Business Traveler articles from February 2004

Business Traveler archives from February 2004

Editor's letter.
February 1, 2004... THOUGH IT'S RARELY DISCUSSED, PLENTY OF business travelers spend a good deal of time worrying about how job-related travel affects their intimate relationships. It can be hard enough to talk when you re in the same room with your partner. How...

Car wars.(Letter Of The Month)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2004... Recently, I reserved a car from Budget in San Jose, Costa Rica, securing a $23 daily rate. Knowing that neither American Express nor my auto insurance carrier cover me abroad, I listened to what the clerk at the San Jose Budget office had to...

Budget responds.(Letter Of The Month)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2004... The letter submitted by Jose Batalla accurately reflects that insurance in Costa Rica is not controlled by rental car companies but dictated by the government. At Budget we make every effort to provide our customers with information on aft the...

Write the letter of the month and win the MegaMedia Bag.(Readers' Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2004... This MEGAMEDIA[TM] BAG BY ROADWIRED--the line of carrying cases and specialized accessories for portable electronics--could be yours if you write us an outstanding letter that's chosen as the letter of the month. The MegaMedia Bag--"the mother...

St. Louis blues.(Readers' Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2004... Traveling on Southwest flight 2527 from Albuquerque, New Mexico to St. Louis, I was anxious to get home after a long week. The plane was late coming into New Mexico; perhaps this should have been a sign of what was to come. The open seat...

TSA approves lock.(Security)(Transportation Security Administration)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... IT MAY BE SMALL, BUT THE NEW lock approved by the Transportation Security Administration will make a big difference to business travelers this winter. Since 9/11 the TSA had been advising travelers to keep their bags unlocked to prevent the...

Performance anxiety.(Productivity On The Road)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... A NEW SURVEY HAS CONFIRMED what many business travelers know from experience: the worst day of our working lives is the one before travel as we juggle packing, flight anxiety and performance fears. The survey, sponsored by Hilton Hotels and...

High-speed rail travel in Spain.(Rail)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... BARCELONA AND MADRID JUST got closer. The new high-speed rail track between the two Spanish cities has cut the time from seven hours to four hours and 35 minutes. There are even greater time-savings on the horizon. In 2005 the...

New Singapore low-cost carrier.(Airlines)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... FACED WITH COMPETITION FROM low-cost rivals like Air Asia, Singapore Airlines is launching its own cheap-fare subsidiary this year. Singapore Airlines announced last week that its Tiger Airways subsidiary will begin operations in late 2004,...

New Doha Airport rises from the waters.(Airlines)(Doha International Airport)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... NEW DETAILS HAVE EMERGED on Qatar's new $2 billion Doha International Airport. It is to be developed in three stages--the first to be completed in 2008 and the last in 2015, and on completion it will be able to process nearly 12 million...

Midtown Manhattan.(Hotels)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... WHILE THERE'S BEEN A SURGE in new boutique hotels in Manhattan below 23rd Street, business-heavy Midtown hasn't been left out of the picture. The Alex is designer David Rockwell's cashmere throw of hotel--elegant, but informal and understated....

Learning the language.(Hotels)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... GUESTS STAYING AT LONDON'S Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington can brush up on 25 languages with a private tutor. The hotel will arrange private lessons in Arabic, Cantonese, Czech, Dutch, Finnish, German, Greek, Thai, Slovak Polish, Romanian,...

Chicago Hard Rock in Art Deco landmark.(Hotels)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... CHICAGO'S HARD ROCK HOTEL is offering a more restrained version of the brand than what you might see in Hard Rock restaurants. Slated to open in January, the hotel, within the Carbide and Carbon Building--an Art Deco landmark--retains the...

Emirates.(Flight Log)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... * Emirates will open six new destinations in 2004, including gateways in the U.S., Scotland, central Europe, China and West Africa. On January 2, the airline began flights to Abuja and Accra. On April 10, Emirates will add Shanghai, the...

China Southern Airlines.(Flight Log)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... * China Southern Airlines has signed a codeshare agreement with Dragonair for service between Guangzhou and Hong Kong and will provide Dragonair with two business class seats and 10 economy class seats on this route. All of the seats will...

Korean Air.(Flight Log)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... * Korean Air has reinstated service between New Zealand and Korea with three weekly nonstop Boeing 777 flights to Christchurch, New Zealand from its Incheon hub. Flights depart Incheon on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 11:30 p.m. and arrive...

