Business Traveler articles from June 2004

Business Traveler archives from June 2004

Editor's letter.
June 1, 2004... Frequent business travelers are as protective of few things as they are their hard-earned miles and points, especially in cost-conscious times. When perks are few and far between, it's nice to know that one more trip to Detroit can mean a free...

Easy exit.(Letter of the Month)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2004... When entering the United States as a non-U.S. citizen, my passport and other data are transmitted to the U.S. authorities from the flight carrier while I am still in air. I have to fill out two time-consuming forms and have to answer the same...

Business for less.(Readers' Letter)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2004... I was recently planning a trip to Europe and, in order to fly in business class, I opted for the traditional strategy of buying a economy ticket and requesting an upgrade, as I am an Elite member. However, in the April 2004 issue, BT offered a...

Customer confusion.(Letter of the Month)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2004... Michael Anisfeld's question (Letter, May 2004) boiled down to: Why, if I say I'm from Ireland, do I end up paying nearly $500 less for the same car than if I say I'm a resident of Australia? Does "the market from where the customer is...

Good behavior.(Readers' Letter)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2004... I must say that I was surprised and delighted to see that Singapore's gay community and nightlife were included in the article: "Oh Behave, Singapore" (March, 2004). Most travel magazines completely ignore gay and lesbian business travelers....

Addendum.(Correction Notice)
June 1, 2004... Singapore Airlines was unintentionally left out of the chart that accompanied the Premium Economy Class Update (April 2004). Please see details on Singapore Airlines' Executive Economy Class below. Type of Aircraft: Airbus A340-500 ...

New laser lights will help guide pilots.(Safety)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... The Federal Aviation Administration has announced that they are testing laser technology designed to give pilots a better view of airport runway markings at night and during bad weather. The laser technology works by "lighting up" painted...

Saving lives in-flight.(Airlines)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... A NEW FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION RULING that passed into law in April makes it mandatory for all large commercial jets on U.S. airlines to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on board. Commuter planes are currently exempt from...

Emirates opens the door on a new first class.(Airlines)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Emirates will begin flying its brand-new, state-of-the art A340-500 Airbus aircraft nonstop from JFK to Dubai on June 1st. The aircraft features Emirates new first-class service. Highlight: a fully enclosed $175,000 First-Class Suite, which is...

U.S. Visit expands to VWP countries.(Security)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... The Department of Homeland Security has announced that as of September 30, 2004, visitors from Visa Waivered Countries (including Britain, France, Germany, Australia and twenty-three other countries) will be fingerprinted and photographed as...

Amtrak adds Acelas to D.C.-New York route.(Rail)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Amtrak has added four new weekday Acela Express trains between Washington, D.C., and New York, and also will increase to six daily round-trips on Sundays. The new weekday departures from New York begin at noon and 2 p.m., meaning that...

For more travelers, Eurostar shines.(Rail)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Eurostar--the high-speed train service that operates among London, Paris and Brussels via the Channel Tunnel--is carrying 19 percent more passengers so far in 2004 than it did in 2003. The reasons? Eurostar cites an improved U.S. booking...

New resort and spa in Hungary.(Hotels)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Spas are a way of life in Hungary. The spa and communal thermal health bath has been part of Hungarian culture since the Turks conquered the Huns and built the famed medieval bathhouses that still exist today in Budapest and beyond. Radisson...

New hotel opens in San Diego.(Hotels)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Guests at the new Omni San Diego Hotel, which opened in April in the city's Gaslamp Quarter, can take themselves out to the ball game by walking over an indoor sky bridge to the Padres' new PETCO park. The 511-room hotel is also located across...

New budget carrier in Asia.(Airlines)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... QANTAS HAS ANNOUNCED THAT IT IS TO be the major investor in a new intra-Asia, low-cost airline based in Singapore. The airline will fly to a selection of Asian cities within five hours of Singapore and operate a fleet of single aisle...

Bangkok subway opens.(Transportation)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... As every business traveler to Thailand knows, traffic in Bangkok is a nightmare of legendary proportions. In the teeming, fume-enshrouded rush-hour traffic, it can take up to an hour to cross 20 city blocks. There may now be some light at the...

