Business Traveler articles from October 2004

Business Traveler archives from October 2004

Editors letter.
October 1, 2004... Despite the ongoing budget fare battles, a number of major domestic airlines are rediscovering a very important passenger: the one who will still pay for a higher level of service and comfort. Taking their cues from international airlines, some...

Stellar service.(Letter of the Month)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2004... I just returned from a trip to Brazil and for the first time had the pleasure of traveling TAM Airlines. I had never heard of TAM before but chose it because it had a sleeper seat in first class. I was surprised to find a level of first-class...

Odor control.(Readers' Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2004... What is it about some airlines that makes you want to vow never to fly with them again? My case in point: On June 16 my wife and I were flying EVA Air business class from Taipei to Los Angeles. On the L.A. to Taipei leg EVA had lived up to...

Change needed.(Readers' Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
October 1, 2004... I am fed up with being inconvenienced, irritated and, even worse, cheated by hotel doormen more interested in lining their pockets than helping guests obtain transportation. During a recent round-the-world trip, I had several experiences...

CAPPS redux.(Security)(Transportation Security Administration)(controversial computer-assisted passenger prescreening system)
October 1, 2004... THE TRANSPORTATION Security Administration (TSA) has unveiled a stripped-down version of its controversial computer-assisted passenger prescreening system (CAPPS II). Testing of the system, now called Secure Flight, will begin by the end of the...

New fees at Northwest and American.(Airlines)(Northwest Airlines Corp.)
October 1, 2004... AFTER ANNOUNCING A series of fees for domestic travel purchased outside its Web site, Northwest Airlines on Sept. 2 withdrew a controversial surcharge of $7.50 on travel agency bookings--after American Airlines declined to institute a similar...

More cuts at O'Hare.(Airports)(O'Hare International Airport)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... AMERICAN AND UNITED will cut a total of 37 flights a day under an agreement announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation that the agency claims will reduce flight delays at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport by about 20 percent before...

Hyatt Harborside.(United States)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... Boston's Hyatt Harborside is offering "Park and Fly." Along with standard accommodations, guests get reserved parking at Logan Airport for up to seven nights before or after their trip. Rates are $199 a night, and the deal is good until Nov....

Millennium Hilton.(United States)(Advertisement)
October 1, 2004... In the heart of New York's Financial District, the Millennium Hilton has rooms starting at $199 a night. Each room is equipped with a plasma-screen television, high-speed Internet and personalized voice mail. The offer is valid through Dec. 31....

Ramada.(United States)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Businesspeople going to New York can take advantage of Ramada's "Business Break" package. Starting at $139 a night. it includes breakfast, Wi-Fi access and Business Class room upgrade. The offer expires on Jan. 1. For more information call...

Millennium Hotel St. Louis.(United States)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Rates start at $119 a night at the Millennium Hotel St. Louis. The offer includes breakfast and is available until Dec. 31. Call 314-241-9500 or visit www.millenniumhotels.com.

Fairmont Chateau Laurier.(Canada)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa is offering the "Executive Stay" package, with rooms starting at $208. Amenities include buffet breakfast, Internet access and valet parking. For further details call 613-241-1414 or go online to www....

Excelsior Hong Kong.(Asia)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The Excelsior Hong Kong is offering the "Biz Pak." Guests are treated to a full American breakfast, free cell phone rentals and a suit press. Rooms start at $205, and the offer is valid through the end of the year. For more Information...

Radisson Edwardian Sussex Hotel.(Europe)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Upgrade to a deluxe room at no extra charge at the Radisson Edwardian Sussex Hotel in London. Guests receive breakfast, modem connection, a personal phone number and a late checkout of 4 p.m. Spouses stay free. Rates start at $291 and run...

W Hotels opened its first Canadian property, W Montreal, in September.(Hotel Update)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... W Hotels opened its first Canadian property, W Montreal, in September. The hotel, in the historic Square Victoria, is connected to the Convention Center and to an underground concourse with shops, restaurants and night spots. In addition to...

The InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco has opened Club InterContinental.(Hotel Update)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco has opened Club InterContinental, where for $50 guests get unlimited high-speed wireless Internet, a state-of-the-art computer and color printer, satellite radio, plasma-screen TV, CD-DVD library,...

The Sheraton Gateway Hotel Los Angeles Airport, which recently underwent a $13.5 million renovation under the direction of the Kor Hotel Group, has been reinvented as a boutique property.(Hotel Update)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The Sheraton Gateway Hotel Los Angeles Airport, which recently underwent a $13.5 million renovation under the direction of the Kor Hotel Group, has been reinvented as a boutique property. The 802-room hotel boasts guest accommodations decorated...

United Mileage Plus.(Reward Roundup)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... United Mileage Plus members will now need just 15,000 miles to earn a free ticket on flights of 750 miles or less. The deal is good or United, United Express, and Ted flights on routes including Chicago-Baltimore, Los Angeles-Las Vegas, San...

Choice Hotels'.(Reward Roundup)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Members of Choice Hotels' loyalty program who stay two nights through Dec. 31 will receive enough regular and bonus points for a free night's stay at most midscale Choice hotels in the U.S. The "Stay 2 Times, Earn a Free Night" deal is good at...

Budget Rent A Car.(Reward Roundup)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Budget Rent A Car is offering compact rentals for $18 a weekend day through Nov. 15, and other deals. The promotions include rates of $24 weekend daily/$159 weekly for midsize cars; $27 weekend daily/$179 weekly for full-size cars; and $37.99...

Visa Signature Card customers who stay at any Le Meridien property worldwide can enjoy room upgrades, daily breakfast for two and guaranteed late checkout of 3 p.m.(Reward Roundup)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... Visa Signature Card customers who stay at any Le Meridien property worldwide can enjoy room upgrades, daily breakfast for two and guaranteed late checkout of 3 p.m. when they make their reservations and pay for their stay with the card. The...

American AAdvantage.(Reward Roundup)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... American AAdvantage members can earn a free companion ticket when they buy two qualifying round-trips on any American Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Boston, New York or Washington. Travel must be completed by Nov. 15. The companion ticket...

Flight log.(News)
October 1, 2004... * MALAYSIA AIRLINES will replace Dubai with a connection in Stockholm on its Newark-Dubai-Kuala Lumpur service starting Nov. 1. It will maintain the schedule of three flights a week. * DELTA AIR LINES will add service between Atlanta and...

Delta Air Lines.(Airline Deals)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... * DELTA AIR LINES has introduced "Simplifares," simplifying and reducing fares up to 60 percent for its Cincinnati hub. (The cuts are underscored by the fact that Delta has little or no competition from low-cost carriers to or from Cincinnati.)...

Mexicana Airlines.(Airline Deals)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... MEXICANA AIRLINES' "4 Plus 1" promotion lets a fifth passenger travel free with the purchase of four full-fare tickets. Buy four tickets (minimum 2 adults) from one of the carrier's U.S. gateways (which include New York, Los Angeles,...

Air France.(Airline Deals)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... * AIR FRANCE, which operates flights between Los Angeles and Papeete, Tahiti, in French Polynesia is offering a free companion business-class ticket with the purchase of a round-trip business-class excursion-type ticket. The full-fare...

Alitalia Airlines.(Airline Deals)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... * ALITALIA AIRLINES is offering 3,000 bonus miles to customers who become members of its frequent flier program, MilleMiglia, at www.alitalia.com. Members also get 1,000 bonus miles for every electronic ticket they buy on the Web site...

THEhotel at Mandalay Bay.(Hotel check: Las Vegas)
October 1, 2004... WHAT'S IT LIKE? Not your typical Vegas hotel. THEhotel is ultrasleek and stylish, and has an urban feel. The lobby, clad in shiny white marble, with soaring illuminated columns and white calla lilies in glass vases, features artwork by the...

