Business Traveler articles from May 2004

Business Traveler archives from May 2004

Editor's letter.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Think you're wise to the wicked ways of the world and could never be taken by a scam during your travels? Think again. In this issue, we've rounded up a dozen frequent business travelers who've met up with some very creative flim-flam artists...

Locked in.(Letter of the Month)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2004... In your February issue you had a news article on the Travel Sentry locks which were recently approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). A few months ago I purchased the featured lock in the Brookstone at San Francisco...

Help wanted.(Readers' Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2004... I am writing to express my regret for having flown Continental Airlines flight #1162 from Atlanta, GA to Newark, NJ on Monday, Dec. 29th, 2003. After boarding the aireraft, I found my seat in row 20 and proceeded to put my carry-on luggage in...

Making cents?(Readers' Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2004... I recently tried to rent a Ford Mondeo from Hertz using their Web site. My needs were for a car for four days in Brussels, Belgium from Feb. 29 to March 4, 2004. It would appear that the country where you reside-information that is requested on...

Are we safe on trains?(Security)
May 1, 2004... In the wake of the tragic train bombing this March in Spain, politicians and pundits alike ate posing the question on many travelers' minds: "Can it happen here?" Senator Par Roberts (R) on CNN's "Late Edition" the Sunday after the bombing...

Foreign is better.(Airlines)(US travelers' preference)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... A recent survey of 400 frequent travelers found nearly two-thirds of Americans prefer flying on foreign carriers to U.S. carriers. The survey, conducted by I stAir (www.1st-air.net), also found that roughly half of international travelers are...

Ryanair eliminates window shades reclining seats.(Airlines)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... RYANAIR, EUROPE'S LEADING BUDGET airline, has extended its cost-cutting moves by eliminating window shades on its new 737-800s and installing low-maintenance seats that don't recline and lack seat pockets. Also, seat headrests will feature...

New hotel in Houston.(Hotels)(Hotel Icon)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Rande Gerber's Whiskey Bar and a Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant, Bank, are just two reasons k for the buzz around Houston's new Hotel Icon. Others are the sensitive refurbishment of the landmark 1911 Union National Bank by designers...

TSA fines criticized.(Security)(Transportation Security Administration)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... A conservative congressman and the libertarian Cato Institute both slammed the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for fining passengers who inadvertently bring banned items aboard airliners. New TSA guidelines call for fines of...

Avian flu update.(Health)
May 1, 2004... DESPITE A MEDIA FRENZY ABOUT "THE NEW SARS," the avian flu has not yet grown into a pandemic since its recognition last year. Although fears have lessened, airlines such as Thai Airways and Cathay Pacific continue to be vigilant. Both airlines...

New Bulgari Hotel debuts in Milan.(Hotels)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Several years ago, business travelers pampered with Bulgari "Green Tea" amenities found them disappearing from Four Seasons and other upscale hotel bathrooms. The imminent debut of a Bulgari-branded hotel was the reason concierges gave. It took...

Montreal Bed-In special.(Hotels)(bed-in for peace commemoration at Montreal's Queen Elizabeth Hotel)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... MAY 26 IS THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF JOHN Lennon and Yoko Ono's 1969 Montreal Bed-In for Peace, during which the duo booked a suite at the venerable Queen Elizabeth Hotel and spent a week "promoting peace" and recording Lennon's "Give Peace a...

Asia's first Art + Tech hotel opens.(Hotels)(Le Meridien Cyberport)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... The newest Le Meridieu Cyberport, which opened in April, is the first Asian hotel to feature the sleek "Art + Tech" design concept. Located in the Cyberport complex, and only 15 minutes from Hong Kong's central business district, the 173 guest...

Where to Wi-Fi.(Technology)(Hilton Woodcliff Lake)(Warsaw's Fredric Chopin International Airport)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... * The Hilton Woodcliff Lake in Woodcliff Lake, NJ is offering free wireless connections in all its 338 guest rooms and public areas. Fee-based wireless and high-speed service continues to be available in the hotel's meeting rooms. "EZ-Air"...

Emirates Airlines.(Flight Log)(new flights to Melbourne)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Emirates Airlines begins new service to Melbourne on June 10, initially as a thrice-weekly service, doubling to a six-times weekly service on August 1. The nonstop flights are in addition to the current daily services via Singapore, and will...

