|
Volume 7, Issue 20, May 20, 2009 |
   |
A rash of new technologies could make air travel easier and more effective in the near future. Among the advances are new seats, navigation systems, surveillance systems and Internet service.
The latest trend in airplane seats — for first, business and economy classes — is toward thinner, lightweight, more comfortable seats. The seats are a win-win for airlines as the lighter, thinner seats will eliminate weight and space on planes, while allowing customers additional comfort. According to a USA Today report, the latest developments in seat technology include thinner seat backs, easier recline, cushion and fabrics designed to target sore buttocks and thighs and adjustable, ergonomic headrests.
The FAA and several U.S. carriers are testing out a new navigation system, Required Navigation Performance. RNP has been proven to shorten flight times by minutes and reduce weather delays and noise pollution. The system will be utilized in highly congested areas first, and then slowly phased to all aircraft. The technology uses onboard computers to alert crew if the plane has strayed from the mapped, precise route and requires no on-the-ground equipment.
A new surveillance system could be used to fight crime on the ground and in the air. The camera system uses video pixels to track gestures and actions of passengers, citizens and customers. If the system picks up evidence of wrongdoing, it alerts staff. A Chicago Tribune report notes that the technology, currently in use by Big Y grocery stores and the city of Chicago, will, hopefully, be used in the future to alert airline crew to potential terrorists and notify transportation staff of suspicious, abandoned packages and other odd behaviors.
More and more U.S. airlines are introducing onboard technology that offers wireless Internet service to passengers. American Airlines was the first to offer the Gogo Inflight Internet in August 2008. AA plans to have the service installed on 150 aircraft by the end of 2009. Last week, AirTran announced it would be the first U.S. carrier to offer the service on all its flights. Its entire fleet will have the service installed by the end of July. By May 25, Virgin America will have service on 28 of its planes. Delta is also in the process of installing the service on some of its fleet. 
AirPlus International, a provider of corporate travel payment and savings solutions, surveyed 174 corporate travel professionals to determine their interest in and use of social media. More than 71 percent of those surveyed participate in one or more social media platforms. Sixty-five percent of those surveyed said the platforms benefit them professionally. The surveyed participants were asked: “Which of the following ways do you believe these types of sites can enhance the business travel community?” Over 40 percent responded the sites make them more aware of what partners are doing. Close behind, 38.4 percent believe the sites help showcase what is most important to travelers. In third place, 39 percent believe the sites encourage travel industry camaraderie. Most of the surveyed participants, 58 percent, participate in LinkedIn, followed by 44.8 percent using Facebook and 28.2 percent using no social media. Over 44 percent believe LinkedIn could or does add value to their business. For full survey results, click here.
The United States will celebrate Independence Day by reopening a national landmark for the first time since the terrorist attacks of 9/11. On July 4, the Statue of Liberty’s crown will once again be open to the public. All safety and security issues have been handled at the iconic landmark located across the harbor from the former site of the World Trade Center. The crown will remain open for the next two years, followed by a shutdown for renovations. In that time, approximately 50,000 people, 10 at a time, are expected to take in the view from the Liberty crown. President Obama has been invited to be the first person to tour the crown.
After months of back and forth, the Department of Transportation and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood have canceled slot auctions at New York City airports. The unpopular decision to auction off airport slots was an attempt to reduce air traffic and avoid delays. LaHood vowed that the issue of congestion in the region is still important. He will be meeting with airline, airport and elected officials, as well as stakeholders, to figure out the best ways to proceed. Airport congestion has eased in recent months due to an economy-related decrease in air traffic.
While the checked bag fees instituted last year were extremely unpopular among passengers, they have proved to be a lifesaver for the airline industry. According to the Department of Transportation, the airline industry earned $1.15 billion from baggage fees in 2008. American Airlines earned the most from the new fees, approximately $278 million. US Airways and Delta Air Lines rounded out the top three earners. Revenue is expected to exceed the 2008 earning by $2 billion in 2009.
American Express and CFO Research Services released the findings of a recent survey on business travel. Over 280 senior executives were surveyed on business travel practices in light of the economy. Eighty-seven percent of executives said companies would spend less on business travel this year compared to last year, while another 44 percent said budgets will decrease by 10 percent or more in 2009. On the bright side, two-thirds of those surveyed will maintain or increase travel to meet with current clients. Eighty-two percent will maintain or increase travel to win new business. The survey also questioned participants about methods for cutting travel costs. Methods include reducing the number of travelers, raising the level of required management approval and using tracking data to monitor return on investment.
