Business Traveler articles from May 2002

Business Traveler archives from May 2002

Editor's letter.(Brief Article)(Editorial)
May 1, 2002... ALPHA-MALE ROAD WARRIORS LIKE mud masks, too. That's the conclusion BT draws in this issue's cover story on relaxation on the road, starting on page 36. Whether it's meditation or massage, road warriors need pampering, too. In fact, spas are...

Royal Canadians. (Letter Of The Month).(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2002... I was among the thousands of residents of Battery Park City (the residential community in the shadow of the World Trade Center) evacuated by the New Jersey State Police by boat across the Hudson River on September 11, 2001. One of my clients...

Don't ask. (Readers' Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2002... On December 23,2001, my guest and I flew business class on Air France flight 8703 from Philadelphia to Paris after a four-hour layover from a Cincinnati-based Delta inbound. It was to be our first visit to Paris, and we anticipated a great...

Just rewards. (Readers' Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2002... I was pleased to hear from Hilton Hotels HHonors program several months ago, following the 9-11 events that my HHonors Diamond VIP status would be renewed automatically for the 2002 year. This renewal takes place in spite of my Hilton Hotel...

Train in vain. (Readers' Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2002... I read some time back in one of your issues about the new train service linking Newark International Airport to Manhattan. As a frequent flyer exceeding over 175,000 miles per year, I thought I would try the train, and here are my thoughts. ...

Super Singapore. (Readers' Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2002... I am writing to tell you about the most amazing service I have received in 38 years of international air travel. Several months ago, I left my laptop computer in the business-class lounge at the Singapore Airport. I took Singapore Airlines...

California dreaming. (Readers' Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2002... A couple of months ago, I flew a short United hop from Los Angeles to San Francisco in coach. I usually don't expect much on these flights, as they are so short. On this particular leg, the flight attendant made the time to check my name...

The weakest links. (Readers' Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2002... I recently finished a trip to Central and South America. My itinerary took me through airport security in Costa Rica and Panama City. I am completely amazed at the lax security that is in effect at airports so directly involved with American...

No kidding. (Readers' Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2002... My husband travels on business and sometimes takes along us, his wife and three kids. Recently we traveled to Orlando, and we needed to rent a minivan. Prices were sky-high, and I was looking for some way to avoid having to stand in a long line...

Executive recruiters. (Airports).(NCS Pearson offers online employee recruitment services)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... IT TOOK AN EXECUTIVE ORDER TO CREATE MORE THAN 30,000 NEWLY FEDERALIZED passenger and baggage screener jobs. Now that the federalization has been approved, the Transportation Department has shelled out $103 million to NCS Pearson, a...

There it goes again. (Airports).(security concerns at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... ONE OF THE HARDEST HIT AIRPORTS in the nation after Sept. 11 was Reagan National in Washington, D.C. Because of its strategic location, flights had been severely limited even after all other national airports resumed regular service. There were...

Milano cookies. (Hotels).(food service at the Westin Palace Hotel in Italy)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... WHO SAID MILAN IS ALL WORK and no play? Two new hotel lounges open in Leonardo's hometown this spring--both happily ensconced in the best business hotels in town. This May the Sheraton Diana Majestic opens its celebrated garden lounge for...

Chile reception. (Airlines).(LanChile Airlines)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... FINE WINES, STRIKING SCENERY AND low-cost meetings packages are just some of the lures that LanChile is holding out to business travelers through their new "LanChile Incentive" promotion. The airline has partnered with several prominent upscale...

Pass the Salt. (Hotels).(Crowne Plaza opens in Salt Lake City, Utah)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT sleepy Salt Lake City would become trendy? On the heels of the Winter Olympics, Six Continents thinks so. They've just opened the Crowne Plaza Ogden-Eccles Center. The 137-room luxury hotel is housed in the landmark...

Qatar Airways. (Flight Log).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... * Qatar Airways has a new departure terminal at Doha. Amenities include 10 new lounges, a new duty-free shop and a new flight information display system. The airline is also adding three weekly flights between Doha and Casablanca, effective May...

Hawaiian Airlines and Aloha Airlines have shelved a merger plan. (Flight Log).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... * Hawaiian Airlines and Aloha Airlines have shelved a merger plan until further notice.