China Airlines and Thai Airways International have begun codesharing on the Kaohsiung--Bangkok route.(Flight Log)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... * China Airlines and Thai Airways International have begun codesharing on the Kaohsiung--Bangkok route. Code-share will initially be on 10 weekly flights including seven operated by China Airlines and three by Thai Airways.

US Airways.(Flight Log)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... * US Airways will begin Saturday-only nonstop service between Orlando, FL and Albany, Buffalo and Syracuse, NY, Hartford, CT, and Providence, RI, on Feb. 14, 2004. The new flights will operate year-round.

Korean Air and Delta Air Lines have expanded their codeshare agreement within the U.S.(Flight Log)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... * Korean Air and Delta Air Lines have expanded their codeshare agreement within the U.S. with 65 new routes, adding destinations like West Palm Beach, Seattle, Las Vegas and Buffalo to their cooperative agreements. U.S. intercity routes offered...

Air Canada.(Flight Log)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... * Air Canada has launched a major expansion of services to Latin and South America. The airline has inaugurated three weekly flights to Havana, Cuba, Air Canada's fifth Cuban destination. Air Canada has also begun nonstop service to Santiago,...

Southwest Airlines.(Flight Log)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... * U.S. budget carrier Southwest Airlines plans to launch service in Philadelphia in May 2004. Daily round-trip departures from Philadelphia International Airport will serve Chicago Midway, Las Vegas, Orlando, Phoenix, Providence and Tampa Bay....

Embassy Suites Hotel in New York City has installed wireless capability in all of its 463 suites, its atrium and its restaurants.(Where To Wi-Fi)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... * Embassy Suites Hotel in New York City has installed wireless capability in all of its 463 suites, its atrium and its restaurants. Cost for connection: $9.95 per day. Wi-Fi cards are available for those who need installation.

New Orleans hotel International House and its sister property, Loft 523, are Wi-Fi connected.(Where To Wi-Fi)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... * New Orleans hotel International House and its sister property, Loft 523, are Wi-Fi connected. The hotels' shared conference center is also connected at 3 mg speed, with an internal network running at 110 mg. Clients who don't have wireless...

Conrad London.(Where To Wi-Fi)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... * Conrad London has introduced High Speed Internet Access (HSIA) throughout the hotel. In addition, areas on the ground floor and the eighth floor Penthouse suites are designated as wireless hot spots. The HSIA service is fully compatible with...

Pittsburgh International Airport.(Where To Wi-Fi)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... * Passengers at Pittsburgh International Airport can now access Wi-Fi through their laptops and PDAs throughout the Airside Terminal's Center Core and A and B concourses. The airport's high-speed wireless network is free of charge.

Atlanta Marriott Gwinnett Place.(Where To Wi-Fi)
February 1, 2004... * The Atlanta Marriott Gwinnett Place is now the first Wayport-enabled hotel in the city. Wi-Fi access is available in all guest rooms and common areas.

Save more than 50 percent at The Jefferson, a Loews Hotel in Washington, D.C., with the "Executive Traveler" package.(United States)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Save more than 50 percent at The Jefferson, a Loews Hotel in Washington, D.C., with the "Executive Traveler" package. Valid on Thursday and Sunday-night arrivals through February 29th, the package includes two nights' accommodations,...

New York's Hotel Pennsylvania is offering the "Shopper's Special" promotion through December 31, 2004.(United States)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... New York's Hotel Pennsylvania is offering the "Shopper's Special" promotion through December 31, 2004. For $119.95 per room per night, the promotion includes a $100-off certificate at Tourneau; 20 percent discount at Macy's Cellar Bar & Grill;...

Purchase a "Philly Overnight Hotel Package" gift certificate and get a second night free, hotel parking and gifts upon check-in at more than 40 Philadelphia properties.(United States)
February 1, 2004... Purchase a "Philly Overnight Hotel Package" gift certificate and get a second night free, hotel parking and gifts upon check-in at more than 40 Philadelphia properties, including the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia and the Four Seasons Hotel...

Through March 31, London's Athenaeum Hotel is offering "Winter Warmer" rates.(Europe)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Through March 31, London's Athenaeum Hotel is offering "Winter Warmer" rates. Rates start at $265 per night and include full English breakfast, priority check-in and extended checkout, a room upgrade subject to availability and a welcome drink...

Celebrate Carnival in Madeira from February 20 to 25 and take advantage of the "Carnival Package" at Reid's Place.(Europe)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Celebrate Carnival in Madeira from February 20 to 25 and take advantage of the "Carnival Package" at Reid's Place. Priced at $1,116, the package includes five nights accommodation in a Superior Room, an afternoon tea, a Carnival dinner, daily...

