Business Traveler articles from March 2003

Business Traveler archives from March 2003

Editor's letter.(Brief Article)(Editorial)
March 1, 2003... THOSE EXTRA POUNDS CAN CREEP UP on you so insidiously on the road. Comfort foods lurk everywhere, from hotel room service and minibars to airport fast-food concessions. How much fat is in that moccachino you grabbed on the way to the gate? How...

Lousy shot. (Letter Of The Month).(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2003... I may have experienced the most absurd "security" concern to date. On November 13, 2003, I was returning home from a speaking engagement in Reno, Nevada, and my carry-on was randomly selected for inspection at the security checkpoint. ...

Box seats. (Readers' Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2003... I have always felt that Virgin Atlantic is one of the finest airlines in every class. The overall "hip" factor; made Virgin fun to fly. However, my experience on a recent trans-Atlantic trip has knocked them near the bottom of my list. My...

Security first. (Readers' Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2003... This letter is in response to Jim Mazurek's letter in the November 2002 issue. If you really think it is a pain to go through all the security checks, tell your company, don't fly, but don't make life tougher--it's tough enough as it is. ...

Unlucky numbers. (Readers' Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2003... I would like to share an important tip for Americans traveling to the Philippines regarding the exchange of currency. On a recent trip there, I tried to exchange a $50 bill at the hotel, but because somebody had written the number "5" in small...

Discordant note. (Readers' Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2003... I read with interest Beverley Fearis' very well-written and informative piece on Kuala Lumpur ("2020 Vision") in the January issue. As one who has traveled around Malaysia, however, I must take exception to her point that people of Muslim,...

Getting personal. (Airlines).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... THE IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICE -- IT'S EVERYWHERE YOU WANT to go. U.S. citizens, as well as foreigners, must now hand their names and other personal information over to the INS in the form of a passenger manifest on both takeoff and...

Super train. (Rail).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... SUPERMAN HAS A NEW RACING partner. January saw the test run of the new Shanghai, China Maglev (magnetic levitation) train. Premier Zhu Rongji of China and Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder of Germany cut the ribbon on the 18-mile track that connects...

More in Motown. (Hotels).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... THERE WAS A TIME, NOT TOO LONG ago, when the idea of taking a business trip to Detroit could send shivers down the heartiest road warrior's spine. But the Motor City has recovered a lot of its old steam. Case in point--the new Westin Detroit...

Thinking pad. (Hotels).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... CREATIVELY CHALLENGED EXECS might consider a stay at the new Embassy Suites "Creative Suite," currently on test pattern at the chain's Battery Park, NYC location. "If most of us are paid to think creatively, then it makes perfect sense for...

Roman restoration. (Hotels).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... ONE OF ROME'S MOST FAMOUS hotels, the (Westin) Excelsior, the Belle Epoch gem on the Via Veneto, has been polished to a gleam in the past year. The recent multimillion-doltar renovation of the rooms and suites, as well as the famed Excelsior...

Park and fly. (Airports).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... EVEN BEFORE 9/11, PARKING AT NYC airports has always been--to say the least--a challenge. The Port Authority's new E-ZPass Plus may just make the first and last legs of your trip a little bit easier. The new pass allows existing E-ZPass...

Have a seat. (Airlines).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... FREQUENT FLYERS HAVE GROWN comfortably fond of Continental's "BusinessFirst" class. Now that the installation of the airline's new sleeper seats is completed, there's more to love. The new BusinessFirst seat measures 22 inches between...

Qantas. (Flight Log).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... * Qantas has opened new first- and business-class lounges at the Bangkok Airport. The design is a blend of Aussie comfort and Thai style. And on February 3, Qantas began offering its Cityflyer service between Sydney alad Canberra, with 24...

US Airways. (Flight Log).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... * US Airways began nonstop service on February 1 between Reagan Washington National and Fort Myers, FL. As of March 15, the airline also begins service between Pittsburgh and Montego Bay, Jamaica.

AirTran. (Flight Log).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... * AirTran discontinued its two daily flights from Wichita to Chicago on February 3. Beginning May 21, AirTran will add service between Denver and its Atlanta hub.

