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Travel
BUSINESS TRAVEL
Miles & Much More
May I Help You?
It's been one of the bumpiest years ever for business travelers, but we seem to have pulled through.
Think about it. This time two years ago, no one could find a decent hotel room in Manhattan or San Francisco for less than $400 a night. Airports — and even airport clubs — were bulging at the seams with business and leisure travelers fighting for their personal space.
Trying to accommodate the high demand, airlines crammed way too many flights into too few airports, resulting in frequent and painful delays. Remember when Congress was demanding an airline passenger "bill of rights"? International carriers could not expand their business class cabins fast enough to accommodate all those ready and willing to pay full freight across the Atlantic or Pacific. We were headed for mass business travel burnout.
But as the economy began to contract, the crowded, stressful business travel experience we had grown accustomed to slowly began to change. Then along came the events of 9/11, and the changes were dramatic, and in many cases permanent.
First of all, those frustrating crowds disappeared. Airlines reduced flights; prices fell back into the "reasonable" range. The whole psychology of flying changed from each passenger being out for himself or herself to one of "we are all in this together." We became less likely to criticize or complain (recent DOT statistics on complaints bear this out).
A year ago, most of us stood silently and stoically in endless queues as airports struggled with new security requirements. Now, most security lines and waits have been reduced almost to pre-9/11 levels. Most recently, authorities have relaxed rules requiring those random (and intrusive) searches at the gate, and have even eliminated the questions about who packed your bag and whether or not it has been out of your control.
Travel suppliers have responded to this new environment with a host of changes and enhancements to keep our lives on the road sane and productive. In the pages of this special business travel section, you'll learn:
Which airline has a new (and so far, profitable) all business class flight to Germany.
Which hotel chain has added free high-speed access to all its rooms.
Where to find the slew of new, lucrative frequent flyer bonuses designed to keep us traveling this fall and winter.
All about one of Colorado's classiest new slope-side resorts, and how to find a nonstop flight to get there.
How to score an incredible business lunch deal at one of the most elegant dining rooms in Paris.
When and how to take advantage of new or improved rail links in London, Paris, San Francisco, or Kuala Lumpur.
So, gentle traveler, read on. If you've got a question, comment, or suggestion, drop me a line. Send e-mail to chris@travelskills.com or write me at Travel Skills Group, Inc., PO Box 52927, Atlanta, GA 30355.
Regards,
Chris McGinnis
Life on the Road
 Chris McGinnis is the author of The Unofficial Business Travelers' Pocket Guide (McGraw-Hill) and the travel advisor on CNN Headline News. He is also editor of "The Ticket," an e-mail newsletter and Internet portal for business travelers, found at www.travelskills.com. Since 1988, Chris has commented on business travel trends and issues in newspapers, in magazines, on television, and on the Internet. As a consultant and speaker, he logs thousand of frequent flyer miles each year helping business travelers, corporate travel managers, and others better understand and improve their lives on the road.
What's Up/What's New
CLASH OF THE TITANS
Earlier this fall, using a fleet of small but nimble regional jets flying between Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston, American Airlines took aim at East Coast shuttle giants Delta and US Airways. As the three airlines fight for the increasingly elusive business travel dollar, look for them to pile on the services and extras. While their walk-up prices remain at about $225 each way, all three now offer 1,500 frequent flyer miles per segment, up from the standard 500. Delta and US Airways are offering base miles (good for attaining elite status). Both airlines say that if a shuttle departs more than five minutes late, all passengers will get an additional 1,500 miles. (All bonus plans are good through December 31.)
ALL BUSINESS ALL THE TIME
 Since Düsseldorf is known as one of the richest and most cosmopolitan cities in Germany, it is not surprising Lufthansa chose it as the destination city for an experiment in upscale travel. In June, the German carrier launched the only all business class commercial flight across the Atlantic, from Newark to Düsseldorf, using a 48-seat Boeing 737-700 Business Jet that has been modified for long-range flights. The cabin is configured with two big business class cradle seats on each side of a middle aisle, with in-flight amenities that include personal Sony Watchmans and an onboard cappuccino machine. See www.lufthansa-usa.com.