Savings are on offer at more than 140 Sofitel properties with the "Winter Getaway Invitations" promotion.(Worldwide)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Savings are on offer at more than 140 Sofitel properties with the "Winter Getaway Invitations" promotion. Valid through March 14, packages include accommodations at a savings of up to 50 percent and breakfast. Rates start as low as $90. Call...

Horizon Air and Alaska Airlines.(Reward Roundup)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Through March 16, Mileage Plan members can save 7,000 miles off the regular 20,000-mile Mileage Plan Coach Saver Award when flying between Los Angeles and select cities in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana. Members can qualify...

American Airlines.(Reward Roundup)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Customers who rent an international cell phone through Roadpost, a global communication provider, can now start earning AAdvantage Miles. AAdvantage members can earn 5,000 miles when they subscribe to Roadpost's international cell phone service...

Alamo.(Reward Roundup)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Through April 30, American Airlines AAdvantage members can receive double AAdvantage miles and a free ski rack when renting a SUV, mid-size or full-size car for four to 14 days in participating ski locations. For reservations log onto...

United.(Reward Roundup)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Through May 31, United Mileage Plus members can earn double miles (1,000 per stay) and take advantage of 35 percent savings in Hawaii at 13 Starwood Hotels & Resorts. For reservations call 800-782-9488 and ask for rate plan ID UA35 or visit...

GlobalPass.(Reward Roundup)
February 1, 2004... GlobalPass has teamed up with globalbagtag to offer 500 bonus miles for each set of globalbagtags purchased. The globalbagtag allows travelers to trace lost luggage via the Internet from anywhere in the world. Priced at $19.95, globalbagtags...

Delta Air Lines.(Reward Roundup)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... SkyMiles Medallion members can now receive unlimited complimentary upgrades on most published Delta fares within or between the U.S. (excluding Hawaii) and Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico. Members can request an upgrade when booking,...

Air Tahiti Nui.(Airline Deals)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... AIR TAHITI NUI, ranked a four-star airline by SKYTRAX (www.airline quality.com), is offering a free companion ticket with the purchase of a full-fare round-trip first-class ticket originating in the U.S. to Papeete and New Zealand destinations,...

Oneworld.(Airline Deals)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... ONEWORLD alliance is one of the major alliances offering special "Round the World" (RTW) fares that can save savvy passengers thousands of dollars. Although the RTW product is the same by nature on all airlines, the rules vary slightly from one...

Speaking of RTW fares.(Airline Deals)(Round the world)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... SPEAKING OF RTW FARES Singapore Airlines (SQ) and Continental (CO) offer these fares jointly at much lower levels than other carriers do. Their basic RTW business class is $4,411, while most others hover around $6,000. First class on SQ/CO is...

The American Express.(Airline Deals)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... THE AMERICAN EXPRESS Platinum 2-for-1, program and Continental Airlines offer the perfect deal for relaxing Caribbean getaways. AMEX Platinum cardholders simply purchase a full first-class fare on Continental (business class not offered on...

Grand Hyatt Tokyo at Roppongi Hills.(Hotel Check)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... DOING BUSINESS WITHIN TOKYO'S urban sprawl can be daunting, even for experienced business travelers. Enter one of Tokyo's most ambitious developments in years: developer Minoru Mori's Roppongi Hills. The new multi-billion dollar mega-complex...

Spot check.(Consumer Checks)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... We asked hotels around the world whether their fitness centers offered guest 24-hour access and how much they charged guests per visit. Here's what we found: WESTIN TIMES SQUARE, NEW YORK Fitness center open weekdays 6 a.m.-10 p.m.,...

Virgin Atlantic Upper Class sleeper suite.(Flight check: New York JFK to London Heathrow)
February 1, 2004... First Impressions: No window seats were available as the flight was quite full. The Internet service was occupied in the Upper Class lounge, so I made my way to the gate before the rush. 4/5 Boarding: Onboard I first noticed the bar, newly...

Lufthansa/PrivatAir all-business class.(Flight check: Newark Liberty to Dusseldorf)
February 1, 2004... First Impressions: I arrived at 1:35 for the 4:40 afternoon flight on Lufthansa's new all-business class service to Fred no clerks at the check-in desks and signs overhead that read, "Check-in 2:15." "So much for getting to the airport early,"...

New York's hot new Japanese eats: Manhattan's new high-end Japanese restaurants are creating a buzz, with fresh twists on tradition. Business Traveler checks out some of the best.(Table Tops)
February 1, 2004... ASIATE Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 80 Columbus Circle, tel. 212-805-8881 Tables dotted with media bigwigs, real estate moguls, power brokers and CEOs have made Asiate the ultimate power lunch scene. Sublime Japanese and French-influenced...