Northwest Airlines. (Flight Log).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... * Northwest Airlines begins twice-daily service between Greensboro, NC, and Memphis on April 1. Northwest begins daily nonstop service between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Helena, Montana, beginning May 1.

Aerolines Centrales de Colombia. (Flight Log).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... * Aerolines Centrales de Colombia (ACES) launched its daily direct service to Bogota, Colombia, from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport January 3.

Air Canada. (Flight Log).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... * Air Canada has become the first full-service international airline in the world to move to exclusively electronic ticketing for domestic travel. As of January 2003, the airline will no longer use paper tickets for flights within Canada. The...

Northwest Airlines. (Flight Log).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... * Northwest Airlines will offer daily nonstop service between Seattle and Osaka from June 1 through October 5, 2003.

Lufthansa. (Flight Log).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... * Lufthansa will offer daily nonstop service from Los Angeles to Munich starting March 31. The 235-seat Airbus A340-300 flight, with three-class service, will depart Los Angeles at 3:40 p.m. and arrive in Munich at 1 p.m. the following day.

Cash bar. (Airlines).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... LATELY MANY business travelers flying long trans-Atlantic flights have had a rude surprise: no more free liquor. Toward the end of 2002, American Airlines, Continental and Delta all began charging passengers for wine, beer and cocktails--even...

Food flight. (Airlines).(America West and Northwest Airlines may charge for food)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... COFFEE, TEA, CHICKEN KIEV? TEN dollars please." Passengers flying on America West and Northwest Airlines have been treated to a test run of "Buy on Board" programs, allowing them to buy small and full meals on flights where regular food service...

United States. (Hotel Deals).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... The Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa announces new packages for 2003. "Room and Spa" includes Terrace-room accommodations and two 50-minute spa treatments at the award-winning Spa Grande, beginning at $635. Rates are based on double occupancy...

Worldwide. (Hotel Deals).(Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts )(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts is offering the "Pan Pacific Business Package" through December 31 at any one of its 18 properties. The package combines reduced rates with value-added benefits, including a full American breakfast and extended...

Ramada hotels and Mastercard. (Reward Roundup).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Guests who use MasterCard to pay for midweek stays at participating Ramada properties between now and April 10 will earn free companion flights. To be eligible, stays must be at least two consecutive nights between Sunday and Thursday at a...

Hyatt hotels and resorts. (Reward Roundup).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Hyatt has extended several promotions for the remainder of the year, allowing guests to earn perks in several ways. Travelers staying in any U.S. or Caribbean Hyatt Resort before May 31 will receive a third night free plus two $100 flight...

Fairmont hotels and resorts, American Airlines and Air Canada. (Reward Roundup).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Stay at a participating Fairmont property before April 30 and earn double miles on either Air Canada's Aeroplan or American Airlines' AAdvantage. Over 25 hotels across the United States are participating in the deal, including the just-opened...

Southwest Airlines. (Reward Roundup).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Southwest's frequent flyer program, Rapid Rewards, has added two lodging chains to its partner list: Choice Hotels International and La Quinta. Rapid Rewards members who stay at any Choice-brand hotel--Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality,...

Quickest link. (Rail).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... PASSENGERS BOARDING THE NEW high-speed rail link between Frankfurt Main Airport and central Cologne will find the 186-mph ICE3 train has shrunk the journey time by more than half. First-class seating (configured 1-2) provides a spacious and...

Gadget gear. (Reader Offer).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... FORMER CORPORATE LAWYER SCOTF Jordan wanted to create a fashionable, functional and affordable product to carry all of his electronic gadgets--one that was also lightweight and wearable. The result: SCOTTeVEST, a jacket designed to hold...

British Airways. (Airline Deals).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... BRITISH AIRWAYS is offering a free companion ticket with few strings attached. Simply purchase a full-fare round-trip trans-Atlantic ticket from North America to London or beyond on British Airways using Concorde, first class or business class,...

Oneworld Carriers. (Airline Deals).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... ONEWORLD CARRIERS have restructured their "Circle Pacific Apex (CIRPAC)" fare for 2003, making it easier to use. CIRPAC fares are similar to "Round The World Apex" fares but are designed for travel via both the North and South Pacific. This...

