News
Coming Soon to an Airport Near You
Across the United States, airports are adding compact, private sleep rooms where travelers can rest, work or freshen up between flights. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) already offers five Minute Suites, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) will introduce 15 Unique Retreat rooms, and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) will open 13 in March. Other airports are making plans to add similar spaces to meet growing demand for convenient, on-site rest options.
These post-security, soundproof rooms are typically furnished with a bed, desk, telephone, complimentary WiFi and HDTV, and are designed for short stays by the hour. Two companies currently providing the concept are Minute Suites and Unique Retreat. With hourly rates generally between $30 and $40, these mini-rooms offer more privacy and quiet than airline clubs and greater convenience than hotels located outside security.
In Atlanta, Minute Suites can be found on Concourse B near Gate B15; in San Francisco, Unique Retreat rooms are located in the International Terminal’s Boarding Area A. For more information, visit http://minutesuites.com or http://www.uniqueretreatllc.com.
Shifting Sands of Airport Security
European airports, airlines and regulatory bodies are urging the U.S. Transportation Security Administration to align some security procedures with European practices. As a result, more U.S. passengers are encountering full-body scanners, and there is optimism that restrictions on liquids might be relaxed in the future. British Airways and other European stakeholders have criticized requirements that force airports to maintain separate screening areas for U.S.-bound flights, pointing to inconsistent enforcement and redundant steps like multiple laptop and shoe screenings.
Meanwhile, full-body backscatter X-ray scanners have started to appear at New York’s airports and other U.S. locations, bringing the number in operation to about 450 machines, with roughly 1,000 more expected by the end of 2011. Each unit costs around $150,000 plus training expenses for operators. Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory are also developing a bottled-liquid scanner that could one day allow passengers to carry beverages and larger containers through security.
Faster than a Speeding Bullet
Japan continues to expand its high-speed rail network. In December a new line opened, cutting travel time from Tokyo to northern Honshu and terminating at Shin-Aomori, a new hub in Aomori Prefecture, with a trip time of just three hours and 20 minutes. In March, the bullet train will add a new southern Kyushu segment from Hakata, connecting to existing services. From Shin-Osaka to Kagoshima-Chuo, travel time will be reduced to three hours and 45 minutes, a savings of 77 minutes compared with previous schedules.
SWISS Goes Daily at SFO
Starting March 27, Swiss International Air Lines will operate daily nonstop service between San Francisco (SFO) and Zürich (ZRH). SWISS introduced its San Francisco gateway in June 2010 with a newly designed Airbus A340. For details, visit http://www.swiss.com.
Elbow Room on the A380
Korean Air reports that its first Airbus A380 superjumbo is in final production with delivery expected in May. The carrier plans a fleet of 10 A380s configured with reduced seating — about 400 to 450 seats — to offer increased space and comfort. Initially deployed on short-haul routes between Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) and major Asian cities, the roomier A380 will be introduced on long-haul European and U.S. routes starting in August. For more information, visit http://www.koreanair.com.
More Flights to Spain
Iberia Airlines will expand its trans-Atlantic capacity by roughly 13 percent over the next four months. New routes include Los Angeles (LAX) to Madrid (MAD) and Miami (MIA) to Barcelona (BCN), plus increased frequencies on existing routes from New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD) and Boston (BOS) to Madrid. The two new routes will begin at the end of March with three weekly flights each, and LAX will see a fourth weekly flight from July through September. These changes are part of a joint business agreement with American Airlines and British Airways and may lead to additional new services such as New York to Budapest and Chicago to Helsinki. For current schedules, check www.iberia.com.
SAS: New Routes and Connectivity
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) will launch daily service between New York (EWR) and Oslo (OSL) in late March, and plans future service from Copenhagen (CPH) to Shanghai (PVG) as it adds another Airbus A340 to its fleet. SAS will expand onward connections from Oslo to destinations including Munich (MUC), Split (SPU) and Palma de Mallorca (PMI), and will add a fourth Stockholm (ARN)–Venice (VCE) rotation in spring. Beginning in April, SAS will roll out in-flight Internet and mobile services initially on European routes and later on intercontinental flights; the service will be free for business and Economy Extra passengers and available for a fee in economy. Visit www.flysas.com for details.