City on the edge: despite a reputation for dowdiness, Boston has always been a leader in the high-tech revolution. Now it's starting to look like one.(HomeFront: Boston)
February 1, 2004... IN THE MINDS OF MANY, BOSTON IS STILL A TWEEDY TOWN with a losing baseball team and a complex about New York. The reality is quite different--since World War II, Boston has been a high-tech mecca on the vanguard of business. In the past 10...

Happy family: how can you maintain healthy relationships despite the separation of travel?(Relationships)
February 1, 2004... Thirteen years ago, Larry Nowels left home for a five-week business trip to some less-developed areas of Africa--including Somalia and Zaire. Nowels who works for the Congressional Research Service in Washington, D.C., left behind his wile and...

Hot hotels.(Overnight Sensations)(Cover Story)
February 1, 2004... The days when a hotel was simply a place to rest your head are long gone. Hoteliers are now clued in to the fact that even the most jaded travelers expect more than clean towels and room service. The arrival of boutique hotels a few years back...

Roman games: got a morning or afternoon free and want to practice your game? There are plenty of quality courses around Rome....(Golf Rome)
February 1, 2004... MARCO SIMONE GOLF CLUB Where is it? 20 miles northeast. What's it like? Designed by Jim Fazio and host to the Italian Open in 1993, this is an excellent course, not particularly long, but challenging (the second course is ideal for a...

Landmark opportunities: the pace of change in Dubai is about to accelerate.(Dubai)
February 1, 2004... The Dubai World Trade Centre, the city's major landmark in the 1970s, is starting to look its age. Dwarfed by numerous high-rise offices and modern apartment blocks lining the busy Sheikh Zayed Road highway, it's a symbol of how quickly things...

A place to live and work: tempting ski slopes and extreme sports are just hours away from laid-back Christchurch.(Christchurch)
February 1, 2004... As the southern hemisphere's mid-year winter rolls closer, it's a safe bet many business visitors to Christchurch will be thinking as much about ski slopes as sales pitches. The season is long: typically--depending on rainfall--from early...

4 hours in Geneva: Mark Frary tours Geneva and discovers antique watches worn by genuises, the 500-foot-high, 113-year-old Jet d'Eau, breathtaking views of the Alps and beyond and some pretty incredible ice cream.
February 1, 2004... (1) PATEK PHILIPPE MUSEUM Switzerland exports 27 million watches every year and Geneva has been at the forefront of the industry since the 1600s. The city's original clock and watch museum shut down a few years ago after thieves stole...

Traveling by satellite: maps go high-tech. George Hobica takes some portable GPS units for a spin and finds them smaller, cheaper and smarter than ever.(Tools: GPS units)(Global Positioning System)
February 1, 2004... WHEN BRIAN LAM RENTS a car for business travel he goes out of his way to not go out of his way. The 26 year-old fashion industry executive admits that he's "topographically challenged" and "wasn't born with the world's best sense of...

The National Hotel: save over 50%.(Privilege Club)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Typically known for sun and fun, South Beach is also home to the luxurious National Hotel, a boutique hotel equipped for serious business. After completing a $3 million renovation in the fall of 2003, South Beach's crown jewel of independent...

Conrad Istanbul: save big in Istanbul.(Privilege Club)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... With its stunning view of the Bosphorus and the Old City of Istanbul, as well as its combination of traditional elegance and contemporary design, Conrad Istanbul is the ideal place for business and leisure travelers. The hotel, part of the...

Le Meridien Le Comaine and Le Meridien L'Habitation.(Privilege Club)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2004... Located side by side, L'Habitation and Le Domaine are two distinct Le Meridien beachfront resorts that offer charming and stylish guest rooms, a superb setting amid 30 acres of tropical plantation-style gardens, white-sand beach, two swimming...

Inhale/exhale.(Reader Offer)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2004... Heading to Manhattan or the Hamptons this winter? If so, check out Inhale/Exhale, a handy guide to New York's best sports, fitness and beauty options. Find out where to go for everything from a chocolate massage to a Pilates class, as well as...

Lavish living: Jaclyn Ignall had a taste of the good life on chic (and very expensive) St. Barts.(Great Escape: St. Barts)
February 1, 2004... THERE ARE COUNTLESS islands with miles of pristine beaches and swaying palms in the Caribbean, but none of them compare to the island of St. Barts. Small, chic, expensive and very, very French, St. Barthelemy (better known as St. Barts or St....