LE SOARING
Over the last year, Air France has emerged as one of the world's more financially sound airlines. First, it has picked up where grounded Swissair and Sabena left off in Africa and now has more flights to that continent than any other European carrier. Also, Air France has beefed up its flight frequencies between many U.S. gateways and Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport using a fleet of new wide bodies like the Boeing 777 and Airbus A-330. Since late last year, the Concorde zips five days a week between New York and Paris. See www.airfrance.com.
PACK LESS OR PAY UP
The practice of packing light is taking on a whole new meaning as airlines add on fees for "extra" bags. At most major carriers, expect to pay from $40 to $80 per bag when you check more than the free limit of two. All airlines generally limit the weight of each checked bag to 70 pounds, with linear dimensions of no more than a total of 62 inches (add length plus width plus height; a standard roller bag that is 9"x14"x22" is 45 linear inches). Some advice:
Buy larger bags (but be sure they stay within the 62-inch limit).
Pack a smaller third bag that you can carry on instead of check.
Be realistic when packing; take only half of what you think you'll need, and shop at your destination.
INTERCONTINENTAL FACE-LIFT
InterContinental Hotels is renovating its brand name and properties and adding a few perks as it restakes its claim in the international business travel market. By 2004, it will have spent more than $1 billion to make acquisitions (like the Regent in Hong Kong) and renovate existing hotels in key cities like New York, Miami, and San Francisco. Each InterContinental room now has a universal power and phone jack adapter to ensure easy Internet connections. Also, each club level guest is entitled to a free 15-minute head and neck massage to help relieve the stress from a long flight, or just a long day. Priority Club Rewards members earn triple miles or points for stays through December 30.
INN THE GARDEN
Hilton Garden Inn is quickly becoming a business travel favorite as companies ask their roadies to seek more value and less flash in their hotel choices. This month, the 150th Hilton Garden Inn opens, in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac from Washington, D.C. All Hilton Garden Inns now provide free in-room, high-speed Internet access, an oversize desk with an ergonomic chair, an adjustable light, and a two-line phone. Plus, you'll find a microwave, coffeemaker, refrigerator, and an easy chair with an ottoman in every room. If you don't feel like chilling out in your room, most inns have a lounge with a large-screen TV and a full-service restaurant (as well as room service). As at all Hilton-family brands, you'll earn both HHonors points and airline miles for your stay. Not bad for an average rate of about $98 a night. Want to give it a try? See www.hiltongardeninn.com.
FLICKS AND DRINKS
Beginning November 1, American Airlines will join Continental and United in offering free in-flight entertainment to all passengers (even those in coach) on aircrafts with audio/video systems. On all three carriers, you can bring your own headset or get one on board that you can keep for future use. But Continental and US Airways now charge coach passengers for cocktails on international flights, a perk that used to be free.
MOVING UP
 Despite the generally poor economic news, not everyone is hurting. This point is made by the fact that Hertz Rent A Car recently added 10 cities in which travelers can choose from its Prestige Collection, which includes Jaguars, Land Rovers, Lincolns, and Volvos. One of the best things about being a Prestige Collection renter is that you can reserve a specific model instead of having to settle for whatever is left on the lot when you arrive. Also, all the cars in the collection are equipped with NeverLost, Hertz's onboard navigation system. See www.hertz.com.
VERY DEMANDING
If you haven't flown South African Airways lately, you're in for a surprise the next time you board. In August, the airline completed an extensive refurbishment of the 747-400s that fly from New York or Atlanta nonstop to Johannesburg and Cape Town. All first class seats fold down into lie-flat beds. Business class seats lie almost flat, and provide much more personal space than before. Coach, business, and first class passengers can enjoy a new state-of-the-art audio/video- on-demand system. This is one of the few airlines in the world that offers a system that allows viewers to play, pause, rewind, or fast forward a movie at any time without affecting other passengers' viewing. See www.flysaa.com.