Virtual Meetings in Europe
Le Méridien Hotels has introduced high-definition Cisco TelePresence virtual meeting suites at properties in Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt and Munich. These suites enable realistic, face-to-face meetings across cities and continents, supporting business travelers and event planners. The new European locations join Le Méridien properties worldwide that already offer the technology, including hotels in Toronto, San Francisco, Sydney and Kuwait City. For more information, visit http://www.starwoodhotels.com.
New AA Partners
American Airlines has announced several partnership agreements that expand connectivity worldwide. Japan Airlines codes will be added to American flights between New York (JFK) and São Paulo (GRU). American will codeshare with Jetstar on routes within New Zealand, and a new interline agreement with WestJet allows through-ticketing and baggage check-through to 25 Canadian cities via American’s six Canadian gateways: Toronto (YYZ), Montréal (YMX), Calgary (YYC), Vancouver (YVR), Halifax (YHZ) and Ottawa (YOW). These partnerships enhance seamless connections across multiple continents. For details, visit www.aa.com.
New Luxury in Japan
The St. Regis Osaka has opened on Midosuji Avenue, offering refined rooms, a calm atmosphere and a Remède spa in the heart of Osaka’s premier shopping district. The Capitol Hotel Tokyu has also opened in Tokyo as the flagship of Tokyu Hotels, featuring contemporary design by architect Kengo Kuma. For more information, visit http://www.capitolhoteltokyu.com.
Rewards
Jet and BMI Share Privileges
Jet Airways has established a frequent-flyer partnership with British airline BMI. Members of JetPrivilege can now earn and redeem miles across BMI’s network, while BMI’s Diamond Club members can earn and redeem on Jet Airways and Jet Airways Konnect flights. Jet Airways maintains frequent-flyer partnerships with numerous international carriers. For details, visit www.jetairways.com.
Golden Circle Expands
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has restructured its Golden Circle loyalty program, which allows both staying and non-staying guests to earn and redeem points. The program now uses Gold, Jade and Diamond membership tiers based on qualifying nights or stays per year. Members earn GC Awards Points for hotel stays, dining at participating restaurants and CHI, The Spa treatments, and continue to receive tier-specific privileges. For program details, visit http://www.goldencircle.shangri-la.com.
Lufthansa Miles for Avis Cars
Avis is offering Lufthansa Miles & More award miles on rentals through March 31. Present your Miles & More card at pickup to earn up to 3,000 award miles per rental, with rewards increasing by rental number—starting at 500 miles for the first rental and scaling up to 3,000 miles by the 11th rental. For current terms, visit www.avis.com.
Deals
On the Town
The Pierre in New York marks its 80th anniversary with a yearlong package that includes 30 percent savings on a Signature Room or Executive Suite through October. The package pairs two nights’ accommodations with a bottle of Grand Cru Cuvée 2006, gourmet chocolates, a carriage ride through Central Park, a seasonal basket of treats and two City Passes that include an exclusive Metropolitan Museum tour with a private docent. Guests also receive chauffeured transportation to and from a classic New York speakeasy. Book through www.tajhotels.com for details.
Uniquely Waldorf Astoria
Waldorf Astoria’s Best of Waldorf Astoria offer features room rates, breakfast for two and a nightly hotel credit that can be used toward unique property experiences. Credits vary by hotel—from $25 per night at The Roosevelt New Orleans to $100 per night at Waldorf Astoria Park City. Book before Feb. 28 for travel through March 20 and use promo code PBWWIN when booking online at http://www.waldorfastoria.com.
The Spas in Spain
Mallorca is known for its spa offerings, and Spas in Spain is promoting four- and seven-day wellness packages this winter. For example, Petit Hotel Alaró’s Activity & Relaxation package blends hiking and cycling excursions with treatments at the Vespasian Spa, offering an active and restorative island escape. For package details, visit www.spa-in-spain.com.
Stranded in New York
The Strand hotel in New York offers a two-night Stranded in New York Winter Weekend package available Thursday through Monday nights from Jan. 2 until March 5. The package includes a deluxe room, a bottle of red wine, chocolates, a $50 food credit at the Strand American Bistro, two complimentary drinks at the Top of the Strand rooftop lounge, daily continental breakfast, WiFi and late check-out. For reservations and details, visit www.thestrandnyc.com.