Business Traveler articles from January 2003

Business Traveler archives from January 2003

Editor's letter.
January 1, 2003... FOR THE 14TH YEAR IN A ROW, WE'VE surveyed the readers of Business Traveler about the best of their travel experiences. Who better than seasoned road warriors to weigh in with their choices for the top hotels, airlines, airports, credit cards...

One fish, two fish. (Letter Of The Month).(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2003... My wife and I were traveling to Las Vegas last month, and we were astonished at some other passengers' sensitivity to the random search that was conducted by airline personnel. A man and his wife were asked to step aside for the search, and...

Standby me. (Readers' Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2003... I want to take the opportunity to thank you for providing this business traveler magazine for frequent travelers. I find it useful and helpful. I travel weekly to a different city on different airlines, and there is one tip I would like to...

Do the math. (Readers' Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2003... As a 150,000-mile-a-year-plus traveler, primarily internationally long-haul in business class, I very much enjoyed the last edition with the comparisons of business classes worldwide. My specific interest, obviously, and a key factor in...

U.S. where? (Readers' Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2003... I am always excited to receive a new issue of Business Traveler, as it's usually filled with interesting and useful information. I was particularly interested in the latest issue with the business-class survey. However, I was disappointed...

Love letter. (Readers' Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2003... As a Platinum CO flyer with 2 million miles, a member of USA Today's "Road Warrior" panel and a devotee of Conde Nast Traveler, I have just finished reading Vol. 15, Issue 9 (Oct. 2) and thoroughly enjoyed every section. Where has Business...

Four scores. .(Four Hour Guides are available from Business Traveler magazine.)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2003... The Four-Hour Guide--the best thing yet to come out of BT offices! Please let me know ASAP what the cost will be if we go ahead and order a dozen copies for our staff of international travel consultants and some of our top accounts. ...

Alternative press. .(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2003... As a university professor and owner of a nonprofit international ecotourism consultancy, I eagerly look forward to each month's issue for destination trends and travel opportunities that may benefit my students and colleagues. In...

Going to Carolina. .(Bald Head Island is in North Carolina and is close to the Wilmington, North Carolina, airport. )(Letter to the Editor)(Correction Notice)
January 1, 2003... In the October 2002 issue, page 15, you stated that Bald Head Island is close to the Wilmington, Delaware, airport. Bald Head Island is in North Carolina and is close to the Wilmington, North Carolina, airport. And it's as beautiful as you...

Open skies darken. .(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... THIS FALL, THE HIGHEST COURT IN EUROPE STRUCK DOWN MAJOR COMPONENTS of "Open Skies" agreements between the U.S. and European air carriers. The European Court of Justice in Luxernbourg decided that the agreements violated European law. What will...

Times hip. .(The Westin New York, which opened in Times Square this October, appears to be a structure that people either love or hate. )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... IS THIS THE UGLIEST BUILDING IN Manhattan?" asked New Yorker critic Paul Goldberger. The Westin New York, which opened in Times Square this October, appears to be a structure that people either love or hate. Designed by Miami's...

Friendly relations. .(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... SAVED MILEAGE ON US AIRWAYS and United may get travelers farther this winter. US Airways and United Airlines have recently announced new benefits for members of each airlines' frequent flyer programs. Members of United's Mileage Plus Program...

Newark embraces Liberty.(NEWARK AIRPORT HAS OFFICIALLY been renamed "Newark Liberty International Airport" to honor the heroes of September 11, as well as all those who have defended liberty through the years.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... NEWARK AIRPORT HAS OFFICIALLY been renamed "Newark Liberty International Airport" to honor the heroes of September 11, as well as all those who have defended liberty through the years. Along with the new name, the airport has signed a new lease...

New caper.(New hotels in Cape Town, South Africa. www.twelveapostleshotel.com., www.redcarnationhotels.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CutCopyPasteSelect All -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FindReplaceAuthorTitle Annotation Text -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BiographeeNames of PersonsCase NameCompany NamesEventsFictitious CharacterGeographic Scope DesignatorsGeographicGovernment AgenciesNamed ThingsOrganizationsProductsStatutesSubject DescriptorsWorks)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... AFICIONADOS OF THE MILESTONE Hotel's luxuriously over-the-top turndown service in London (teddy bears, flower on the pillow, hot-water bottle) can look forward to the same treatment in Cape Town with the opening and refurbishment of The Twelve...

Wide ride. .(ANA, ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS, HAS installed new "Wide Bed Seats".)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... ANA, ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS, HAS given their long-haul first-class cabins a makeover. ANA's new "Wide Bed Seats" will replace the current 180-degree Fullflat Seat. "The World's Widest Bed Seat" will be 32 inches wide. It is equipped with armrests...