Cathay Pacific Airways.(Flight Log)(New York to Hong Kong non-stop service)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Cathay Pacific Airways will begin daily nonstop service from New York (JFK) to Hong Kong starting July 1. This will be the only daily nonstop service between the two cities and, with the continuation of the airline's existing one-stop service...

Cathay Pacific.(Flight Log)(testing mobile check-in units)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Cathay Pacific agents at Los Angeles International Airport have been testing out new Mobile Check-In units basically wireless laptops on wheels--to help speed passengers through the Tom Bradley International Terminal. Rolling their...

Thai Airways.(Flight Log)(service reduction between Bangkok and Los Angeles)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Thai Airways reduced the flight frequency between Bangkok and Los Angeles from seven to four flights per week and added three additional flights per week between Bangkok and Tokyo.

AeroMexico.(Flight Log)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... AeroMexico has moved its airport operations at New York's JFK International Airport to the new Terminal 1. AeroMexico shares the new terminal with other SkyTeam alliance partners including Air France, Alitalia and Korean Air.

Continental Airlines.(Flight Log)(new flights)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Continental Airlines will launch daily nonstop Boeing 757 flights between its New York hub, Newark Liberty International Airport and Oslo, Norway effective June 17 (eastbound), subject to government approval. The new service will be the only...

Air Canada.(Flight Log)(Star Alliance partners)(new flights)
May 1, 2004... Air Canada will launch double daily nonstop flights from Montreal to both London and Frankfurt and reintroduce twice daily nonstop flights to Paris. In addition, the airline will offer nonstop flights from Montreal to Vienna and Munich this...

Virgin Atlantic Airways.(Flight Log)(new flights)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Virgin Atlantic Airways will launch additional seasonal service to London from Boston, Washington and New York (Newark) from June 1 until October 30. The airline will operate three additional services per week between London and both Boston and...

JetBlue.(Flight Log)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Starting May 4, JetBlue adds service between Washington Dulles and Sacramento, and between Boston and Oakland. On June 10, the carrier will begin flying between New York (JFK) and San Jose.

AirTran Airways.(Flight Log)(flight service)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Beginning June 5, discount carrier AirTran Airways adds nonstop service from Boston to both Newport News, Virginia, and Akron/Canton, Ohio. The airline will fly two daily round-trips on both routes.

Austrian Airlines.(Flight Log)(flight service)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Starting May 1, Austrian Airlines will operate a new daily route between the Slovakian capital city of Bratislava and London, Paris and Brussels. The new service, which will use a Boeing 737 based in Bratislava, will cost just $86 (return...

Melrose Hotel New York.(United States)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Stay at the Melrose Hotel New York and take advantage of the "Spring Spa Getaway Package." Valid now through June 21, the package includes a one-night stay and spa services such as a sea glow body polish, aromatherapy massage and facial at the...

The Mandarin Oriental.(United States)(Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. )(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... The Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. is offering special introductory packages to celebrate its grand opening. Through August 31, guests can enjoy one complimentary night with one or more paid nights in a water-view guest room. Water-view...

Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club.(United States)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Take advantage of the "All the Best Package" at the new Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club in Miami. Priced at $299 per night, the package includes accommodations, daily breakfast and $50 to use on the resort's services and amenities....

Georgian Terrace Hotel.(United States)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Business travelers staying longer than 21 days at the Georgian Terrace Hotel in midtown Atlanta can take advantage of the "Premiere Package," which offers low rates, daily breakfast and one cocktail coupon per week. Priced at $105 per night for...

Hotel Monaco Chicago.(United States)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Ladies can pamper their inner diva at the Hotel Monaco Chicago with the "Divine Diva Package." Valid through December 31, package includes one-night accommodations, massage, manicure and pedicure, consultation with a personal shopper at...

Westin Calgary.(Canada)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Through December 31, the Westin Calgary is offering a "Zoo Package," with rates starting at $99. Package includes one-night accommodations for a family of four and four passes to the Calgary Zoo. Valid on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night...

Jolly Hotels.(Europe)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... All four Jolly Hotels in Rome--the Jolly Hotel Vittorio Veneto, Jolly Hotel Leonardo Da Vinci, Jolly Hotel Midas and Jolly Hotel Villa Carpegna--are offering the "Legendary Rome" two-night weekend escape package. Starting at $190 per person,...

Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts.(Worldwide)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts has relaunched their famous "Pan Pacific Business Package." In addition to special rates, the package includes full American breakfast, late check-out, Internet access, pressing of up to two pieces daily and...

Red Rood and Delta SkyMiles.(Reward RoundUp)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... A new partnership between Delta Air Lines and Red Roof Inns allows SkyMiles members the opportunity to earn two miles for every dollar spent at more than 350 Red Roof Inns nationwide. Additionally, Members of Red Roof's RediCard Preferred...

American Airlines AAdvantage.(Reward RoundUp)(earn bonus air miles until May 31)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... American Airlines AAdvantage members can earn double miles on all qualifying stays at the new Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort & Club in Miami. Offer is valid until May 31. Visit www.fairmont.com/aaflorida to book.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.(Reward RoundUp)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Alaska Airlines is offering double miles on its new, twice-daily service between Seattle and Chicago. Valid on qualifying paid flights until June 30. Make sure to register for Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan prior to travel at www.alaskaair.com.

Northwest WorldPerks.(Reward RoundUp)(bonus air miles until June 30)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Now through June 30, WorldPerks members who make their first-ever online ticket purchase at www.nwa.com can earn 1000 bonus miles. Each qualifying person within the reservation will receive the award.

United Mileage plus.(Reward RoundUp)
May 1, 2004... Buy a United business class ticket for routes between the United States and Argentina, Brazil or Uruguay through May 31 and you will automatically be upgraded to first class. Tickets must be purchased with a valid Visa card and used by May 31....

iDine Hotel Rewards.(Reward RoundUp)
May 1, 2004... Reserve a hotel room using iDine's new Hotel Rewards program through June 30 and earn 10 United Airlines miles for every dollar spent--double the usual amount. iDine also rewards its members with airline miles for eating at select restaurants...

Marriott rewards.(Reward RoundUp)(Marriott at Hyde Park, Harbour Marriott at Circular Quay, Australia)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Through May 30, stay at either the Marriott at Hyde Park or the Harbour Marriott at Circular Quay in Sydney, Australia and pay special hotel rates and earn three United miles for every dollar spent. A Marriott rewards membership with Mileage...

Fun follows function.(Products)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... "AS THE ECONOMY BEGINS TO RECOVER, AND business and leisure travel picks up, travelers are seeking items that not only address comfort, convenience and security, but also make a personal statement," says Michele Marini Pittenger, president of...

US Airways.(Airline Deals)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... US AIRWAYS breaks the mold by offering a round-trip discounted business-class fare from L.A. to Paris for only $3,827! This fare had no advance purchase, penalties or expiration as we went to print. While it's true US Airways only offers...

Air Tahiti Nui.(Airline Deals)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... AIR TAHITI NUI, ranked a four-star airline by SKYTRAX (www.airlinequality.com), operates nonstop L.A. to Paris three to four days a week (schedule varies) and comes close to US Airways with a business class excursion fare for $4,416 round-trip....

Korean Airlines.(Airline Deals)(one-class upgrades available)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... KOREAN AIRLINES offers the "Prestige Plus Program." This program allows any corporation using a travel agent to arrange for consistent one-class upgrades subject to availability. Once contracted, travelers can upgrade on Korean Airlines...

Royal Air Maroc.(Airline Deals)(air fares)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... ROYAL AIR MAROC recently restructured their trans-Atlantic fares and published several very low one-way coach fares from the U.S. to Casablanca and beyond to their African destinations of Dakar, Abidjan, Libreville, Conakry, Niamey and...

Reserving the right to recline.(Travel Gadget)
May 1, 2004... As business travelers know, traveling long-haul economy isn't a barrel of laughs, especially when the passenger in front of you reclines their seat. But what can you do to stop it from happening? A simple new device has come along to provide...

Impossible destinations.(Airlines)(Air France business traveler services to unusual destinations)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... AIR FRANCE IS FOLLOWING LUFTHANSA IN launching special business traveler flights. But whereas the German airline's services are currently limited to main U.S. routes, Air France's Dedicate service is designed for executives bound for...