American Airlines. (Flight Log).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... * American Airlines begins nonstop L.A.-Hawaii service on June 15.

South African Airways. (Flight Log).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... * South African Airways announced the decision to end the service it operated with Nigeria Airways between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and Lagos. Final service on this route was offered on March 23. This service had...

British Airways. (Flight Log).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... * British Airways has begun offering a daily nonstop flight to London Heathrow Airport from Dulles International Airport leaving at 8:40 a.m., bolstering its daily schedule to London to its pre-September 11 schedule of three flights a day. The...

Virtual virtues. (Technology).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... WILL YOUR FLIGHT DEPART ON time? Now you can whip out your Palm Pilot in the cab on the way to the airport and find out. Singapore Airlines is providing an enhanced service called My Flight Alerts to frequent flyers (Kris Flyers) and PPS Club...

Sweet smell of success. (Hotels).(Sensory Set Up, new service by the W Los Angeles hotel)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE AIR at the W Los Angeles. It's "Sensory Set Up," a new corporate aromatherapy-based program designed to raise productivity and motivation in the boardroom. The "Set Up" includes mood music and a variety of scents piped...

Going for the gold. (Hotels).(news service by American Express)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO AMERICAN Express Club Floors is in operation in over 20 hotels around the world. This spring American Express launches its first American Express Club Floor in Asia at The Pan Pacific Singapore. Club members get...

Guests at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen this spring can save over $100 each night when taking advantage of a special rate of $125 a night. (United States).
May 1, 2002... Guests at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen this spring can save over $100 each night when taking advantage of a special rate of $125 a night. This rate is valid from April 14 until June 26, and includes deluxe-room accommodations and transportation to...

Two stylish Miami hotels are offering special rates. (United States).(The Hotel and The Park Central)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Two stylish Miami hotels are offering special rates. Stay at The Hotel for $155 a night, or at The Park Central for $105 a night until September 30. Each deal includes welcome amenities and dessert for two at Wish, The Hotel's award-winning...

Stay the weekend in a deluxe room at Manhattan's Doral Park Avenue Hotel before May 31 starting at $159 a night (rack rates are $345). (United States).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Stay the weekend in a deluxe room at Manhattan's Doral Park Avenue Hotel before May 31 starting at $159 a night (rack rates are $345). Guests also receive a variety of amenities, including breakfast, shopping discounts and transportation...

The Tempe Mission Palms Hotel in Arizona is offering slashed rates for the rest of this year. (United States).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... The Tempe Mission Palms Hotel in Arizona is offering slashed rates for the rest of this year. This package includes breakfast for two and shuttle transportation to and from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Rates are seasonal--deluxe accommodations...

London's recently refurbished Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is offering special weekend rates (starting at $434 a night) for the rest of this year. (Europe).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... London's recently refurbished Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is offering special weekend rates (starting at $434 a night) for the rest of this year. The "Golden Jubilee" package, in celebration of Queen Elizabeth's 50th year on the throne, is...

Abundant deals can be found in Scotland, representing savings of 50 percent and more at a range of properties. (Europe).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Abundant deals can be found in Scotland, representing savings of 50 percent and more at a range of properties. Sample fares include a third night for $135 at the Westin Turnberry Resort and one-third off at the Holyrood apartHotel in Edinburgh....

Marriott Rewards. (Reward Roundup).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Through June 15, Marriott Rewards members who stay three times at any Marriott-brand hotel will earn two free weekend nights. As an added bonus, members will also receive Silver Elite status through 2002, a 20-percent bonus on points earned for...

China Southern Airlines. (Reward Roundup).(airline to double its frequent flier miles to its customers)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Through July 31, China Southern Airlines will offer double frequent flyer miles on its new daily service between Guangzhou and Tokyo. For more information, visit www.cs-air.com/en

Budget rent a car. (Reward Roundup).(renting online)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Shopaholics rejoice. Through June 30, members of Budget's Perfect Drive program can earn double points on car rentals when booking online at www.budget.com. Budget has also announced Roots, a designer and manufacturer of modern athletic active...

Small leading luxury hotels of the world. (Reward Roundup).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Small Luxury Hotels of the World launched a short-term guest loyalty program where SLH guests are invited to stay at a SLH-member property in North America and the Caribbean, through May 24, with a $100 credit toward a two-night minimum stay....

