News

Coming Soon to an Airport Near You

In the United States, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) already has five, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) will debut 15, and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) opens 13 in March. Other airports are lining up to provide travelers with mini hotel rooms, where they can retreat for an hour or more in peace and quiet between flights.

Located in post-security areas, these soundproof sleep rooms are furnished with a bed, a telephone, a desk, complimentary WiFi, HDTV and other tools to help travelers sleep, relax or work. Currently two companies are creating them: Minute Suites and Unique Retreat. Priced between $30 and $40 an hour, the mini-rooms offer more convenience than an airport hotel located outside of security and more privacy and quiet than an airline club, at a minimal cost.

Atlanta’s Minute Suites are located on Concourse B next to Gate B15; and in San Francisco, Unique Retreat rooms are at the International Terminal’s Boarding Area A. Visit http://minutesuites.com or http://www.uniqueretreatllc.com.

Shifting Sands of Airport Security

As European airports pressure the U.S. Transportation Security Administration to bring requirements into line with those in Europe, more U.S. passengers are experiencing full-body scanners, and hopes rise that the 3-ounce liquids rule may become obsolete. British Airways, joined by other airlines, airports, pilots and the European Union, has called for the United States to modify its “completely redundant” rules that require airports to install separate security facilities for U.S.-bound flights. Citing separate scanning of shoes and laptops, and pointing out inconsistent enforcement of standards in U.S. airports, European groups asked the United States to work with them for consistent standards that would not require separate security points, an inconvenience to both airlines and travelers.

Meanwhile, the rollout of full-body “backscatter” X-ray scanners has begun at New York’s three airports and elsewhere, bringing the total in use to 450 machines. About 1,000 more are due in U.S. airports by the end of 2011, at a cost of $150,000 each, plus operator training. And researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory are working on a bottled liquid scanner that could allow beverages and other liquids in excess of 3 ounces through security.

Faster than a Speeding Bullet

Japan’s high-speed rail system is extending its reach with the December opening of a new line taking travelers to northern Honshu Island from Tokyo in just three hours and 20 minutes. The line will end at Shin-Aomori, a new train hub in Aomori Prefecture. In March, the bullet train will open a new section on the southern island of Kyushu from Hakata, at the end of the original bullet train from Tokyo, connecting to existing service in southern Kyushu. From Shin-Osaka to the final stop of Kagoshima-Chuo, travel time will be three hours and 45 minutes, 77 minutes shorter than the current service.

SWISS Goes Daily at SFO

Beginning March 27, the new Swiss International Air Lines non-stop service between San Francisco (SFO) and Zürich (ZRH) will operate daily. SWISS opened its new San Francisco gateway on June 2, 2010, with the arrival of a newly designed Airbus A340. Visit http://www.swiss.com.

Elbow Room on the A380

Korean Air has announced the airline’s first Airbus A380 superjumbo jet is in final production with expected delivery in May. It is the first of a new fleet of 10 configured with fewer seats — 400 to 450 — to make them the most spacious commercial A380s in the air. Korean Air will begin using the roomier A380 for short-haul routes between Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) and major Asian airports, expanding use in August to the airline’s long-haul European and U.S. routes. Visit http://www.koreanair.com.

More Flights to Spain

Iberia Airlines will increase its trans-Atlantic presence by 13 percent in the next four months with the addition of new routes between Los Angeles (LAX) and Madrid (MAD) and between Miami (MIA) and Barcelona (BCN), plus increased capacity on its existing routes from New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD) and Boston (BOS) to Madrid. The two new routes will begin at the end of March, with three flights weekly on each route, adding a fourth from LAX July through September. These new routes and the overall increase are a result of Iberia’s joint business agreement with American Airlines and British Airways for routes over the North Atlantic. Other new routes to look for in the near future as a result of this alliance include New York (JFK) to Budapest (BUD) and Chicago to Helsinki (HEL), operated by American; and London (LHR) to San Diego (SAN), operated by British Airways. Visit www.iberia.com.

SAS: New Routes and Connectivity

In late March, Scandinavian Airlines will begin daily flights between New York (EWR) and Oslo (OSL), with new service between Copenhagen (CPH) and Shanghai (PVG) expected with the future addition of another Airbus A340. Onward connections from Oslo will be expanded with the addition of routes serving Munich (MUC), Split (SPU) and Palma, Mallorca (PMI). A fourth between Stockholm (ARN) and Venice (VCE) will be added in the spring. In other news from SAS, beginning in April it will become one of the first airlines to offer in-flight Internet and mobile services — offered first on European routes, followed by intercontinental flights. This will be free of charge to business and Economy Extra (premium-economy) customers, and for a fee in economy. Visit www.flysas.com.

Virtual Meetings in Europe

Le Méridien Hotels in Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt and Munich debut state-of-the-art “virtual meeting” technology, with high-definition video designed by Cisco Telepresence. These Virtual Meeting Suites facilitate face-to-face meetings with participants in different cities, even on different continents. Le Méridien Etoile, Le Méridien Brussels, Le Méridien Parkhotel Frankfurt and Le Méridien Munich join other worldwide Starwood properties, from Toronto and San Francisco to Sydney and Kuwait City, in offering this facility. Visit http://www.starwoodhotels.com.