Business travel price tag boost.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... BUSINESS TRAVEL COSTS WILL INCREASE UP TO 5 PERCENT IN 2003, SAYS A new survey by the National Business Travel Association. The 2003 Business Travel Cost Forecast also predicts that in 2003: * Business airfares will increase by 7 percent....

Garden party. .(Plan your next conference at: www.gardenofwales.org.uk. )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... THE WORLD'S BIOSPHERES ARE your corporate playground at The Garden of Wales. The National Botanic Garden of Wales, situated on acres of land once belonging to one of the stateliest homes of Great Britain, is available for special events or...

"Open" up. .(A NEW "OPEN SKIES" AGREEMENT between Switzerland and Canada means that Swiss Air Lines and its U.S. partner American Airlines will be able to offer more flights through AA codesharing agreements to Canada and then on to Zurich. )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... A NEW "OPEN SKIES" AGREEMENT between Switzerland and Canada means that Swiss Air Lines and its U.S. partner American Airlines will be able to offer more flights through AA codesharing agreements to Canada and then on to Zurich. Swiss will begin...

Just the facts. .(air travel security fact sheets introduced)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... THE TRANSPORTATION SECURITY Administration (TSA) wants travelers to "Prepare for Takeoff." In November the administration unveiled a series of fact sheets aimed at giving consumers "realistic expectations" about air travel after September 11....

Sporting life. Hotels.(Hotels.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... AS MORE AND MORE EXECUTIVES look to exercise to reduce stress, hotels are looking for new ways to encourage sweat and endorphins. Marriott's Renaissance chain, for instance, has just opened its first Renaissance Clubsport property in Walnut...

Follow the moon.(Moon Metro travel guides. www.moon.com )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... UNLIKE MOST GUIDEBOOKS, WHICH TEND TO BE OVERSIZED AND bulky and provide either too much or too little, these travel guidebooks by Moon Metro feature concise information to get you where you want to go. Plus, you can access the details you want...

Flight fever. .
January 1, 2003... MOVE OVER YOUR CUDDLY koala bear. Qantas has a new spokesman. It's John Travolta. The airline's new "ambassador at large" stood up for Qantas at a recent press conference on the delivery of its new 747-4000 Extended Range Aircraft. Said Qantas...

Flight log. .(Airlines services.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... * Alaska Airlines has begun daily nonstop service between Seattle and Newark Liberty International Airport. The eastbound flight to New York/Newark departs Seattle at 8:45 a.m. and arrives at Newark at 5:01 p.m. The westbound return departs...

United Airlines. .(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... * United Airlines has dropped 122 daily flights in several Chicago and Denver markets, including nonstops from Chicago to Philadelphia and Vancouver. The airline is also eliminating late-night flights from Denver to the West Coast.

Lufthansa. Airline Deals.(Call Lufthansa at 800-645-3880.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... LUFTHANSA has introduced a 2-for-1 offer to Europe in economy class for travel commencing by January 31, 2003, and completed by March 30, 2003. All tickets must be purchased by January 10, 2003, and trans-Atlantic travel is not permitted...

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). Airline Deals.(Call SAS at 800-221-2350 to save.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES (SAS) is offering a free companion ticket with the purchase of a round-trip apex-type ticket (H class) from Newark/Dulles (D.C.)/O'Hare and Seattle to all destinations in Europe served by SAS. Tickets must be issued at...

Thai Airways. .(Airline Deals. Call Thai Airways at 800-426-5204 or your travel agent.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... THAI AIRWAYS has introduced the "Royal Companion Package." This is a buy-one-get-one-free promotion that applies in both first and business class. This promotion also applies one-way as well as round-trip for travelers originating from Los...

Lot Polish airways. .(Airline Deals. Call Lot at 800-223-0593 (outside NY area) or 212-869-1074, or your travel agent.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... LOT POLISH AIRWAYS is offering passengers holding any type of economy-class ticket, based on either published or unpublished (wholesale) fares, the opportunity to upgrade their trans-Atlantic flights between NYC/Chicago and Warsaw/Krakow to...

Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts. .(For rewards, contact www.intercontinental.com or 888-567-8725.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Stay at any of InterContinental's 140 properties and take part iii the relaunch of the Options program. For the business traveler, options include: a room upgrade to a junior suite or club floor, free in-room movie, free minibar items for each...

Hyatt Hotels and Resorts. .(For rewards, contact www.hyatt.com or 800-51-HYATT.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Through February 28, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts will again offer its successful Faster Free Nights promotion in partnership with MasterCard. Hyatt Gold Passport members are awarded with a free night after two stays when paying with any...

Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts. .(rewards program)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Through March 15, guests staying at any Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts will be rewarded with golf gear from Top-Flite, STRATA and Ben Hogan Golf brands while also earning reward points or frequent flyer miles with the hotel's frequent stay...