Northwest Airlines. (Reward Roundup).(Worldperks network welcomes Copa Airlines)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Northwest Airlines welcomes Panama City-based Copa Airlines to its Worldperks network of airline partners. Through June 15, Northwest is offering double miles on all Copa-operated flights. For more information, visit www.nwa.com or...

Six Continents Hotels. (Reward Roundup).(Priority Club Rewards program by the hotel chain)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Six Continents has relaunched its Priority Club Rewards program, earned at Inter-Continental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday inn Express or Staybridge properties in the United States. New partners have been announced, among them Airborne...

Above us only sky. (Airports).(Liverpool International changes its name to Liverpool John Lennon Airport, after the late famous musician)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... LIVERPOOL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT has honored its most famous native son by changing its name to Liverpool John Lennon Airport. The ceremonies took place this March, presided over by Lennon's widow Yoko Ono. Ono unveiled a seven-foot statue,...

Fare play. (Airlines).(new fare program by American West)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... THIS MARCH AMERICA WEST Airlines announced a new simplified fare structure, eliminating traditional Saturday night stays and offering reduced one-way fares throughout the United States and Canada. The new pricing structure will result in...

Korean Airlines offers the "Prestige Plus Program," which allows small businesses as well as any corporation, midsize or mega, to obtain free one-class upgrades. (Airline Deals).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... KOREAN AIRLINES offers the "Prestige Plus Program," which allows small businesses as well as any corporation, midsize or mega, to obtain free one-class upgrades. These upgrades can be from full unrestricted economy to business class or from...

Star Alliance carriers such as Lufthansa, SAS, Austrian Airlines and British Midland, just to name a few, are offering the "Star Alliance European Airpass," which deeply discounts coach travel within Europe on these and 11 other Star Alliance partner carriers. (Airline Deals).
May 1, 2002... STAR ALLIANCE CARRIERS such as Lufthansa, SAS, Austrian Airlines and British Midland, just to name a few, are offering the "Star Alliance European Airpass," which deeply discounts coach travel within Europe on these and 11 other Star Alliance...

All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Virgin Atlantic offer a very basic "Round the World Apex" fare in business class for only $3,727 originating in the U.S., while the major alliances start at over $6,000 for their basic "RTW" fare. (Airline Deals).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS (ANA) AND VIRGIN ATLANTIC offer a very basic "Round the World Apex" fare in business class for only $3,727 originating in the U.S., while the major alliances start at over $6,000 for their basic "RTW" fare. While the alliance...

Business reads at lightning speed. (Reader Offer).(getAbstract , web site)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... DO YOU WANT TO KNOW THE LATEST BUSINESS TRENDS, but don't have time to read current best-selling business journals and books? You're in luck; in 15 minutes or less, you can be informed of top-selling business information, delivered directly to...

Reality check. (Surveys).(effect of Sept 11, 2001 attacks on business travel)
May 1, 2002... THE AFTERSHOCKS OF SEPT. 11 ARE still being felt by business travelers, says a new national business travel intentions survey issued by Yesawich, Pepperdine & Brown (YP&B), a marketing services firm that monitors the travel habits, preferences...

El Al goes Platinum. (Airlines).(airline changes name of business class to platinum class and upgrades services)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... THIS APRIL, EL AL REPLACED ITS Business Class with a new "Platinum Class" service on all 747-400 and 777 aircraft. The 747 and 777 interiors have been overhauled to increase legroom pitch and recline. Twenty-five percent of the seats have been...

Back in the saddle again. (Airlines).(US Air's post bankruptcy flight plans)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... EARLIER THIS YEAR, SWISSAIR WAS reborn from the ashes of bankruptcy into the Phoenix-like Swiss Air Lines. In yet another sign of travel industry recovery, US Air is restoring most of its trans-Atlantic operations over the next three months...

Correction.(Correction Notice)
May 1, 2002... In the April issue, we failed to credit photographer Dave G. Houser for his work in the Saigon Insider's Guide, "Red Tape Smack-Down" and photographer John Whittall for the photograph of the Gaborone skyline in the Focus piece "Diamonds Are Not...