479 Washington Blvd.
Jersey City, NJ 07310
tel 201 626 2900
The Westin Jersey City Newport is the newest addition to a 600-acre Hudson River waterfront parcel that is part of one of the largest urban planned communities in the United States. In the past 20 years, the project has transformed the formerly derelict area into a vibrant business, residential and retail district with panoramic views of Manhattan.
The 429-room Westin opened at the end of January 2009, just as hotel occupancy rates throughout the country were taking a hit due to the economic recession. When I checked in on a weekday afternoon, the spacious, light-filled lobby, accented with teak, mahogany and lovely works of art, was bustling with business travelers. A large pharmaceutical company had booked all the mezzanine-level meeting rooms.
Perhaps this property’s room rates, much less than comparative hotels in Manhattan, were more attractive to travel managers looking to cut costs. The hotel’s proximity to rail, highway, ferries and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) may be too convenient to pass up.
My room was large and included Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed and the Heavenly Bath amenities. A 37-inch flat LCD TV swivel screen, a large desk with conveniently placed outlets and reasonably priced high-speed Internet access were appreciated, as was the view of the Hudson River and the gleaming skyscrapers of Manhattan from my 17th-floor windows.
The hotel offers an indoor lap pool with three lanes, a workout room, a business center and the Fire & Oak American Grill, a fine dining restaurant located off the lobby. The Half-Moon Lounge & Restaurant, named after Henry Hudson’s ship, offers an attractive lobby bar and breakfast area. The paintings, sculpture, photographs and mobiles from about a dozen local and nationally recognized artists are displayed throughout the hotel, providing a museum-like quality to the interior.
For a pleasant 10-minute boat ride to Manhattan’s West 42nd Street, the hotel is a five-minute walk from the New York Waterways ferry terminal. Or, for a 10-minute ride under the river to Greenwich Village and lower Manhattan’s Financial District, the hotel is also just a five-minute walk from the PATH train. Returning from New York City to the Westin Jersey City Newport’s relative oasis of quietude is good for the soul. Perhaps the peaceful feeling comes from Westin’s signature scent, a White Tea fragrance that lingers in all of its lobbies, and, possibly, calms even the most harried business traveler.
Score: ••••• Ron Bernthal
In addition to offering a free trip per day through May 23, the Caribbean island of Curaçao is offering the Curaçao Now promotion. Through July 15, the package includes a $200 airfare credit per person, a free night at one of 17 participating hotels, $140 food and beverage credit, a free dive day, a free car rental day, discounted museum admission, half price attractions, tours or transfers and high value shopping discounts. The offer is valid for travel from May 1 through July 1 and Aug. 15 through Dec. 15. Visit the website.
Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort’s Unlimited Golf is the perfect promotion for golf lovers. Through June 15, the package includes three-nights double accommodations, daily breakfast for two at La Terraza Restaurant, two welcome drinks and unlimited golf at Costa Caribe Golf & Country Club. Golf includes cart and green fees. The package includes a 20 percent discount on a massage and a $20 casino match play coupon. Prices begin at $199 per person. Call 787 259 7676 or email for reservations. Mention promotion code P3.
Hotel Hassler Roma is celebrating the release of Ron Howard and Tom Hanks’s blockbuster movie Angels & Demons with a themed package. Through Dec. 21, the Angels & Demons Package includes three-night accommodations, daily breakfast, a private Angels & Demons tour of Rome, a map of the illuminati path and entrance fees for the Castel Sant’Angelo museum. Visit the website. For more information on Rome, click here.
Icelandair is offering special summer fares from Boston (BOS), New York (JFK) and Seattle (SEA). Boston fares, valid for travel from June 16 to Sept. 12, are available for as low as $739. Fares from Boston to Reykjavik (KEF) are only $499 from June 7 through June 29. Reykjavik fares are available from New York for $499, valid for travel from June 4 through June 27. Other fares from New York are as low as $699. For more information on these and other promotions, visit the website. Read more about Iceland here.
Orion Expedition Cruises just made its excursions a little bit sweeter with the Fly Free promotion. Applicable for travel to Australia’s Kimberley region, the package includes complimentary round-trip economy-class airfare between Los Angeles (LAX) and either Darwin (DRW) or Broome (BME). Business-class upgrades are available. Cruises begin at $7,650. Call 877 ORION US or visit the website. Mention FLIGHTS.
