Business Traveler articles from April 2004

Business Traveler archives from April 2004

Editor's letter.(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... As travel budgets have been squeezed, a new option has popped up to cater to those who need to save money, but still want to fly with a certain degree of comfort and service. In this issue Alex McWhirter examines the pros and cons of premium...

Air kisses.(Letter of the Month)(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2004... Having logged frequent flyer miles that are well into the millions, I consider myself to be a relative authority on business travel. And I must say that no one book captures the ins and outs of it as well as Business Traveler. I've been a...

Miles to go.(Reader's letter)(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2004... As a long time American Airlines customer and Platinum member, I am disturbed by the fact that there is little or no possibility to use miles for upgrades on trans-Atlantic flights due to capacity controls/seating limitations. To demonstrate...

Correction.(Reader's letter)(Correction Notice)
April 1, 2004... In reading the Flight Log section in the February issue, I find it interesting to note it is stated that Emirates plans to launch a nonstop service to New York "providing the first daily direct link between the Middle East and North America."...

Sit still.(Reader's letter)(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2004... It never ceases to amaze me how often I see passengers stand up before the aircraft has docked safely at the gate-usually while the seatbelt sign is still illuminated. Just what do these jumpy passengers hope to achieve? It's not as if...

NYC taxi fares to jump 26 percent in April.(Expenses)(New York City)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... HAILING A CAB IN NEW YORK CITY WILL get a lot more expensive in April, when taxi fares jump 26 percent. The city's Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) approved a fare hike that will see base fares rise from $2 to $2.50 and the charge for each...

Quelling cancellation fears.(Airline Security)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Passengers faced with the new, constant threat of sudden security-based flight cancellations are sharing their fears. "It doesn't make me feel very secure," said one frequent business traveler on a recent flight from Chicago to New York. "If...

New virgin clubhouse.(Airlines)(Virgin Atlantic Airways clubhouse at JFK)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... VIRGIN ATLANTIC AIRWAYS HAS OPENED A NEW CLUBHOUSE AT JFK'S TERMINAL 4. THE 7,000-square-foot, $3.4-million facility overlooks the airport terminal and runway and can accommodate up to 150 Upper Class guests. Amenities include wireless Internet...

New Turkish design hotel opens.(Hotels)(Hillside Su hotel )(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... The Hillside Su hotel in the resort city of Antayla, on Turkey's Mediterranean coastline, is furnished in an all white, sixties-inspired decorating scheme that would make Austin Powers feel tight at home. The design-conscious hotel, which opens...

New five star in Lone Star.(Hotels)(Watermark Hotel and Spa in San Antonio)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... SAN ANTONIO'S RIVER WALK IS ONE OF THE city's prime attractions. Now the Water Mark Hotel and Spa offers five-star accommodations and lots of lush amenities, with river views right on the Walk itself. The new hotel, a sister property to La...

ATA to launch business class.(Airlines)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... BUDGET CARRIER ATA AIRLINES SAYS IT WILL LAUNCH A NEW business class by the end of 2004, featuring larger leather seats, priority hoarding and a one-way fare cap of $399. The company said its customer base has shifted away from the leisure...

Budget airlines coming from THAI, AirAsia.(Airlines)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... THAI INTERNATIONAL AIRWAYS SAYS IT WILL LAUNCH ITS LOW-COST subsidiary, Nok Air, in June. The airline will initially serve six domestic destinations using a pair of 737-400s Leased from THAI Air. Meanwhile, AirAsia, a budget carrier that...

Southwest's new Philly service, internet boarding passes.(Airlines)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... SOUTHWEST AIRLINES WILL BEGIN ITS PHILADELPHIA SERVICE ON May 9 with daily nonstop flights to Chicago Midway, Las Vegas. Orlando, Phoenix, Providence and Tampa Bay. Advance-purchase fares will start as low as $29 one-way...

HP and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.(Where to Wi-Fi)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... HP and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts plan to bring mobile technology to members of Fairmont's guest recognition program, Fairmont President's Club, with the complimentary use of wireless-enabled HP iPAO Pocket PCs during their business or leisure...