New AA Partners

American Airlines has announced agreements with three airlines, covering routes on as many continents. These include adding Japan Airlines codes to American flights between New York (JFK) and São Paulo (GRU), and codesharing with Jetstar on flights between Auckland (AKL) and Christchurch (CHC), Queenstown (ZQN) and Wellington (WLG) and between Christchurch and both Queenstown and Wellington. A new interline agreement with WestJet — that airline’s first with a U.S. airline — allows American Airlines customers traveling to Canada and transferring to a WestJet flight to purchase a single ticket and check bags through to the final destination. This adds seamless connecting service to 25 Canadian cities not currently served by American or American Eagle through the airline’s six Canadian gateways: Toronto (YYZ), Montréal (YMX), Calgary (YYC), Vancouver (YVR), Halifax (YHZ) and Ottawa (YOW). Visit www.aa.com.

New Luxury in Japan

The St. Regis Osaka has opened on Midosuji Avenue, Osaka’s answer to New York’s Fifth Avenue, bringing a sophisticated, calm atmosphere and a Remède spa to the busy commercial city. Visit www .starwoodhotels.com/stregis. The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, the flagship property of the Tokyu Hotels, has opened in Tokyo, with a contemporary design by architect Kengo Kuma. Visit http://www.capitolhoteltokyu.com.

Rewards

Jet and BMI Share Privileges

India’s international airline, Jet Airways, has entered into a frequent-flyer partnership with the British airline BMI. JetPrivilege members may now earn and redeem their miles on the entire network of BMI, while BMI’s Diamond Club members may earn and redeem on Jet Airways and Jet Airways Konnect flights. Jet Airways currently has frequent-flyer partnership agreements with 22 international airlines. Visit www.jetairways.com.

Golden Circle Expands

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has restructured and enhanced its Golden Circle reward program, the only international loyalty program that allows both staying and non-staying guests to earn and redeem points. In addition to receiving their customary privileges according to their membership tier, members earn GC Awards Points by staying at Shangri-La or Traders hotels, dining at participating restaurants or enjoying spa treatments at CHI, The Spa. Golden Circle has adopted a new tier system of Gold, Jade and Diamond levels, based on qualifying nights or stays per year. Visit http://www.goldencircle.shangri-la.com.

Lufthansa Miles for Avis Cars

Avis is rewarding loyal customers with award miles on Lufthansa’s Miles & More program until March 31. Present your Miles & More card at the Avis desk when you pick up your vehicle to earn up to 3,000 award miles per rental. The ascending scale begins with 500 points for the first rental, increasing with each subsequent rental to 3,000 miles for the 11th rental. Visit www.avis.com.

Deals

On the Town

New York’s landmark hotel, The Pierre, celebrates its 80th anniversary year with a “suite” deal, and it’s valid through October. Fresh from a $100 million redesign, The Pierre introduces a yearlong anniversary package offering 30 percent savings on a quintessential Manhattan experience. Two nights in a Signature Room or Executive Suite include a bottle of Grand Cru Cuvée 2006, gourmet chocolates, a carriage ride through Central Park, a seasonal basket of treats and two City Passes to New York’s favorite landmarks and experiences, including an exclusive tour of the Metropolitan Museum with a private docent. End an evening on the town as guests did when the hotel was new, with chauffeured transportation to and from a New York speakeasy. Visit www.tajhotels.com.

Uniquely Waldorf Astoria

Waldorf Astoria invites guests to take a break this winter and sample the special experiences that each property offers, from urban escapes in Shanghai or sun and sand in the Maldives to world-class skiing in Utah. The Best of Waldorf Astoria offer includes room rate, breakfast for two and a per-night hotel credit toward one of the unique experiences available at each Waldorf Astoria hotel and resort. Credits range from $25 at the Sazerac Bar or restaurant at The Roosevelt New Orleans to $100 per night at the new Waldorf Astoria Park City and its spa at the base of The Canyons ski area. Book any time before Feb. 28 for travel before March 20. Visit http://www.waldorfastoria.com and use promo code PBWWIN when booking online.

The Spas in Spain

Spain’s beautiful island of Mallorca is known for its spas, and this winter is the time to experience one with a four- or seven-day package special from Spas in Spain. Petit Hotel Alaró’s Activity & Relaxation package, for example, blends hiking and cycling excursions with treatments at the Vespasian Spa. Visit www.spa-in-spain.com.

Stranded in New York

New York’s Strand hotel offers a two-night Stranded in New York Winter Weekend package for stays Thursday through Monday nights from Jan. 2 until March 5. The package includes accommodations in a deluxe room, a bottle of red wine, chocolates, a food credit of $50 at the Strand American Bistro, two complimentary drinks at the Top of the Strand rooftop lounge, daily continental breakfast, WiFi and late check-out. Visit www.thestrandnyc.com.