Iroquois Hotel New York. .(Earn rewards with the 'Refer a Friend Program' at 800-332-7220. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CutCopyPasteSelect All -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FindReplaceAuthorTitle Annotation Text -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BiographeeNames of PersonsCase NameCompany NamesEventsFictitious CharacterGeographic Scope DesignatorsGeographicGovernment AgenciesNamed ThingsOrganizationsProductsStatutesSubject DescriptorsWorks)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2003... Through September 2003, frequent guests of New York's Iroquois Hotel, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, can earn rewards with their Refer a Friend Program. Simply refer a friend and be rewarded with items such as a Frette bathrobe...

Fairmont Hotels and Alaska Airlines. .(Rewards information at www.fairmont.com.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Guests at any Fairmont Hotel or Resort can earn points on Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan. Normal bonus is 500 miles for each qualifying stay; however, until February 28, guests will earn 100 miles per stay. Call 800-441-1414 or visit...

Philippine Airlines and Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts. .(Reward miles information at www.panpacific.com. )
January 1, 2003... In celebration of the hotel chain's new partnership with Philippine Airlines, guests at Pan Pacific properties in Vancouver, San Francisco, Singapore or Manila will earn 1,500 "Mabuhay Miles" per stay until February 28, 2003. Starting in March,...

Elvis parks in pink. .(Elvis impersonators direct traffic in airport lot.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... ELVIS HAS LEFT THE BUILDING and is in the parking lot of Dallas Fort Worth Airport. To promote its new parking offerings--more than 5,000 "passenger-friendly" spaces--the airport hired a band of roving Elvis impersonators. The DFW Elvii were on...

Safety by design. .(Hotel safety.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... CAN A HOTEL ARCHITECT HELP keep business travelers safe? The results of a new online survey say yes. The Hospitality Security Survey conducted by the Atlanta-based architectural firm John Portman & Associates says that while the majority of...

Asia. .(Hotel Deals at www.sukhothai.com and www.intercontinental.com. )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Until March 31, the Sukhothai, Bangkok will offer a golf package that includes an 18-hole round with card and personal caddy at some of the area's choice country clubs. The package includes a two-night stay, limousine transfer to and from the...

United States.(Hotel Deals in Philadelphia at www.gophila.com, www.carltonhotel.com, www.hoteljerome.com.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... More than 60 hotels in Philadelphia and the surrounding area are offering slashed rates until March 30. A weekend package, valid for Friday or Saturday check-in, includes two nights' accommodation, parking, food and sight-seeing coupons and...

Europe.(Hotel Deals at www.hyatt.com.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Weekend getaways at the Hyatt Regency Cologne are made even more appealing when combined with complimentary fitness-center access, slashed rates and in-room amenities. A double room is just $150 a night until January 31--that's $85 off the rack...

Loews Miami Beach Hotel: South Beach.(Hotel Review)
January 1, 2003... ENTERING THE LOEWS MIAMI Beach Hotel, I was immediately reminded of the importance of landmark preservation. In this beachfront city, famous for its beautifully restored Art Deco gems, the Loews stands out as the city's first new luxury...

Cathay Pacific business class. .
January 1, 2003... First Impressions: The business- and first-class check-in counters are located in a separate area, ensuring rapid check-in. Security staff were thorough enough to discover the baby Swiss Army knife I had planted (forgotten) in my hand luggage....

Singapore Airlines raffles class. .
January 1, 2003... First Impressions: A rather sour-faced check-in girl beckoned me over to the first-class desk and, without a smile or any chitchat, went through the motions. She seemed even less impressed when my trolley bag fell and knocked over the rope...

Spot check. .(Consumer ratings of cell phones.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... We checked out today's major cell phone brands--standard models with all the basics--to see how much battery life they offer. Here's what we found: MOTOROLA V SERIES 60 C 10 days 4 hours of talk time SONY T206 14...

Restaurants. .(Restaurant Review)
January 1, 2003... 910 Lincoln Road, tel. 305-532-8003 Overview: This high-energy restaurant and lounge combines lavish dishes with exotic entertainment, all in keeping with the high-sizzle South Beach vibe. Cuisine: Modern grill cuisine with...

Fives, New York.(Restaurant Review)
January 1, 2003... The Peninsula Hotel, 700 Fifth Ave. at 55th St., tel. 212-903-3918 Overview: Fives occupies the combined space of the Peninsula's two former restaurants. Any aura of grand-hotel fussiness has been dispensed with--the emphasis is on...

Thom, New York.(Restaurant Review)
January 1, 2003... 60 Thompson St., tel. 212-219-2000 Overview: This upbeat, stylish haunt has all the requisites for success: a creative menu, sexy atmosphere and prices that won't leave you penniless. One of SoHo's hottest restaurants, Thom sits...