BIZ BEDS
Until now, you may have only dreamed about what it would be like to sleep in a flat bed on a transatlantic overnight flight. Until last year, that luxury was reserved for first class passengers only. But over the last year, British Airways has installed seats that fold into flat, six-foot beds in its business class — or Club World — cabins. Currently, these comfy arrangements are on all U.S./London-Heathrow flights and will soon be added to London-Gatwick flights as well. See www.britishairways.com.
Miles to the Max
BUY THREE, GET TWO
Marriott Rewards members receive two free weekend nights and Marriott Rewards silver elite status after making just three (separate) stays from October 14 through January 31. Silver status is normally reserved for guests who stay a minimum of 15 nights a year; bennies include a 20 percent bonus on points earned, a special reservation line, and weekend discounts. Members must register for the offer at www.marriottrewards.com or call 888.627.7468.
DOING THE HHONORS
Earn 500 Hilton HHonors points when you make reservations online at www.hiltonhhonors.com by December 31. Don't forget that in addition to Hilton, the HHonors family now includes Conrad, Doubletree, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, and Homewood Suites. And since it's now time to order corporate gifts for the holidays, check out Ashford.com from the comfort of your own desktop, where you'll score a big discount, plus 10 HHonors points per dollar spent. For example, an Orrefors crystal vase that retails for $335 is only $284.75; plus you get 2,847 HHonors points. See more at www.ashford.com/hhonors.
HELLO, AT&T
Delta has hung up on its long-standing partnership with MCI in favor of a new relationship with AT&T. SkyMiles members can earn up to 5,000 bonus miles for switching to AT&T for their residential local or long distance service. In addition, new and current AT&T customers will earn five miles per dollar spent. To enroll in the program, call AT&T at 888.359.2881. (Existing MCI program members will continue to earn five SkyMiles per dollar spent on MCI bills through February 28, 2003.)
YOUR PRIORITY
Priority Club Rewards is now offering "Autumnatic" rewards: a choice of 2,000 bonus points or 500 bonus airline miles for every second qualifying stay at any InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, or Staybridge Suites hotel in North America through November 27. To participate, Priority Club Rewards members must register at www.priorityclub.com/autumn or call 888.560.5660 and enter code 5700.
SHOW ME THE MONEY
 Travelers used to scoring last-minute upgrades to first class with a smile or a wink at the gate agent will soon find out that cash will do just as well. Last summer, Delta began selling standby upgrades. Here's how it works: On the flights where agents expect empty first class seats to be available at departure time, they offer passengers the opportunity to stand by for $40, $60, or $80 per flight, based on its length. Those traveling on Delta's least expensive fares, or on award tickets, are not eligible for the upgrades.
A GREEN REWARD
American Express has replaced its standard green and gold cards with new "Rewards" cards. The new cards have the popular Membership Rewards program built in as a core feature, instead of a separate plan (with a separate fee). Card members now earn two points for every dollar charged at "everyday" retailers like grocery stores, gas stations, drugstores, and the like. You'll earn one point per dollar spent on other purchases. The annual fee for the cards ranges from $65 to $130, depending on whether you redeem your points for merchandise awards or for travel awards. More info: www.americanexpress.com/green.
Gentle Road Warrior
PAUSE THAT REFRESHES
After a long overnight flight from the U.S. to Europe, there's nothing better for your body and spirit than a hot shower and breakfast — especially if you are connecting to another flight and can't head straight to your hotel. Starting in January, Air France business and first class passengers arriving at terminal 2C at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport can pause and refresh at a new arrivals lounge. The lounge offers showers, ironing service, a Continental breakfast, and a business center. (And speaking of pauses that refresh, Air France recently switched to Coca-Cola from Pepsi as its primary soft drink provider. The airline says that its passengers drink over 15 million liters each year.)