In-room, high-speed Internet access will become a standard amenity at all 2,500 InterContinental Hotels, Crowne Plazas, Holiday Inns and Holiday Inn Express hotels in North America owned by InterContinental Hotels Group.(Where to Wi-Fi)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... In-room, high-speed Internet access will become a standard amenity at all 2,500 InterContinental Hotels, Crowne Plazas, Holiday Inns and Holiday Inn Express hotels in North America owned by InterContinental Hotels Group. The technology is...

Emirates Airlines'.(Where to Wi-Fi)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Emirates Airlines' new partnership with Tenzing Communications will allow passengers to use their own e-mail addresses, including corporate e-mail in a secure, wireless set-up. Starting with the airlines' Airbus A340-500 aircraft, and...

US Airways.(Flight Log)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... US Airways begins nonstop service between Glasgow, Scotland and its Philadelphia hub as of May 8th. Flights depart Philadelphia at 8:30 p.m. and arrive in Glasgow at 8:25 a.m. the following morning.

Virgin Atlantic.(Flight Log)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Virgin Atlantic will start additional service to London from Boston, Washington and Newark from June 1, 2004 until October 30, 2004. The airline will operate three additional services per week between London and both Boston and Washington as...

American Airlines.(Flight Log)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... American Airlines will begin flying between New York and Brussels on May 16 with one nonstop flight each day. The route will be flown with Boeing 767 aircraft featuring the airline's More Room Throughout Coach seating configuration. Prior to...

United.(Flight Log)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... United launches new daily nonstop service between Chicago O'Hare and Osaka, Japan, and Washington Dulles and Zurich, Switzerland, effective June 10. The airline also said it would add daily nonstops between O'Hare and Buenos Aires in October.

Delta enhancements.(Airlines)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Delta has announced a plan to invest approximately $300 million to "better utilize our assets" at its JFK terminals. Delta's JFK overhaul includes air conditioning and baggage systems upgrades, better directional signage, the addition of a bus...

Triprewards.(Reward Round Up)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... TripRewards, a new loyalty program launched by Cendant Corporation, allows leisure travelers to earn points or airline miles just like business travelers. Members can earn points by staying at Cendant-franchised hotels such as Ramada, Days Inn,...

Northwest Airlines.(Reward Round Up)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... WorldPerks members can earn up to 15,000 bonus miles when flying World Business Class nonstop from Los Angeles to Tokyo Narita and 7,500 miles for qualifying travel in coach Class, from April 4 to June 30. Registration is required prior to...

British Airways.(Reward Round Up)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Book a full-fare first or Club World round-trip trans-Atlantic ticket to any destination BA flies using your British Airways Signature credit card and receive a free companion ticket. Ticket must be purchased by December 31 for travel valid...

Choice hotels.(Reward Round Up)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Through April 30, members of Choice Privileges reward program can earn a free night's lodging after every two stays at any Choice-brand hotel-Comfort Inn Comfort Suites. Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion or MainStay Suites--in the US There is no...

Delta Air Lines.(Reward Round Up)(SkyMiles promotion)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Delta Air Lines has launched a new program for SkyMiles members to earn additional miles, gifts and free Crown Room Club membership. Through May 31, the "Great Choices, Great Rewards" promotion allows members who fly at least 5,000 medallion...

Now through December 2004, the Mandarin Oriental, Miami is offering a number of luxury packages.(United States)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Now through December 2004, The Mandarin Oriental, Miami is offering a number of luxury packages. The "Spa Detoxification" package includes accommodations for two nights, purifying hydrotherapy bath with salt and oil scrub, detoxifying algae...

The Jefferson, a Loews property in Washington D.C., is offering the "D.C., Drive In" package good for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights through December 25.(United States)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... The Jefferson, a Loews property in Washington D.C., is offering the "D.C. Drive In" package good for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights through December 25. Priced at $179 per night, package includes accommodations, parking and in-room...

