,000 merchants covering books, office supplies, clothing and travel gear. Members log in, select a merchant and complete purchases through the linked retailer to receive reward points credited to their accounts.
Deals
The Hyatt of Luxury
The Grand Hyatt Hong Kong offered a two-night weekend package valid through Aug. 31 with a 15 percent discount on the Hyatt Daily Rate. Benefits included late check-out, access to the outdoor heated pool, sauna and fitness facilities, a choice of weekend brunch for two with free-flowing wine, Grand Club access for the stay and a spa credit option. The waterfront hotel features harbor views from many of its 549 rooms and suites.
Links, Lunches and ‘Gators
The Mystical Golf trio in Myrtle Beach—The Witch, Man O’ War and The Wizard—offered a stay-and-play package through Sept. 7 that includes rounds at each course, three nights’ accommodations in a two-bedroom suite at the Anderson Ocean Club, complimentary high-speed internet, lunch at each course and daily breakfast. Designed by Dan Maples, the courses feature diverse scenery from cypress groves and wetlands where wildlife is often spotted to rugged, links-style landscapes.
Unlimited Golf
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in Phoenix promoted an Unlimited Golf package with unlimited play at Wildfire Golf Club, deluxe accommodations, daily breakfast and 20 percent off golf, spa and tennis retail items. Rates began at modest levels and the offer was valid through early September.
Romance Hilton Style
Several Hilton properties in Vienna and Innsbruck offered an Austrian Romance package through early December, which included sparkling wine on arrival, a candlelit dinner, full American breakfast for two and a complimentary room upgrade when available.