New Toronto terminal opens to fiscal controversy.(Airports)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Air Canada moved into its shiny, new $2.7 billion Terminal 1 at Toronto's Pearson Airport this spring, even as the airline struggled to avoid bankruptcy (As Business Traveler went to press, Air Canada's bankruptcy protection had been extended...

Hampton Inn's pop-ups.(Hotels)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Hampton Inn is sponsoring a new Web site, www.hamptonlandmarks.com, which will help travelers track the whereabouts of Bruce Wayne's bat cave, Bonnie and Clyde's hideouts and the manhole that blew a breeze up her skirt and made Marilyn Monroe a...

This spring, San Jose, California joins Dubai and other Wi-Fi-enabled cities.(Where to Wi-Fi)(Global Netoptex, Inc.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... * This spring, San Jose, California joins Dubai and other Wi-Fi-enabled cities. Global Netoptex, Inc. and the City of San Jose have launched free wireless internet service in three public Spaces in downtown San Jose inclUding Plaza de Cesa...

Benchmark Hospitality's Downtown Conference Center, near the World Trade Center site in New York's Financial District, is equipped for wireless Internet connections on its 1st, 12th and 13th floors.(Where to Wi-Fi)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... * Benchmark Hospitality's Downtown Conference Center, near the World Trade Center site in New York's Financial District, is equipped for wireless Internet connections on its 1st, 12th and 13th floors. The Conference Center also offers "Smart...

The Jefferson.(United States)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... * When traveling on Sundays, stay at The Jefferson, a Loews Hotel in Washington D.C. The new "Sunday Night Club" offers members a low Sunday night rate of $219, a free phone call home and a "Sunday Night Club" three-course prix-fixe menu for...

Jolly Hotel Madison Towers New York.(United States)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... * The Jolly Hotel Madison Towers New York has brought back its "See Broadway, Shop and Save" package and room rebate. Guests are rewarded for taking advantage of New York's great shows and shops, and they receive a $35 room rebate per night...

Westin New York at Times Square.(United States)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... * The Westin New York at Times Square is offering "Rents" rate of 50-percent off a second room-perfect for bringing the family! The package runs from now through August 15, 2004. The rates start at $249 per night. For reservations call...

Millennium Hotels.(United States)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... * Millennium Hotels is offering summer packages at their properties across North America. The Millennium Hotel, Durham is offering a relaxing "Millennium Weekends Package" including accommodations on the Millennium Club Level a continental...

Four Seasons Miami.(United States)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... * Now through September 6, guests who book a Saturday-night stay at the Four Seasons Miami can add a Friday- or Sunday-night stay for free with rates starting at $275 per night. To book call 305-358-3535.

Vancouver's Metropolitan Hotel.(Canada)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... * Vancouver's Metropolitan Hotel and Holt Renfrew team up to offer "Divas Wear Prada to Dinner." This fashionable package includes one-night slay with valet parking, four-course dinner for two and a Holt Renfrew CDN $250 gift card and Prada...

Brentwood Bay Lodge and Spa.(Canada)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... * British Columbia's new resort, Brentwood Bay Lodge and Spa, is offering a "First Night is On Us" package which includes a free night's stay with two or more nights spent at the resort. Room rates start at $367 per night based on double...

Dividend miles.(Reward RoundUp)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Dividend Miles members will now earn more miles for travel on US Airways First and Envoy Class, United or Lufthansa First Class or Business Class and full-coach fares on all of the aforementioned airlines. Preferred member privileges include...

Avis.(Reward RoundUp)(Avis Rent a Car Inc)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Avis offers "Twice the Love," a promotion allowing customers to save with either double dollar savings from existing dollars-off coupons or double airline partner miles. The promotion is available for all rentals checked out, now until June 25....

Delta SkyMiles.(Reward RoundUp)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... SkyMiles members can receive double miles on paid nonstop Delta Connection/Comair flights from Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) to Springfield-Branson Regional Airport in Springfield. MO from now through June 15. Also...

San Domenico Palace Hotel.(Europe)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... * Escape this summer to the San Domenico Palace Hotel, in Taormina, Sicily. The "Taormina Summer Break" package is complete with daily breakfast, private half-day tour of Mount Etna and complimentary parking. The "Sunshine Week" offers daily...

Ten top European rail routes.(Trains)
June 1, 2004... In the face of widespread criticism against indifferent quality and high prices, some European train routes are quietly providing business travelers with good news. Typically, these are between key city pairs, perfect for those on two-center...