West Coast-bound art lovers can take advantage of the "MOCA Weekend Package" at the Millennium Biltmore, Los Angeles now through April 30.(United States)(Museum of Contemporary Art promotion)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... West Coast-bound art lovers can take advantage of the "MOCA Weekend Package" at the Millennium Biltmore, Los Angeles now through April 30. Package includes one-night accommodations, tickets to the Museum of Contemporary Art and valet parking....

Stay at Zurich's Baur Au Lac Hotel and enjoy the special "Road Warrior" rate of $1,250.(Europe)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Stay at Zurich's Baur Au Lac Hotel and enjoy the special "Road Warrior" rate of $1,250, which includes two-night accommodations, round-trip airport transfers, early check-in/late check-out, two hour-long massages, one hour workout with a...

The Hotel Ritz, Madrid is offering a number of packages through December.(Europe)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... The Hotel Ritz, Madrid is offering a number of packages through December. The "Weekend Package" includes two-night accommodations, one five-course dinner, daily buffet breakfast, flowers, fruit basket upon arrival and airport transfers in a...

The Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur is offering the "Pacific Floor Package" now through May 7.(Asia)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... The Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur is offering the "Pacific Floor Package" now through May 7. Priced at $94 for Monday though Thursday nights or $78 for Friday through Sunday nights, package includes use of the Pacific Lounge, breakfast and...

United Airlines.(Airline Deals)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... UNITED AIRLINES is offering "Fly 3. Fly Free. Fly 6. Fly First." You must register for this promotion by April 15, 2004 and be a member of United's Mileage Plus frequent flyer program. Once registered, passengers who fly three round trips by...

Scandinavian Airlines.(Airline Deals)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES (SAS) is offering travelers who are ready to plan ahead restricted non-refundable business fares that can save more than 50 percent compared to normal business class prices. With a 50-day advance purchase and a 5300 change...

Continental Airlines.(Airline Deals)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... CONTINENTAL AIRLINES offers non-refundable restricted business class fares, similar to SAS, in many of their European markets. These restricted business fares ("Z" class fares) start at $1,890 and up with the same 50-day advance purchase and...

Malaysia Airlines.(Airline Deals)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... MALAYSIA AIRLINES has renewed and revamped their "AccessAsia Pass" for 2004. Starting at $1,099, this airpass allows economy class travel from Newark or Los Angeles to 22 destinations in Asia and Dubai (from Newark only). In addition to...

The Westin Detroit Metropolitan Airport.(Hotel check: Detroit)
April 1, 2004... WHAT'S IT LIKE? A welcome, modern addition to the sleek Worldgate terminal. Three check-in desks are well placed in the spacious lobby for entrance from the airport. The friendly, accommodating front desk staff checked me in swiftly, and I was...

Luggage check.(Products)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Most business travelers learn from experience that no one bag is right for every business trip. A couple of nights might still require hand luggage only. Take a trip for nearly a week, however, and you're probably looking at a suit carrier with...

America West Airlines economy class.(Flight check: Newark to Phoenix)
April 1, 2004... FIRST IMPRESSION: Check-in was fast with no lines, but the agent assisting me at the first-class ticket counter appeared unfamiliar with the waitlist policy. After a quick conversation with a supervisor, I was told that I would be put on a...

INN SIDE residence Eurotheum.(Hotel check: Frankfurt)
April 1, 2004... WHAT'S IT LIKE? A design-lead, all-suite hotel above seven floors of offices belonging to the European Central Bank. Reception and most of the public areas are on the 22nd floor. Check-in is swift and efficient by friendly staff. WHERE IS...

Super bowls: Margie T. Logarta tracks down Hong Kong's tastiest noodles.(Restaurants)
April 1, 2004... Noodle shops abound in Hong Kong, and asking which is the best often sparks lively debate. Everyone has at least one personal favorite, and there's always another delicious alternative waiting to be discovered. Fortunately for those who speak...

Above and beyond: cutting-edge aerospace and defense research have long been pivotal to the San Diego economy. But a very traditional, low-tech game is giving the city an enormous boost and bringing its historic center back to life.(San Diego)
April 1, 2004... Often dubbed "America's finest city," San Diego has always been popular. Since Father Junipero Serra established San Diego de Alcala, the first of California's missions in 1769, in the area known as Old Town, San Diego has grown into...