Trump International Hotel and Tower.(New York)(Hotel Review)
May 1, 2004... WHAT'S IT LIKE? Occupying the third through 17th floors of the 52-story Philip Johnson-designed tower, the hotel recently completed a $10 million renovation of its guest rooms. Security is tight--elevator access is by guest room key, the lobby...

Lufthansa business class.(Munich-Dubai)(service evaluation)(Column)
May 1, 2004... FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Munich International Airport's new terminal is both architecturally impressive and the most proficient airport I've been through. The huge open-plan terminal is populated with automated check-in desks as far as the eye can...

Mexicana Airlines business class.(Newark-Mexico City)(service evaluation)(Column)
May 1, 2004... FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Ah, the joy of latenight travel. Arriving at Newark Liberty Airport at 11 p.m. for a 1:15 a.m. flight, I was greeted by a nearly deserted terminal. Lines were virtually nonexistent and I was quickly handed my Clase Ejecutiva...

Hyatt Regency Incheon.(Incheon)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... WHAT'S IT LIKE? Minimalist feel, from the lobby to the guest rooms, with contemporary art represented by Frank Stella and Roy Lichtenstein blending with tasteful Korean artifacts and unusual floral arrangements. WHERE IS IT? Less than 10...

Gulf Air business class.(Sydney-Bahrain-London)
May 1, 2004... FIRST IMPRESSIONS: On the Friday before my Monday flight from Sydney I received a text (well, six in total--all identical) advising me that my flight would be on time. In all fairness, it did indeed depart on time, but how Gulf Air would have...

Bay watch: Alia Akkam reports on San Francisco's hopping new downtown eateries, serving up everything from American comfort food to authentic Vietnamese fare.(Restaurants)(Directory)
May 1, 2004... Town Hall 342 Howard Street tel. 415-908-3900 There's a reason Town Hail is being touted as the hottest new restaurant. Besides its location in the burgeoning SoMa (South of Market) neighborhood, brimming with renovated lofts,...

Getting there.(Philadelphia)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... N.Y. TO PHILADELPHIA ROUND-TRIP FARES: First class $906; business class $906; full coach varies $806 to $508; 21-day advance purchase supersaver $235; 14-day advance supersaver $306; recent sale $204. US Airways dominates this market with nine...

Artistic expression.(Philadelphia)
May 1, 2004... Philadelphians might have a reputation for being down on their hometown, but here are four high-profile locals who find much to tout among the city's cultural and culinary offerings PEGGY AMSTERDAM PRESIDENT OF THE GREATER PHILADELPHIA...

The art of the meal.(Philadelphia)
May 1, 2004... Philly's flourishing food scene includes acclaimed standard-bearers such as Georges Perrier's Le Bec Fin and the Four Season's The Fountain Restaurant and more recent arrivals such as Pasion!, Vetri and Lacroix at the Rittenhouse. Food Network...

Taken for a ride: in a world preoccupied with security and terrorism, even the most experienced travelers can be vulnerable to the common scams that happen every day.(Travel Scams)
May 1, 2004... Being the victim of a travel scam isn't something that occurs to most of us--that's why we're so easy to fool. Stepping out of the door on your latest business trip, chances are you're not thinking how you might become the victim of a con,...

Cheap chic: traveling on a budget? No need to sacrifice style in the quest to stay within your per diem. Business Traveler checks out 30 cool, affordable hotels in top cities around the world.(Affordable Hotels)
May 1, 2004... UNITED STATES San Francisco Hotel Adagio In the heart of San Francisco's Union Square district, two and a half blocks from the Powell Street cable car line, this hotel's contemporary but cozy interiors by San Francisco-based designer...

Golfing around Girona: about 60 miles north of Barcelona, with a highway for rapid access, Girona is an easy drive for a day's golf or even an afternoon.(Golfing Around Costa Brava)(Directory)
May 1, 2004... PGA GOLF DE CATALUNYA Where is It? 8 miles south of Girona. What's it like? The first PGA course in Spain, designed by former Ryder Cup stars Angel Gallardo and Neil Coles, is one of the most formidable in Europe. it's set in rolling hill...

Berlin big built-up: powerful new architecture is providing living metaphors for the new Berlin as the city's international popularity explodes.(Berlin)(Hotel Adlon )
May 1, 2004... The skyline of cranes that for so long characterized Berlin is finally disappearing. Once seemingly fantastical plans for Potsdamer Platz have come to fruition. After decades of neglect as a no man's land, sliced into East and West Berlin by...