Qantas.(Flight Log)(Qantas Airways Ltd.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... * Qantas is increasing service from Los Angeles by adding two weekly nonstop flights to Auckland, continuing on to Sydney, on Mondays and Saturdays. Qantas will also be adding one weekly nonstop flight to Sydney, operating on Thursdays.

Air Canada.(Flight Log)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... * Air Canada expands its services to Latin America with new nonstop flights to Caracas, Venezuela; Bogota, Colombia; and Lima, Peru from its main international hub at Pearson Airport in Toronto. Also, effective July 1, Air Canada will increase...

Air India.(Flight Log)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... * Air India begins direct service from Los Angeles to Mumbai starting June 11, 2004. Flights will be available from Los Angeles to Mumbai every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Flights depart from LAX Terminal B at 7:20 p.m. and arrive at Mumbai...

China Southern Airlines.(Flight Log)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... * China Southern Airlines has expanded its flight schedule to daily service between Ho Chi Minh City and Guangzhoo through October 30, 2004. Flights will be operated with codeshare partner, Vietnam Airlines.

Virgin Atlantic.(Flight Log)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... * Virgin Atlantic will launch nonstop services from London Gatwick to Cuba and the Bahamas as well as increase its existing services from London to Las Vegas, Grenada and Tobago from July 2005. The new services will operate twice a week from...

Continental.(Flight Log)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... * Continental will inaugurate seasonal nonstop service linking St. John's, Newfoundland with the airline's New York hub at Newark Liberty International Airport. The once-daily service will operate between June 1 and Sept. 29.

LanChile, LanPeru, LanEcuador and LanDominica have announced a new LAN service alliance designed to streamline passenger and cargo operations in the Latin American region.(Flight Log)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... * LanChile, LanPeru, LanEcuador and LanDominica have announced a new LAN service alliance designed to streamline passenger and cargo operations in the Latin American region. Currently, LanChile, LanPeru, LanEcuador and LanDominicana transport a...

American, Continental, Delta And Alitalia are all offering "Business Class Companion" fares in markets like JFK and Newark to Paris, Milan, Rome, Zurich, Brussets and Venice.(Airline Deals)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... AMERICAN, CONTINENTAL, DELTA AND ALITALIA are all offering "Business Class Companion" fares in markets like JFK and Newark to Paris, Milan, Rome, Zurich, Brussets and Venice. This is basically a 2-for-1 deal with certain restrictions. All...

All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Virgin Atlantic, two premiere airlines well known for their high level of business-class service, offer an astounding deal with their "Round The World'" (RTW) fare for only $3,727 in business class and $2,647 in economy.(Airline Deals)
June 1, 2004... All NIPPON AIRWAYS (ANA) and VIRGIN ATLANTIC, two premiere airlines well known for their high level of business-class service, offer an astounding deal with their "Round The World'" (RTW) fare for only $3,727 in business class and $2,647 in...

This RTW deal comes from a real-life experience. A traveler who frequently flies from Chicago to Melbourne, Brisbane, Hong Kong, London, New York City and back to Chicago could not buy his usual $7,400 RTW fare because it was a last-minute trip and he did not have the 7-day advance purchase.(Airline Deals)
June 1, 2004... This RTW DEAL comes from a real-life experience. A traveler who frequently flies from Chicago to Melbourne, Brisbane, Hong Kong, London, New York City and back to Chicago could not buy his usual $7,400 RTW fare because it was a last-minute trip...

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) maintains their long-standing "SAS Family Fare.".(Airline Deals)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES (SAS) maintains their long-standing "SAS Family Fare." This is a promotional business-class fare that allows a full-fare paying passenger to take along a spouse, or any dependent family member including children up to the...

Singapore Airlines is one of only two airlines to receive the top five-star ranking by Skytrax (www.airquality.com).(Airline Deals)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... SINGAPORE AIRLINES is one of only two airlines to receive the top five-star ranking by Skytrax (www.airquality.com). Therefore, when they offer a deal it's worth a look. We found that Singapore undercuts the competition in their N.Y. to...

Acela first class.(New York To Washington, D.C.)
June 1, 2004... FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Counter staff were cranky and a bit patronizing in the windowless, subterranean Penn Station Acela lounge. It took only seconds to get my ticket from the kiosk just inside the door, and I was surprised that I was able to...