Grand Hyatt.(Hotel check: Singapore)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... WHAT'S IT LIKE? Minimalist interiors and clever layout create a boutique hotel ambience, despite its many rooms and facilities and its location in a commercial hub. WHERE IS IT? On Scotts Road just off Orchard Road--still the city's...

Song (operated by Delta).(Flight check: Orlando to New York-Laguardia)
October 1, 2004... FIRST IMPRESSIONS: I arrived at Terminal B's south side at 6:15 p.m. for an 8:15 p.m. flight and found no wait at the self-check-in e-ticket kiosks (Song offers four flights daily on this route)--in marked contrast to a good-size line for paper...

Foie gras and faux pas: Paris' 17th arrondissement is well-known as the home of some of the city's top restaurants. Dinah Hatch (and her unsuitably dressed husband) tried out three of them.(Restaurants)
October 1, 2004... The stereotypical image of a Parisian chef is a perfectionist who believes his diners are not worthy of him, particularly if they are Anglophones. Almost without exception, English-speaking visitors fail to appreciate his genius, choose the...

Long-Haul strategies: the major network carriers have a plan: premium service at a premium price.(Business Class Survey)
October 1, 2004... Major carriers have struggled in recent years. The Iraq war, fuel and security costs, and the inability to raise fares in domestic markets have hit their profits. The result: bargains for domestic passengers, as American, Delta and other...

East with ease: nonstop flights and high-tech airports are bringing Asia closer.(Asian Airports)
October 1, 2004... Not too long ago the average flight to Asia could be a grueling experience, Business travelers were frequently required to endure extremely long flights that were often interrupted by equally grueling layovers. That scenario has changed,...

A spectacular hub: easy layout, well-lit interiors and expanded shopping and dining activities, plus more enhancements to look forward to, keep this airport popular with savvy travelers.(Asian Airports)
October 1, 2004... Sir Norman Foster's spectacular glass creation that is the Hong Kong International Airport--also called Chek Lap Kok--seems to float on the two reclaimed islands of Chek Lap Kok and Lam Chau, where it sprawls over 3,100 acres. Despite its size,...

Airport for all reasons: Singapore Changi Airport perennially tops passenger satisfaction surveys, and pleasing customers is what spurs this facility to improve without pause.(Asian Airports)
October 1, 2004... On what was formerly swampland stands one of the world's unique airports. A constant work in progress, Singapore Changi Airport is always adding, changing, improving. It is often the first name travelers mention when asked their choice for a...

Just the basics: Shanghai's Pudong International Airport has a way to go before it can truly compete with other Asian gateways.(Asian Airports)
October 1, 2004... The marvelous swooping exteriors of Pudong International and its futuristic train system, the Maglev, inaugurated in March, are the two best things about Shanghai's five-year old gateway to the skies. Everything works, more or less, but there's...

A green gateway: Malaysia's premier aviation facility mirrors the country's high-tech ambitions as well as its rainforest riches. Margie T. Logarta reports on the hub's recent developments.(Asian Airports)
October 1, 2004... Malaysia's teeming emerald forests are never far from mind at this Kisho Kurokawa--designed work, the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Even the roofs seem green and the terminals shaped like iconic Borneo longhouses. Continuing the...

Out of the darkness.(Warsaw)
October 1, 2004... Warsaw is a weird one. Few people seem to have a nice word to say about the plucky city at the crossroads of Europe. You can't get through a whole paragraph of city literature without "grim" or "grimy" spinning out at you like shocking...

Golfing around San Diego: hitting the greens in and around San Diego ranges from challenging to forgiving, and features beautiful backdrops of oceans, canyons and acres of wildflowers.
October 1, 2004... BARONA CREEK GOLF CLUB Where is It? Lakeside, 45 minutes northeast of downtown San Diego. How to get there: From downtown take highway 8 to 67; go north on 67 to Willow Road and take a right. Then go about a mile to a four-way stop and...