TriBeCa Grand New York. (Hotel Check).
May 1, 2002... HISTORY HAS MADE QUITE AN impression on the TriBeCa Grand Hotel. But before going into that, best to begin with a brief history of the hotel itself: When it opened in May 2000, its raison d'etre seemed to be as a nightlife-destination hotel....

Waldorf Towers New York. (Hotel Check).
May 1, 2002... NOW BADGED AS A CONRAD HOTEL, the upmarket brand of the U.S.-owned Hilton Hotels Corporation, The Waldorf Towers occupies the 28th to the 42nd floors of the famous Waldorf Astoria. With its own entrance on East 50th Street, The Waldorf Towers...

AeroMexico business class. (Flight check: New York JFK to Mexico City).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... First Impression: I was told that AeroMexico had a special business-class entrance at JFK that would most likely speed through the check-in process before I even got to the counters. After a short hunt for a small sign, I found it and a courtly...

American Airlines first class. (Flight check: London Heathrow to New York JFK).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... First Impressions: American Airlines' Flagship Service from Heathrow Terminal 3 begins with its own check-in facility, Park Avenue, located across the road from the Terminal 3 departures building. It is for first- and business-class passengers...

Spot check. (Consumer Checks).(cost of business-class round trip ticket between San Francisco and Tokyo)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... We asked several major airlines the cost of a round-trip business-class ticket from San Francisco to Tokyo, on May 14, returning May 21. Here's what we found: JAPAN AIRLINES $5,028+tax UNITED AIRLINES $5,101+tax AMERICAN...

Saved! Backing up files online can save you disk space, luggage room and heartbreak. (Tools: virtual disk space).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... YOU'RE OFF ON A TRIP, AND you're carrying your laptop along with a backup diskette (or Zip cartridge) with important files on it--perhaps a presentation of some sort. And then it happens: Your laptop bag is stolen or misplaced, along with the...

In flux: in the throes of economic transition, Providence looks to sharpen the skills of its workforce. (Homefront: Providence).(Providence, Rhode Island)
May 1, 2002... HOME TO BROWN UNIVERSITY, RHODE ISLAND School of Design, Providence College and Johnson & Wales University, Providence is probably best known for its institutions of higher learning. But the city also claims a long history as a center of...

Fast tracks: airports worldwide are pushing ahead with dramatic expansion plans. (Airport Update).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... IT SHOULD COME AS NO surprise that many airports have put large-scale projects on hold in the aftermath of the events of Sept. 11. However, still others are seeing the wisdom in forging ahead with expansion to ease the growing malaise of...

Cheap seats! Who's cutting back? Who's upgrading? BT's economy-class survey has the scoop. (Economy-Class Survey).
May 1, 2002... For most seasoned business travelers, economy class is just that: an economic way to get from one location to another, but by no means a luxury. In fact, most executives dread flying in the back of the plane. Case in point: the readers of this...

Letting go: from spa treatments to meditation, chilling out is helping business travelers invest in their performance. (Relaxation).
May 1, 2002... FOR SOME OF US, IT'S LIGHTING an aromatherapy candle, turning the hotel room lights and lying in bed, music playing in the background. For others, it's throwing on shorts and sneakers and scouting the neighborhood for a pick up basketball game....

Insider's guide: New York rising: New Yorkers have started to return to some level of normality, but the city is forever changed.(New York, New York, after terrorist attacks)
May 1, 2002... FROM THE MAKESHIFT WOODEN PLATFORM, erected for the thousands of people who apparently wanted to pay their respects, Ground Zero looks like nothing more than a massive construction site. When you look up, though, it's difficult not to replay in...

Pond hopping: supping and sipping at the world's best hotel bars and restaurants. (Table Tops).(five hotel restaurants)
May 1, 2002... HOTEL RESTAURANTS LONDON GORDON RAMSAY Claridge's, Brook Street, Mayfair, tel. 44 20 7629 8860, fax 020 7499 2210 Overview: Now that arch-rival Marco Pierre White has retired from cooking, Gordon Ramsay is the undisputed...