Sofitel Lafayette Square.(Washington, D.C)
June 1, 2004... WHAT'S IT LIKE? Modern Art Deco-inspired interiors, created by Pierre-Yves Rochon (also the designer for Sofitel Chicago Water Tower), compliment the original Art Moderne architectural details of this 12-story 1928 landmark building. A buzzing,...

ATA economy class.(New York Laguardia To Chicago Midway)
June 1, 2004... FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Surprisingly, there was no one in line, and three ATA ticket counters were open for a quick check in. Even though my flight was not boarding for another 45 minutes, the woman at the counter kindly advised me to proceed...

The world on a plate: while San Diego may delight in its distinction as "America's finest city," Allison Block discovers its gastronomic goods go beyond burgers and fries.(Restaurants)
June 1, 2004... El Agave Tequileria 2304 San Diego Avenue, San Diego tel. 619-220-0692 The spirits are sure to move you at this historic Old Town eatery featuring more than 200 brands of tequila. Start with the sopa de mariscos, crammed with...

Chicago--by the book: Chicago has been the stomping ground for some of the biggest names in American literature--writers for whom the Windy City was a springboard to success.(Literary Chicago)
June 1, 2004... Chicago's best known writers have been quick to celebrate the glories of life in the Windy City, even as they've left behind the streets that inspired them. (Many moved on over the years: Saul Bellow to Boston, Edna Ferber to New York, Ben...

The club scene: club or executive floors in hotels are everywhere. But what do you get for your money, and are they worth it?(Club Floors)
June 1, 2004... In the past, staying on a club floor meant a slightly better view from the window, a breakfast voucher and a basket of unidentifiable fruit that sat like an unwanted companion in your room for the duration of your stay. Today, it's a very...

In the cards: Matthew J. Bennett, publisher of FirstClassFlyer.com, reports on getting the most from evolving reward programs.(Reward Programs)
June 1, 2004... As loyalty programs continue to evolve--varying significantly from one carrier to the next--the secret to getting all the perks you can is simple: Know the programs well (especially the fine print), be clear on your priorities and don't...

Less is more ... and more is less: lines are blurring between major airlines and budget carriers--Delta and United add budget brethren, while discounters boost appeal to business travelers.(Budget Carriers)
June 1, 2004... The battle lines in the air wars used to be so much simpler, with behemoths like American, Delta and United airlines competing, on major routes, and upstarts like Southwest nibbling away at secondary airports and markets. But discounters...

Golfing around Los Angeles: yes, you'll need a car (or a helicopter) to get to these greens, but a little time behind the wheel will reward you with gorgeous views and challenging layouts.
June 1, 2004... LOST CANYONS GOLF CLUB Where Is it? Simi Valley. How to (Jet there: This being Los Angeles, there is only one reliable option: Drive. Take the 118 freeway to Simi Valley. Head north on Tapo Canyon Boulevard for about 1.25 miles and go...

The empire strikes back: for centuries, Portugal has relied on overseas talent, says Darren Foster, and today it is reaping the rewards of an immigration boom.(Lisbon)
June 1, 2004... The impressive Praca do Comercio in the heart of Lisbon was at the centerpiece of the plan to rebuild the city's commercial district following its devastation by an earthquake in 1755. The square has three sides of uniform architecture, but the...

And all that jazz ... travelers to Prague know the city for its fascinating history, stunning buildings and scenic setting on the river but few are aware of its burgeoning jazz scene.(Prague)
June 1, 2004... If just one more person had managed to squeeze in, I would have ended up on the drummer's lap. In what is possibly the world's smallest live music venue, you can literally reach out and touch the jazz musicians as they play. At U Maleho Glena...

Madrid by night: escape the tourist traps and experience an authentic Spanish bar scene in La Latina.(Madrid)
June 1, 2004... Madrid is so small and has so many great bars to explore that there really is no excuse not to venture beyond the confines of the Plaza Mayor. Take a five-minute, $4 taxi ride or a short metro trip from the center south to the neighborhood La...

4 hours in Minneapolis: while visiting Minneapolis in the winter can prove to be quite a gamble--think arctic climate and flight delays--on a good day the city can be spectacular.
June 1, 2004... [1] THE NICOLLET MALL Understandably overshadowed by the monolithic Mall of America, the Nicollet Mall is a much more pleasant experience. While lacking both gargantuan food courts and miles of tacky souvenir stores, this outdoor shopping...