New Heights, Washington, D.C.(2317 Calvert St., tel. 202-234-4110, www.newheightsrestaurant.com)(Restaurant Review)
January 1, 2003... 2317 Calvert St., tel. 202-234-4110, www.newheightsrestaurant.com Overview: New Heights has held fast to its reputation as one of D.C.'s culinary innovators since its debut in the mid '80s. Located just around the corner from the Woodley...

In the bank? Richmond is taking a slow-but-steady approach to growth, with local businesses playing an active role.
January 1, 2003... THE PEOPLE OF RICHMOND HAVE A PLAN. SCORES of improvement projects fill boardrooms and town meetings and the public consciousness, while real estate companies quietly plan to lure locals back to the city's core. As a relatively small city--the...

De-stress for success. .(Spas.)
January 1, 2003... Power Puffs The best spas around the world for the weary road warrioress. by Gretchen, Kelly ONE HOUR BY PLANE FROM THE NOISE, SMOG AND infernal traffic of Bangkok, and I am breathing easier. Out on my private veranda at the Regent Resort...

Top this: Business Traveler's 14th Annual Readers' Choice Awards. .(Best in Business Travel 2002.)
January 1, 2003... The best judges of any travel product are the day-to-day users--people like the readers of Business Traveler. That's why, every year, we turn to our readers and ask them for their input about the best of their travel experiences, from the...

In their own words: we asked five top executives at several leading corporations to share their thoughts on the future of business travel and the state of the travel industry today. Here's what they had to say.(Interview with Gary E. Schweikert, Clifford Grodd, Paul Stuart, Peter Buecking, Colleen Barrett and Charlie Clifford about business travel.)
January 1, 2003... What three words best describe The Plaza Hotel? According to The Plaza's managing director, Gary E. Schweikert, "Location, location, location." Anyone who's ever been to this extraordinary hotel knows that it sits right in the center of New...

Business Traveler-e celebrates its first year. (Events).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Business Traveler magazine toasted the one-year anniversary of its weekly e-mail newsletter, Business Traveler-e, at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. Travel industry professionals and magazine staff sipped Marti Autentico mojitos while...

2020 vision: despite the uncertainty hanging over the region, Kuala Lumpur is pressing ahead with infrastructure improvements and business development.
January 1, 2003... WHEN PRIME MINISTER Mahathir Mohamad of Malaysia dreamed up his ambitious 2020 vision for his country, he clearly hadn't counted on a global recession and a campaign of terrorism that would, in a recent tragic turn, end up right on his...

Hot pursuits: Guangzhou has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years. Now it's only an hour and a half away from Hong Kong by train and home to a massive new airport. .
January 1, 2003... SHANGHAI AND BEIJING MAY BE ATTRACTING world wonder as China's showpiece cities of the future, but Guangzhou in the south remains a vibrant hub, very much rooted in the present but aware that reinvention and innovation are the heart of...

Surfing at cruising altitude: George Hobica discovers that, as far as high-speed Internet is concerned, the sky is no longer the limit. .
January 1, 2003... WOULD YOU ACTUALLY SWITCH TO ANOTHER airline, even to one outside your preferred frequent flyer program, if it offered real-time, high-speed broadband Internet connectivity at your seat, allowing you to surf the Web and check e-mail in flight...

Four hours in Vancouver.
January 1, 2003... Perennial title holder of "world's most livable city," Vancouver offers an enviable lifestyle for its 1.5 million residents, even if it is the most expensive city in Canada. Not to worry--the weak Canadian dollar means foreign currency has...

Escape to Italy in Midtown Manhattan at the Jolly Hotel Madison Towers. .(Hotel deals in New York at www.jollymadison.com. )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... The newly renovated Jolly Hotel Madison lowers, New York's stylish Italian boutique, offers a distinctive combination of European ambience and American efficiency. As the U.S. flagship of Jolly Hotels, Italy's leading hotel chain, this elegant...

Lie back in the land of the laid-back at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa.(Savings for members at The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa. www.sonoma@fairmont.com.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Northern California's elegant and historic wine country resort, The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa, features 228 guest rooms and suites, many with fireplaces and terraces, plus 11,000 square feet of functional space and a luxurious...

Weekend winter deal from InterContinental: The Barclay, New York. .(Hotel deals at www.intercontinental.com. )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Located just off Park Avenue in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, InterContinental The Barclay New York is minutes from the finest shopping, world-renowned museums and Broadway theaters. This historic property was originally known as The Barclay...

Ice times: Rachael Jolley takes a shine to the glitz of St. Moritz. .
January 1, 2003... ST. MORITZ IS READY for yet another sparkling season as the classic winter resort prepares to host the 2003 Ski World Championships. But forget pre-championship jitters, St. Moritz is a veteran when it comes to coping with the glare of...