City on the edge: accustomed to upheaval and uncertainty, Jakartans have found the ultimate solution for when things get tough: they hit the malls. Margie T. Logarta reports from a city that knows how to shop.(Jakarta)
October 1, 2004... For those who haven't visited Jakarta, it has an edgy reputation--perhaps in part because of the film The Year of Living Dangerously and its potent images of a capital on the brink of chaos, which served as the backdrop to a romance between Mel...

Is there a doctor on board? What are your chances of receiving the medical attention that could save your life at 30,000 feet? It's all down to luck and who you fly with.(Health)
October 1, 2004... Stephen Clarke made medical and aviation history last year when he became the first airline passenger to have an electrocardiogram in flight. Clarke, 50, an international equestrian events judge, suffered a heart attack on board a BMI flight...

4 hours in Melbourne: it's often described as one of the world's "most livable cities," but Melbourne isn't resting on its laurels. Beverley Fearis discovers some great new attractions to keep visitors entertained.
October 1, 2004... 1 FEDERATION SQUARE Not everyone wanted it, but now that it's finally open, the architecturally controversial but unquestionably striking Federation Square (www.federationsquare.com.au) has been fully embraced by Melburnians. It has become...

Eccentric essentials: think you have all the travel gadgets you need? Well think again. Sue Bryant reveals some unusual accessories that might just transform your travel experience.(Tools)(Buyers Guide)
October 1, 2004... What's Your Point? "Waiter, there's a fly in my soup," should no longer be a problem to communicate in any destination, thanks to the Kwikpoint Translator Card, a laminated, passport-sized folding card featuring diagrams of more than 600...

Hong Kong: getting to and from Chek Lap Kok via rail, shuttle and taxi.(On Track)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WEB SITE: www.hkairport.com AIRPORT NUMBER: 852 2188 7111 LOST AND FOUND: 852 2182 2087, lost-f@hkairport.com LOCATION: Lantau Island, 15,54 miles west of the Central Business District on Hong...

San Francisco: getting to and from the city by the Bay's airports via rail, shuttle and taxi.(On Track)
October 1, 2004... SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SFO) WEB SITE: www.flysfo.com AIRPORT NUMBER: 650-821-8211 LOST AND FOUND: 650-821-7014 TRAVELERS AID: 650-821-2735 LOCATION: 14 miles south of San Francisco SERVICE: BART (Bay...

Hotel Grande Bretagne.(Offer Of The Month)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... When it opened in 1872 the Hotel Grande Bretagne-boasting the best location in Athens, in the shadow of the Acropolis-offered guests the comfort and luxury that was expected in the elegant homes of the era. In March 2003, after a painstaking...

Amalfi Hotel Chicago.(Offer Of The Month)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... The first Amalfi Hotel, a high-end boutique property in the heart of the trendy River North neighborhood, opened In late February. Just steps from the Windy City's most acclaimed restaurants, galleries and shopping, the Amalfi offers...

Road rules.(Offer Of The Month)(Guerrilla Travel Tactics)(Brief Article)
October 1, 2004... What you don't know about business travel can hurt you. Security hassles, volatile airfares, complex frequent flyer regulations, tight travel budgets-making sense of it all can be a gamble and a headache, but it doesn't have to be. ...

Without cares: Mary Beth Hubbard gets comfortable with Jamaican hospitality at an all-inclusive resort in Ocho Rios.(Great escape: Jamaica)(Sans Souci Resort and Spa)
October 1, 2004... At 7 a.m. I was in New York, and by noon I was sitting comfortably in the back of a van driving through the mist-covered mountains of Jamaica. Best known for the premium coffee harvested on their rugged slopes, the Blue Mountains are laced with...