Air France. (Airline Deals).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... AIR FRANCE is continuing its on-going promotion offering a "Buy One Ticket in Business Class Get One Free" promotion for travel between Los Angeles and Papeete. When you purchase a full business fare round-trip from Los Angeles to Papeete at a...

Lobbying for change. (Airlines).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... AEROMEXICO'S "most valued" customers will breathe a little easier in Mexico City. As part of a $2.1 million hub renovation, the airline has created a "Premier Lobby" at Mexico City International Airport for Clase Premier, Platinum and Gold Club...

Park Hyatt Vendome: Paris. (Hotel Check).
March 1, 2003... JUST OPENED IN AUGUST, THE Park Hyatt is discreetly notched into Rue de la Paix, just off Place Vendome. If your taxi driver blinks, he's likely to miss it, as only a small sign quietly marks the edifice. Five Hausmanian buildings were...

Spot check. (Consumer Checks).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... We asked hotel concierges around the world what kind of fees would be charged when booking theater tickets for hotel guests, Here's what we found: ROYAL YORK TORONTO No charge incurred by hotel; however, since tickets aren't booked...

The Mark: New York. (Hotel Check).
March 1, 2003... NO JACKET, NO TIE, NO ATTITUDE" is an unusual motto for a hotel ranked consistently in the top 10 in worldwide city hotels, but it fits The Mark. Surprisingly unpretentious considering its exquisite accommodations and Upper East Side location,...

Air Canada Executive First. (Flight check: Hong Kong to Vancouver).
March 1, 2003... First Impressions: There was quite a lineup at the economy-class check-in, but its efficient processing meant I was soon at the desk. The female check-in clerk chatted pleasantly and assigned me an economy-class window seat, as requested. 4/5...

Finnair business class. (Flight check: New York JFK to Helsinki).
March 1, 2003... First Impressions: As part of the oneworld franchise, Finnair operates out of Terminal 8, sharing the facilities of American Airlines. The Finnair check-in desks are to the right of the terminal, so the best bet is to get out of your cab at the...

Wheels of change: Jaclyn Perlstein finds a retooled Detroit gunning its engines. (HomeFront: Detroit).
March 1, 2003... FOR TWO WEEKS IN JANUARY, THE AUTOMOBILE capital of the world welcomes over 800,000 attendees as it plays host to the annual North American International Auto Show. American and international automakers unveil the best and brightest cars of the...

Swiss style: who says good things only come in threes? For SWISS, Switzerland's four cultures add up to one great airline. (Special Advertising Section).
March 1, 2003... As if flying to Switzerland wasn't in and of itself a rare treat, airlines are, of course, competing for who does it best. Swiss International Air Lines is ahead of the game with promised innovations breaking out in 2003, as the company...

Pacifica Bar & Grill. (Kuala Lumpur).
March 1, 2003... Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, tel. 603 2179 8882 Overview: East, West, business and pleasure come together in this comfortable sun-dappled space. The soothing tones of "world" music and vibrant colors punctuate...

Noche. (New York).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... 1604 Broadway (49th St.), tel. 212-541-7070 Overview: Appropriately located in Times Square, Noche has a larger-than-life quality that complements the attention-grabbing flash of its surroundings. Restaurateur David Emil has assembled more...

The Upstairs at `21'. (New York).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... 21 W. 52nd St., tel. 212-265-1900, fax 212-974-7562, www.21club.com Overview: This 32-seat fine-dining restaurant, one flight up from the legendary `21' Club, opened in November. Cuisine: Executive Chef Erik Blauberg's seasonal American...

Weight list. (Healthy Eating on the Road)(Cover Story).(Cover Story)
March 1, 2003... In her own words, Aileen Katcher "didn't want to be 50 and fat." So in 2000, a year before hitting her landmark birthday, Karcher pledged to lose the extra pounds she was lugging around like a carry-on bag. The problem, says Katcher, a...