Future perfect: France's oldest city is undergoing renewal at an astounding pace. (Focus: Marseille).(Marseille, France)
May 1, 2002... NEVER MIND THE PRESENT, IN MARSEILLE THE future is bright. "You will have to come back in five years' time and see the transformation," says Office du Tourisme guide Christine Fournier. There are grand plans for France's oldest city. The...

Making sense of it all. (Special Advertising Section: 2002 annual report).
May 1, 2002... THE PAST YEAR HAS UNEQUIVOCALLY CHANGED THE FACE OF BUSINESS TRAVEL. While many have been slow to get back to travel, you have been right there--flying, staying in hotels, renting cars--and doing so often. Long gone are the days of...

Voted best credit card reward program six years in a row: for over a decade, the Membership Rewards[R] program from American Express has made the demanding lives of business travelers more rewarding, with exciting options that fit their lifestyles. (Special Advertising Section: 2002 annual report).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... IT'S ALL IN THE NUMBERS. The Membership Rewards program is the largest card-based rewards program in the nation with nearly four million U.S. enrollees. Rewards are available in 14 categories, including air, hotel, car rentals, apparel,...

Denver International. (Special Advertising Section: 2002 annual report).(airport)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... WHAT'S THIS? AN AIRPORT PREFERRED by pilots and passengers? Just seven years old and already considered one of the best airports in the world, Denver International Airport is the most technologically advanced and reliable airport in the...

Renaissance Hotels, Resorts and Suites. (Special Advertising Section: 2002 annual report).(services provided)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... RENAISSANCE HOTELS, RESORTS AND SUITES is an upscale full-service lodging brand designed to enhance your enjoyment and productivity when away from home. Travelers can expect comfortable, stylish environments, roomy guest rooms with full...

Malaysia Airlines. (Special Advertising Section: 2002 annual report).(amenities of airline)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... ONE OF THE WORLD'S PREMIER INTERNATIONAL CARRIERS and one of Southeast Asia's largest airlines, Malaysia Airlines serves a vast global network of more than 110 cities across five continents. Experience the genuine warmth and hospitality that...

Emirates. (Special Advertising Section: 2002 annual report).(airline)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... EMIRATES, THE DUBAI-BASED INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE, made tremendous strides this year toward securing its position as one of the world's fastest growing, most profitable and innovative airlines. Founded only 17 years ago, Emirates has won nearly...

China Southern comfort. (Special Advertisng Section: 2002 annual report).(services of airline)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES IS THE LARGEST AIRLINE in The People's Republic of China with worldwide headquarters at Baiyun International Airport in Guangzhou--the economic and cultural heart of Southern China. From its transportation hub at...

Four hours in Edinburgh.(Edinburgh, Scotland)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... If your favorite way to spend an evening is watching a film with a pint or two of beer at your side, the Edinburgh might turn out to be your kind of town. As Frank Sinatra might have said: "pubs it has a few," as well as cafes, restaurants and...

Kansas City's premier luxury hotel. (Offer Of The Month > Kansas City > Hotels).(special price at Fairmont Kansas City, Missouri)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Located at the crossroads of the Midwest, The Fairmont Kansas City at the Plaza provides access to the best of a cosmopolitan city and the beauties and wonders of Missouri. Rich marble and mahogany welcome guests into the lobby of Kansas...

European charm in Midtown Manhattan for a downtown price--Iroquois Hotel. (Savings For Members > New York > Hotels).(Iroquois New York)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... The Iroquois New York has the intimate charm of an elegant European hotel, yet is located within strolling distance of Fifth Avenue shopping, the bright lights of Broadway and the international corporate offices of Midtown. Whenever you...

Metropolitan hospitality. (Savings For Members New York Hotels).(Metropolitan Hotel, New York, New York)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... There's no place in the world like New York City and no better place to experience it than the Metropolitan Hotel, where the city's best shopping, dining and business destinations are just footsteps away. The original deco glory of the hotel...

Fire and ice: Mubarak Dahir finds the extremes exhilarating at Iceland's Blue Lagoon. (Great escape: Blue Lagoon, Iceland).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... IT'S A FRIGID WINTER NIGHT IN ICELAND, AND THE snowflakes floating from the sky have just turned into pellets of hail. I'm outside, wearing nothing but my bathing suit and a mud mask smeared all over my face, and yet at times I'm burning up....