The buzz in the Baltics: when the Baltic states achieve EU accession in May, airlines and tour operators will be rushing to get you there. But what is there to do once you arrive?(Baltics)
May 1, 2004... With the expansion of the European Union on May 1, the spotlight will fall on the Baltic states of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. New air service has already begun between major European hubs and Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius, with even more being...

Grab a cold one: winter nights out in Riga are all about woolly sweaters and downing alarmingly strong liquor before hopping to another hip new bar.(Riga Bars)
May 1, 2004... Should you find yourself in the capital of Latvia after a hard day's meetings with a bit of a thirst, you are in luck. Unlikely as it may seem, this beautiful Baltic city, which, in the great scheme of history has only recently emerged from the...

Winging to success: the first phase of an ambitious development project, Incheon International Airport combines stylish design and traveler-friendly facilities.
May 1, 2004... When you land at Incheon, you'll be one of the 60,000 passengers passing daily through this stylish, curving facility, representing the first phase of the project billed as "The Winged City." Opened in 2001, the Incheon complex is the product...

4 hours in Seoul: learn how to whip up your own batch of kimchi before exploring the lanes and alleys of Insadong or rooting for bargains in It'aewon. But for art, try The Shilla's gardens or Samcheong-dong.
May 1, 2004... 1 KIMCHI FIELD MUSEUM AT COEX MALL Who would have thought an entire museum could be devoted to pickled cabbage relish? Kimchi, Korea's national staple--a traditional winter dish--has spawned a colorful culture that is documented in this...

Point and shot: the newest crop of digital cameras appeals to both the tech-challenged and tech-savvy.(Tools)(Canon Digital Rebel (SLR))(Panasonic Lumix's FZ10K)
May 1, 2004... Canon Digital Rebel (SLR) Canon's Digital Rebel breakthrough SLR (single-lens reflex) allows interchangeable lenses at a consumer-friendly price. Our recent experience with the Digital Rebel allowed us to catch splendid images of gas-lit...

New York: best-and cheapest-public transportation options to JFK, La Guardia and Newark Liberty International airports.(On Track)(Directory)
May 1, 2004... JFK AIRPORT SERVICE AIRTRAIN JFK TIME 45 minutes from Midtown FROM Jamaica subway station, Queens; Howard Beach subway station COST (round trip) $10 plus MTA Transit Subway or LIRR fare into Manhattan CONTACT INFORMATION...

London: how to get to and from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted and City airports via rail and bus.
May 1, 2004... RAIL SERVICES HEATHROW AIRPORT SERVICE HEATHROW EXPRESS TIME 15 minutes (terminals 1-3) 23 minutes (Terminal 4) FROM Paddington COST (round-trip) Express class: 25 [pounds sterling] CONTACT INFORMATION 0845 600 1515...

Iroquois New York.(Offer Of The Month)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Whether shopping on Fifth Avenue, enjoying Broadway entertainment or attending business meetings in midtown Manhattan, the Iroquois New York puts one of the world's greatest cities steps away from your front door. A distinguished hotel...

Hotel Seiyo Ginza.(Savings For Members)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Perfectly placed In Tokyo's Ginza District, Rosewood's Hotel Seiyo Ginza offers business and leisure travelers alike easy access to Tokyo City Air Terminal and subway stations, as well as numerous shops, museums and art galleries. ...

The Dharmawangsa.(Savings For Members)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Located in the heart of Jakarta's fashionable residential area, Kebayoran Baru, the Dharmawangsa, a Rosewood Hotel, is within easy reach of the Central Business District and minutes from South Jakarta's entertainment district. All 64 guest...

In the bag.(Reader Offer)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... How many times have you grabbed a black suitcase off the baggage carousel, only to discover that it belongs to someone else? You can now personalize your luggage with Jetsetgo Bag Tag, an oversized tag that features colorful designs to ensure...

Grape expectations: a rustic inn and spa in California's wine country intoxicates the senses.(Great Escape: Sonoma)
May 1, 2004... It's not every day you wake to hear water cascading through a wooden mill wheel, soak in a Jacuzzi overlooking gold and green rolling hills, sip fine domestic wines and spend idle days at a spa that highlights the power of the grape--unless...