FEELING DOWN?
You're finally back from a busy week or two on the road and ready to get home, relax, and enjoy a little downtime. But as soon as you put your bags away, you discover you have a nasty cold. According to UCLA Medical School professor Marc Schoen, you are experiencing the "let-down effect," which is caused by the rapid shift from an energized or stressful state to one of relaxation. When life is hectic, your body bumps up production of immunity-building white cells. When you make a quick shift to a relaxed state, white cell production declines. That leaves you more susceptible to the germs emanating from your airplane seatmate or the child waiting for you at home.
GIMME SOME SPACE
You're in Manhattan for a few days on business. It's cold, it's wet, and you really don't want to go outside. If you're stuck in a typical closet-size hotel room, you might begin to feel like you're going stir crazy. Not so if you've checked in to the Embassy Suites Hotel in Battery Park City. Its spacious two-room suites range in size from 450 to 800 square feet, many with sweeping views of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. Each provides a living room and private bedroom, minibar, three telephone lines, two televisions, Web TV, and complimentary high-speed Internet access. To top it all off, you get a cooked-to-order breakfast on the house plus Hilton HHonors points and airline miles (1.800.EMBASSY).
I WANT COMPENSATION
Feeling slighted? Don't just sit there and stew. Demand compensation! Sheraton is putting its money where its mouth is with its new "Service Promise." Slow room service, a long line at check-in, a wake-up call that never comes, or other oversights now result in on-the-spot compensation in the form of $15 to $75 credits that can be used for spa services, meals, or as a discount off your stay. More serious problems that cannot be fixed result in credit for a free night's stay or a free meal. All you have to do is ask. Starwood Hotels says that it has spent more than $1 billion improving its Sheraton brand through renovations, tougher standards, and getting rid of poor performing properties.
COOL JETS
Between frequent flights, meetings, and office time, you've finally scraped together a couple of days off for a rejuvenating mini-vacation. But with not much time to spare, you'll need to get to the slopes as quickly as possible. You've heard of ski-in, ski-out condos? Now that major airlines are adding seasonal nonstop jet flights from big U.S. cities to smaller airports close to the fluffiest powder, consider one of these "fly-in, fly-out" options:
Big Sky, Montana. On weekends Horizon Air flies to nearby Bozeman from Los Angeles and Seattle.
Crested Butte, Colorado. Continental offers a daily nonstop from Houston Intercontinental to nearby Gunnison.
Jackson Hole and/or Grand Targhee, Wyoming. Delta has non-stops from Atlanta, Northwest whizzes in from Minneapolis, and Continental has routes from Houston and Newark.
Sun Valley. Horizon Air offers a daily nonstop from Los Angeles.
Vail/Beaver Creek. The best-served jetport in the high country is Eagle-Vail. There you'll find non-stops from Atlanta, Miami, New York, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, and Minneapolis on a variety of major carriers using big 757s.
Utah. If you are in Southern California and want to head for any of the slopes near Salt Lake City, JetBlue now offers a daily nonstop from laid-back Long Beach airport.
TechNomads
RAILSMARTS
If you think that rail travel is a low-tech affair, think again. Advances in rail services like the following are helping keep the "hassle factor" for business travelers to a minimum:
Tired of the traffic and $40 cab fares between San Francisco International Airport and downtown? Starting in January, you'll be able to jump on a train at the new BART station located inside the international terminal for a $5 ride into town. Officials expect about 20,000 passengers a day will use the new line. For updates, see www.bart.gov.
Amtrak is planning high-speed Internet access in its café car on the Keystone line, which runs between Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and New York City, allowing passengers to check e-mail, surf the Web, or watch TV.
