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Volume 8, Issue 33, September 1, 2010 |
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Business travelers are always on the go and down time at the airport can seem like the perfect time to catch up on emails and other work. However, according to a report from CNET News, airport Internet may not be secure at all and travelers may want to think twice before logging on.
The warning stems from a blog posting on Symantec Hosted Services’ website, following an employee’s discovery of fake antivirus software on a computer at an Internet terminal in a U.K. airport. Known as “scareware,” the malware claims a computer is infected with a virus and urges users to purchase software to correct the problem. The malware then disables or uninstalls existing antivirus software.
Symantec cautions that the presence of this malware indicates airport computers and available networks are not protected and possibly infected with other hidden malwares, such as keylogger. There is no way to spot keyloggers, which capture the information users type into the computer. Public computers and networks could be storing travelers’ user names, passwords and other private information. Reversing the damage done by these types of malware can be costly and timely.
Have you had problems with airport Internet? Email us. 
Check out GT’s newest video interview and learn more about the award-winning South African Airways. Marc Cavaliere, executive vice president of the Americas, discusses the World Cup, SAA’s business class and South Africa’s recent airport improvements. View the video here.
Click here. Contest sponsored by Global Traveler, China World Hotel and American Airlines.
Mexicana Airlines is ceasing all operations. Juan Francisco Molinar Horcasitas, Mexico’s transportation secretary, announced the decision last week. All flights and other activities will be halted as of midnight Friday. The decision follows an Aug. 2 bankruptcy protection filing in the United States and Mexico. The airline stopped selling tickets and suspended flights before a group of investors purchased a 95 percent share in the company, a move that was ultimately unable to save the airline.
The Federal Aviation Administration levied the largest-ever fine against American Airlines, a record $24.2 million. The fine was administered because of a failure to properly repair wiring harnesses on 300 MD-80 jets, resulting in major delays two years ago. American Airlines plans to fight the fine and restore its relationship with the FAA. In a 58-page document, the FAA cited flawed repairs, thousands of flight cancellations and extensive FAA audits. Other maintenance problems are still under investigation and may result in more fines.
Hotels are offering to pay checked-luggage fees for travelers staying at their properties. Kimpton Hotels and InterContinental Hotels Group are among the hotels offering the promotion. According to a report in USA Today, the offer is primarily targeted at leisure travelers and promotions vary. InterContinental Hotels Group will pay airline checked-baggage fees to any destination for weekend stays between Sept. 1 and Dec. 30. Travelers can file online to claim reimbursement of up to $50 per party, per stay. Reimbursement is in the form of a Visa debit card. Kimpton has been offering the program since 2008 and will credit $25 to hotel bills when guests present their bag-fee receipt at check-in.
Boeing confirmed the first 787 Dreamliner will be delivered by the middle of the first quarter of 2011. The new delivery date, delayed from December 2010, is the latest in a string of problems and delays. Boeing cited problems with Rolls-Royce engines, one of which failed during an early August test flight, as the reason for the new delay. Test flights will continue.
According to a report from Elliott.org, the airline industry is on track to collect more than $3 billion in baggage fees in 2010. Delta Air Lines is set to receive the most revenue from baggage fees, followed by American Airlines, Continental and United. Delta is expected to receive more than $200,000 in fees, with American Airlines looking to bring in approximately $130,000. Continental will see just under $80,000 in revenue and United will earn around $75,000.
13, rue de la Paix
Paris 75002
tel 00 34 91 111 2633
Sharon King Hoge
I threw open the windows of my balcony and looked over the flowerpots of red geraniums at one of Paris’s most fashionable streets. Ideally situated on the prestigious rue de la Paix, halfway between Place Vendome and the Opera, the small, deluxe 4-star Hotel Westminster is a sort of British outpost, a comfortable country house across the English Channel in the City of Light.
Two-hundred-and-one years old, the 102-room Westminster is named for the duke who resided there in the 19th century. Discreetly located near high profile neighbors the Ritz and Park Hyatt, the cozy establishment easily goes unnoticed.