Masked man.(Tools)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... When it comes to facial masks, women shouldn't have all the fun. THE ART OF SHAVING is the top seller in the men's category at Barney's and Neiman Marcus and the take-home AFTER-SHAVE MASK is the first of its kind. Free of alcohol, synthetic...

Buff away.(Tools)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... This New-York based men's skin-care line has leapt from underdog to 'best of' lists. The ALOE FACIAL SCRUB gently buffs away dull skin surfaces for a healthy, smooth appearance, while preventing blemishes and neutralizing surface oils. Blended...

Organic bliss.(Tools)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Using herbal ingredients grown organically on South Australian farms, JURLIQUE's new men's line features the HERBAL ANTIOXIDANT MOISTURIZER, which protects from dehydration and counteracts effects of free radicals that considerably age the...

Eye candy.(Tools)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Made with rose petal, wild cornflower extracts and soothing anti-oxidants--vitamins A and E-TALIKA's EYE DECOMPRESS soothed our puffy, tired eyes instantly. Just drop the tablet in the blue solution and within seconds, it transforms, unfolding...

Bright eyes.(Tools)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Need to banish those dark bags? The ESSENTIAL-C EYE CREAM SPF15 by Murad brightens and firms as an anti-aging cream and contains vitamin C for repairing and preventing damage from environmental exposure. In addition, it packs SPF 15 for those...

Ultimate hydration.(Tools)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Willing to try anything to minimize jet lag? The HUMIDIFLYER, created by former Air New Zealand flight attendant Paul Aberhart, aims to energize and refresh, supplying hydrated air by recycling condensation from your breath. You may look a bit...

Skin kiss.(Tools)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... New Yorkers Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz (Kiehl's and furniture store Vitra proteges, respectively) combine advanced skin-care treatment and modern design with their unisex line (MALIN+GOETZ). The amino-acid-based FACE CLEANSER is gentle for...

Hand therapy.(Tools)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... L'OCCITANE's number-one-selling HAND CREAM relieves the ruggedness of chapped hands-important for those power handshakes. Made with 20 percent shea butter and honey, almond and coconut oil, it left our hands smooth, but not one bit greasy....

Energy boost.(Tools)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Wake up! CLARIN's FATIGUE FIGHTER is an instant energy boost, perfect for long-haul flights and perking up to wine and dine clients. The wintergreen helps revive, the bison grass and Chinese galanga energize and the sunflower auxins firm and...

Los Angeles: how to get to and from the airports, both international and domestic, via rail, bus and taxi.(On Track)
June 1, 2004... LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (LAX) WEB SITE: www.lawa.org/lax AIRPORT NUMBER: 310-646-5252 AIRPORT POLICE LOST AND FOUND: 310-417-0440 TSA LOST AND FOUND: 310-655-7382 BAGGAGE STORAGE: 310-646-0222 LOCATION:...

The Buckingham Hotel.(Offer Of The Month)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Now celebrating its 75th anniversary, the Buckingham is an intimate boutique hotel perfectly located on 57th Street and 6th Avenue In Manhattan, across from Carnegie Hall. With decor that echoes the red velvet and dark wood of the famed concert...

Belleview Biltmore Resort.(Savings For Members)
June 1, 2004... Established In 1897 as the Queen of the Gulf, the Belleview Biltmore is located In Clearwater, Florida, atop the white bluffs of 22 secluded acres bordering the intracoastal Waterway. As part of a $16 million restoration, the 246-room...

Lock it up.(Reader Offer)(KeyCard Travelock Security Kit)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2004... Sit back and relax with the help of the KeyCard Travelock Security Kit, a new pick-proof lock that features interchangeable components to keep your laptop and luggage safe on the road. The lock can only be opened with a plastic keycard that...

Muddy waters: Eva Leonard leaves St. Lucia's beaches behind for off-road biking in a tropical jungle.(Great Escape: Jungle Biking St. Lucia)
June 1, 2004... It's difficult tearing myself away from my room, a loft-like Caribbean fantasy partially open to the gentle elements, with panoramic views of the twin peaks of St. Lucia's Pitons and the ocean. Outside, I make my way down the hundred stone...