Work is finally under way on the final sections of the high-speed rail lines on the British side of the Channel Tunnel. When complete in 2007, long, straight rails on both sides of the tunnel will shave an entire hour off the current three-hour journey between London and Paris.
In Kuala Lumpur, KLIA Ekspres trains now run between the central city and the new (and distant) Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The 30-minute trip between the airport and downtown costs about $10.
PERKY PERKS
At hotels in the Washington, D.C. area Marriott is testing a bundled communications package it's calling Wired for Business. For a flat fee of $9.95 per day, you get unlimited local and long distance phone calls within the U.S. and high-speed Internet access. An even better deal is at Wyndham hotels nationwide, which offer free high-speed Internet access to members of its ByRequest program. (Wyndham created ByRequest to offer guests meaningful perks during their stays instead of offering points to redeem for future bookings, as standard hotel programs do.) To sign up for ByRequest, go to www.wyndham.com.
LOST AND FOUND
Did you know that it costs an airline between $100 and $500 to locate and return each misrouted bag? Leave it to Lufthansa to come up with a way to track checked luggage — in real time, just like a FedEx package. Lufthansa's new baggage management system scans your bag at every critical point along the path it follows from the check-in counter to the end-point baggage carousel. This information is constantly fed into a central database, which can be accessed by airline personnel using handheld wireless devices. If a bag is misrouted or somehow delayed, the airline can instantly pinpoint its location and have the wayward item rerouted back to the passenger on the spot.
VERY CALCULATING
 Worried about all the new airline ticket change fees? Online travel site Expedia.com has made it easier for travelers to determine the potential cost of making airline ticket changes with something it's calling Exchange Wizard. The new tool lets you research alternative flights, then calculates the change fees and fare differences. You can either accept the changes (and any fees) and rebook, or stick with your original plans.
What's Happening In...
UK
The Victorian age meets cool Britannia at London's recently revamped Hilton Paddington Station, located just north of Hyde Park. After a three-year $93 million redo, Britain's first railroad hotel (built in 1854 as the Great Western Royal) now provides beautifully furnished, bright and modern rooms. Plus, it's a cinch to catch your British Airways flight via the Heathrow Express, the new train service that makes the 15-20 minute run from Paddington to the airport every 15 minutes, for about $17. (Cabs take at least an hour and can cost a fortune.) Best of all, BA has a ticket counter right there at the station where you can check in for your flight and — most important — check your bag. (146 Praed Street, 1.800.HILTONS. For more information on the train, see www.heathrowexpress.com.)
FRANCE
When only the best will do...make lunch reservations at Restaurant Les Ambassadeurs in Paris's magnificent neoclassical Hôtel de Crillon. Chef Dominique Bouchet has recently tailored his lunch service to fit business schedules by offering "un déjeuner rapide," guaranteeing an elegant three-course lunch served in approximately an hour and 15 minutes, Monday through Friday. (Price: about $55 per person.) The best part about a daylight visit is that you are there when the dining room, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world, truly sparkles (inside: marble, crystal, gold, VIPs, CEOs; outside: the Place de la Concorde) (011.33.1.44.71.16.16; www.crillon.com).
MEXICO
The best way to get a true feel for the Mexican Riviera is to stay at the numerous — but mostly unknown — private residences up and down the coast. One of the largest and most outstanding of these is Big SkyEl Murmullo, nestled in the cliffs on a small peninsula at the center of Zihuatanejo's sparkling bay. (Great for board meetings and brainstorming sessions.) While you enjoy the 180-degree view from the private pool, terraces, and open-air living area, a full staff of butlers, chefs, waiters, and chambermaids anticipates your every need. You can't beat dinner (fresh fish, all local ingredients) on the terrace, when the lights of the distant village overtake the fading oranges and blues of the setting sun. Qué rico! (888.523.5050.) As a guest in the villa, you'll have full access to the well-known resort La Casa Que Canta, located right next door.