2002 Best in Business Travel Awards. (Award Roundup).
March 1, 2003... On November 21, the creme de la creme of the travel industry gathered together at the legendary Waldorf=Astoria in New York City. In the hotel's elegant Grand Ballroom, travel industry specialists, BT subscribers and clients gathered for the...

Eyes on the prize: although suffering from the sluggish world economy, on the whole, Australia's economic outlook remains healthy. (Insider's guide: Sydney).
March 1, 2003... THE FAMOUS AERIAL SHOT OF THE OPERA House, Circular Quay and Sydney's stunning harbor will be transmitted to TV screens around the globe when the Rugby World Cup 2003 kicks off in the city in October this year. The world's eyes will once...

Special executive spotlight.
March 1, 2003... Vagn Soerensen Age 43 CEO, Austrian Airlines "Smart, determined and high-energy are just a few characteristics that describe the CEO of Austrian Airlines, Vagn Soerensen. Since 1984, Soerensen has been with the airline industry, starting...

Laptops and lederhosen: the residents of Munich may still dress in traditional Bavarian style, but don't let that fool you. Business is done here the 21st-century way. (Doing Business in Munich).
March 1, 2003... IN A FEDERALIZED, DECENTRALIZED COUNTRY LIKE Germany, each region has its distinctive reputation. Berlin is the political capital, Frankfurt the city of finance. North Rhine-Westphalia is the center of heavy industry, and Munich is... well,...

Wi-Fi high: George Hobica hooks up to Wi-Fi and gets hooked. (Tools: wireless technology).(wireless fidelity)
March 1, 2003... A FEW WEEKS AGO WHILE waiting for my flight at Fort Lauderdale International Airport, I turned on my new Sony SRX99 laptop. And a funny thing happened. At the bottom of the screen, an icon popped up informing me that a wireless network was...

Four hours in Brussels.
March 1, 2003... Deborah Miller explores the streets of Brussels. Among her stops: an underground museum where excavations can be viewed, a massive flea market, an ornate Belgian bar and the chocolatiers of the swanky antiques district. (1) RUE ANTOINE...

South China scene: a slow starter on the Chinese economic scene, Nanjing, with its mix of modern and traditional China, is playing catch-up with other leading cities around the country. (Focus: Nanjing).
March 1, 2003... A LEADING CHINESE CITY FOR MORE THAN 2,000 YEARS, THANKS to its vital location in relation to the Grand Canal and the lower Yangtze River basin, Nanjing served as China's capital for a total of 500 years during seven different dynasties. Modern...

Upgrade your room at the Clinton Hotel. (Offer Of The Month > Miami Beach > Hotels).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... The just-reopened Clinton Hotel is rewriting the rules of South-Beach style with its high-design take on Art Deco. After a $12 million renovation, the property--which was originally built in 1930 by architect Charles Neidler--combines the...

The Fairmont Washington, D.C.--poised for business travelers. (Savings For Members > Washington, D.C. > Hotels).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Widely regarded as the premier luxury hotel address in the nation's capital city, the elegant Fairmont Washington, D.C. offers unsurpassed facilities and services for the discerning business traveler. The property has been bestowed with the...

Save up to 50 percent in Latin America plus 1,000 star points: Westin hotels & resorts, Sheraton hotels & resorts and the luxury collection. (Savings For Members > South America > Hotels).(Directory)
March 1, 2003... Latin America offers business travelers an enticing blend of sophistication and culture, and Starwood's selection of hotels in prime locations throughout the region exceeds expectations. Once business is over, enjoy a variety of indigenous...

Beginner's luck: Christine Idzelis contemplates life as an islander in Providenciales. (Great escape: Turks and Caicos).(Ocean Club Resorts)
March 1, 2003... I DIDN'T WANT TO BE ANYWHERE ELSE. NOWHERE. Lying comfortably with my chin propped in one hand, a chilled glass of Chardonnay in the other, I watched the changing blue and green waters slip past me. The afternoon sun spilled softened light...

Silent Auction 2003 to benefit The Gift of New York.
March 1, 2003... Airline tickets, hotel stays, a big screen TV--even a chance to win a trip to London on British Airways simply for placing your bid online--make this our most irresistible auction to date. This year's Silent Auction will benefit The Gift of...