Something extra: economy, business, first ... yet there's another seat category that is proving increasingly popular. Alex McWhirter examines the world of premium economy: the fourth class.(Premium Economy)
April 1, 2004... It seems like the ideal compromise. You have a limited budget but want to arrive fresh for the meeting. The business-class rates you are quoted are beyond your budget, but the thought of economy makes your blood run cold. Luckily, many airlines...

Creative forces: Barcelona keeps reinventing itself, but it is the city's design hotels that are at the forefront of its architectural revolution. Nick Redman sings the praises of the newest creations.(Barcelona)
April 1, 2004... In uptown, upmarket Barcelona, where Passeig de Gracia intersects with Carter Rosello, a new building is turning the heads of well-shod shoppers this spring. Born to a metropolis with audacious design in its DNA, the latest addition to the...

Golfing around ... Shanghai: once a banned sport, golf has become the hottest pastime of an upwardly mobile local population.(Golf Shanghai)
April 1, 2004... Wherever you find a booming economy, it's a fair bet that you'll also discover a booming golfing industry. It's now the case in China's showcase city of Shanghai. Golf is not new to Shanghai. In its heyday in the 1930s, there were four...

Easy streets? With a new subway poised to open in April and a satellite city in the works, Bangkok is boldly modernizing.(Bangkok)
April 1, 2004... Ten years ago, planning a business trip to Bangkok was fraught with uncertainty. So chronic were the traffic jams from the airport and around the city that visitors found keeping to an appointment schedule was practically impossible. Taxis...

The road less traveled: Dinah Hatch takes a driving tour the length of South Africa and discovers some of the country's best kept secrets.(Time off: South Africa)
April 1, 2004... On the first morning of the trip, the radio station was tuned into a phone-in on road rage. An elderly female caller called in to say she was so sick of people being rude on the country's roads, she now packed a shotgun in her boot. At this...

4 hours in Basel: Basel is a treasure trove of heady treats, including a museum dedicated to Jean Cocteau housed in the curator's living room, rum-flavored lackerli and rarely exported Swiss wine.
April 1, 2004... If you are headed to this gorgeous little city on the knee of the Rhine--where the hills on the right are Germany, and France lies just behind the buildings on the left--it is most likely because you are attending one of the many conventions...

Space relations: the latest laptops let you dive into work away from the office, while new high-end headphones and earphones block out ambient noise, so you can focus on the tasks at hand.(Tools)
April 1, 2004... BIGGER IS BETTER Apple 17" SuperDrive You might think something this big-6.9 lbs with a 17-inch screen-is about as far from portability as you can get. But if impact and a strong presentation are called for, the Apple mothership is...

On track-London: how to get and from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and City airports via rail and bus.
April 1, 2004... RAIL SERVICES AIRPORT SERVICE TIME HEATHROW Heathrow 15 minutes (Terminals 1-3) Express 23 minutes (Terminal 4) GATWICK Gatwick Express 30 minutes non-stop LUTON ...

TradeWinds Island Grand, St. Pete Beach, FL.(Offer of the Month)
April 1, 2004... The TradeWinds island Grand, located on St. Pete Beach on the Gulf of Mexico, offers business travelers and vacationers sophisticated service in a lush, scenic atmosphere. The AAA Four-Diamond property recently completed an $11.5 million...

Know it all.(Reader Offer)(Book Review)
April 1, 2004... Want to whether you can bring a corkscrew on board your next fright or the best way to get to JFK? The Business Travel Almanac, by Donna Williams and Michael Miller, is a must-have for any serious business traveler and can answer these...

Where the wild things are: Rachel Jolley gets close to the wildlife in Botswana's Okavango Delta.
April 1, 2004... There were hippos to my left and right and what sounded like a lion tearing apart its dinner just feet away. I couldn't see them, but I could hear them somewhere beyond the flimsy material of my tent. After a day of being entertained with...