Enter the living room-like lobby — furnished with sink-in sofas, coffee tables and overstuffed upholstered chairs where guests sit around taking advantage of the complimentary wireless Internet provided in public spaces — through a double set of glass doors. Complimentary pitchers of orange and grapefruit juices and mineral water are set out in the lobby for guests to enjoy each afternoon.
The friendly staff adds to the homey feel of the hotel. Wearing smart uniforms with golden crossed-sword emblems on the collars, Concierges Jean-Charles and Nicholas confirmed my flights and reeled off options and fares for travel to the airport. Two weeks after I left, they sent a return email to confirm they had located my missing shoes and would hold them for me.
My single room on the third floor was spacious. I loved its stone fireplace, ample closet, antique furnishings and a bathroom big enough for an inlaid dressing table, bidet, separate cabine de la toilette and, best of all, a long, wide white-marble vanity counter with plenty of room to put out cosmetics. I took full advantage of the windows, which actually opened
Exercise machines in the fifth-floor fitness room are situated under a sloped glass wall so guests pedaling exercycles and pumping iron can look out over the rooftops of Paris. Access to the sauna and steam room merely requires sign in; Orlane provides massages and beauty services. Those who want to swim can pay a fee to purchase reciprocal rights at the Ritz down the block.
It’s fun to sip a gin and tonic nestled in one of the Library’s green leather upholstered chairs under photographs of notable Brits — Thomas Hardy, Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie and Shakespeare — while browsing through a good supply of coffee table books.
I didn’t try the fixed-price lunch (43 euros) or dinner (50 euros) in the gold damask Le Celadon dining room, but I did enjoy breakfast with lots of fresh-squeezed grapefruit and orange juices and the jams and jellies stored in the drawers of an imposing antique bureau-commode that might not have looked out of place in Marie Antoinette’s Petit Trianon. Slathering marmalade on both croissants and scones, I saluted the hostelry for perfecting its own take on a “tale of two cities.”
Score: 5/5
Explore Brazil with the Star Alliance Brazil Airpass. The Brazil Airpass allows travelers to explore more than 45 domestic destinations served by TAM Airlines. Passengers choose the routing which must include between four and nine flight coupons. Fares vary based on number of coupons purchased and class of service, but range from $133 to $212 per coupon. Visit the website.
Stand up to cancer with Virgin America. The airline has teamed with the Stand Up To Cancer initiative to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. Beginning Sept. 3, Virgin America passengers can shop the “Make a Difference” section via the Red entertainment platform and make a donation by credit card. A full 100 percent of the proceeds will help fund cancer research. For more information, click here.
The Ritz-Carlton Dallas introduced a package aimed at busy business travelers. Through Dec. 31, the overnight Professional Pursuits package is available for $309 per night. The package includes accommodations, breakfast for one in-room or in Fearing’s Restaurant, in-room high-speed Internet, valet parking and pressing of up to three garments. Call 800 241 3333 or reserve online.
As part of its Enriching Your Life initiative, Peninsula Hotels in North America and Asia are showing support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month with special offers. Through October, a percentage of the proceeds will go directly to breast cancer-related charities. The Peninsula Tokyo is offering pink-themed promotions at its four restaurants, hosting The Rockin’ Pink Party fundraiser on Oct. 1 and donating a percentage from the sale of every applicable spa treatment. The Peninsula Manila is featuring special food and beverage offerings and partnering with the Avon Walk and Run Against Breast Cancer on Oct. 3. The Peninsula Chicago will serve a special “Pink Tea” beverage in support of breast cancer awareness. The hotel will donate $3 for every signature drink ordered per group. Learn more.
Through Nov. 30, China World Hotel in Beijing is offering a Carbon-less Holiday package. Designed to offer a green aspect to sightseeing in the city, the package includes a two-night stay, airport and intra-city transfers via hybrid car, the option to explore the city’s sights by bicycle, an organic welcome cocktail, a one-hour body massage or foot reflexology and daily buffet breakfast. Also included is a Chinese dinner prepared using local, organic ingredients, with each course paired with an organic wine. Book online. Click here to enter for your chance to win a China organic wine experience from Global Traveler, China World Hotel and American Airlines.