CHINA
One more well-known American brand name is making its mark on China's flourishing free (sort of) marketplace. Last spring, Hertz opened several rental offices in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. But don't plan on getting behind the wheel for a spin. Currently, only those with Chinese national licenses can drive rental cars in China, so your Hertz car comes with a driver. Also, the Grand Hyatt Beijing opened last year on East Chang An Avenue in the city's business and shopping hub.
COLORADO
Inspired by the grand old lodges of the West, the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch opens this winter. The 237-room resort, situated at the base of Beaver Creek's gentle slopes, draws on architectural themes you've seen at national parks, a design style known as "parkitecture." Think of a modern version of the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone, but with a Ritzy spin — huge picture windows in each room, marble tubs, and of course, a Ritz-Carlton Club floor. You'll also find three restaurants, a 21,000-square-foot spa that includes a rock-lined grotto and hot tub, and 100 fireplaces in rooms and public areas throughout the lodge (970.748.6200).
SOUTH AFRICA
Cape Town's Cape Grace Hotel, recently voted "Best Hotel in the World" and "Best Hotel in Africa" by Condé Nast Traveler readers, launched its new restaurant, one.waterfront, last August. On the vibrant Victoria and Albert waterfront, adjacent to the international yacht marina with a view of spectacular Table Mountain, the restaurant features imaginative fare with a distinct South African influence — like tandoori butterfish, fillet of ostrich, and port-braised springbok shank (011.27.21.418.0520; www.capegrace.com). If you're in the mood for an African adventure, or you're headed down to Jo'burg on business, getting there will soon get easier. Starting December 1, South African Airways resumes daily 747 flights from New York to Johannesburg.
TEXAS
 Since most business trippers to Dallas seem to end up north of the city near the Galleria, many find it best to stay in that part of town. With eight properties (plus its worldwide headquarters) in the Dallas area, Wyndham International made its mark on the popular Galleria district last month, taking over the old Hilton Dallas Parkway and spending almost $7 million to convert the 310-room hotel to the Wyndham Dallas North. Each guest room is equipped with Wyndham's "Room That Performs" amenities, like beds dressed in luxurious duvets/coverlets, pillow shams, and bed skirts; Herman Miller ergonomic desk chairs and oversize work desks; two-line cordless telephones, and high-speed Internet access (888.996.3426; www.wyndham.com).
UP OR DOWN?
Overall business travel costs will probably decrease by 3 percent in 2003, following a 7 percent decline this year, predicts travel management consulting firm Runzheimer International.
Airfares. Down 5 percent. Expect business travel volume to rise by about 10 percent after a disastrous drop over the last year, but fares will remain low.
Hotel rates. Flat. Migration to value will continue, resulting in some business travelers opting for less expensive accommodations, or choosing airport hotels rather than pricier downtown locations.
Meals. Up 2 percent. Increasing travel volume will strengthen business restaurant usage, however, dining expenses will receive more scrutiny than ever.
Car rental. Usage up 5 percent. Car rental companies downsized their fleets after 9/11, resulting in tighter supply and higher rates, in addition to increasing taxes imposed by municipalities.
ALL IN ONE
Business travelers' belts are getting pretty heavy these days, what with the pagers, mobile phones, and e-mail devices we all lug around. Luckily, with the new Cingular Xpress Mail product, you can use a single device to handle voice and data, plus secure, real-time access to desktop applications running back at your office like e-mail, contacts, calendars, and tasks. All Cingular Wireless business customers need is an Internet-ready mobile phone such as the Motorola v60t, or a handheld device like the new Handspring Treo. Turn on the phone, and it's just like settling in at your office. You can talk, read, and respond to your desktop e-mail, check or change your calendar, or schedule tasks. See www.cingular.com/business.
Produced by Gloria I. Lerner
Written by Christopher J. McGinnis
Edited by James S. Harrison
Designed by Segal Savad
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