As we discussed in our July issue of TravelWatcher, airlines are making billions in baggage fees. Click to view a complete updated fee chart by airline: Airline Baggage Fees. In addition to packing light so you only need one carry-on, becoming an elite frequent flyer of one or more airlines and taking out an airline-sponsored credit card that waives baggage fees, here's another tool for you to consider: door-to-door luggage shipping services. Your Protravel agent can make all the arrangements. Here's the two we like best: Luggage Forward and Luggage Free.
Danny Meyer bringing BBQ to some Delta flights
Life just got tastier for passengers flying in business class from New York to London. Delta Air Lines struck a deal with restaurateur Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group. Starting in February, passengers seated in the front of the plane will be able to order a meal designed by the culinary team at Blue Smoke Restaurant in NYC. These meals will be served on the three daily flights between JFK Airport and London-Heathrow starting in February.
Seven top airport hotels
Regal Airport, Hong Kong: Connected to the terminal by an enclosed, climate-controlled bridge.
Langham Place, Beijing Capital: Brings extra style to the conveniently located hotel.
Kempinski, Munich: Soundproof windows and blackout curtains help guests disconnect from the busy travel landscape outside.
Sofitel, London-Heathrow: The Perrier-Jouët Bar offers an extensive champagne list as well as other after-work beverages.
Hilton, Beijing Capital: Soundproofed floor-to-ceiling windows keep the atmosphere tranquil.
Hyatt Regency, Incheon: Relax after a day of traveling in the 25-meter swimming pool.
Grand Hyatt Dallas/Fort Worth: Complimentary airport transportation, via Skylink and Terminal Link.
HOTELNEWS Marriott offers smartphone users faster check-in
In recognition of its increasingly connected mobile guests, Marriott Hotels is rolling out mobile check-in at 325 hotels in the U.S. and Canada. With the Marriott Mobile App, check-in is simple; all Marriott Rewards members can check-in after 4 pm the day before their arrival and will receive an automatic notification when their room is ready. Because credit card information is stored within their Marriott Rewards profiles, members simply walk up to the expedited mobile check-in desk where their pre-programmed key card will be waiting for them.
Hi tech hotels
Hotel 1000, Seattle: Includes a silent infrared doorbell with sensors that detect body heat so housekeeping knows when not to interrupt, smart climate control and a 40-inch LCD HDTV.
Kimpton EPIC Hotel, Miami: Every room has a desktop PC with high-speed Internet and connection to the lobby printer. In the Club Lounge, a touch-screen map akin to a huge smartphone lets you surf the internet, watch videos and scout local hotspots.
Aria, Las Vegas: 4,000-room mega-resort lets you customize everything about your stay. Guestrooms greet you as you enter -- literally addressing you by name -- while the lights and TV turn on and curtains open to reveal spectacular views.
Bel-Air, Los Angeles: At this Hollywood Hills icon, check-in includes a tutorial on the use of guestroom gadgetry -- ensuring you don't freak out about how to operate the smart toilet.
Omni, Dallas: Interactive reader boards with touch-screens fill the lobby and let you check everything from flight info to area attractions, news, weather, meetings and events.
Limited-edition hotel cocktails
Time is running out on some of these favorite Summer cocktails:
Andaz 5th Avenue, NYC: Summery cocktails on offer until September 30. The two most popular are the Taken to Task (Aylesbury Duck vodka, lemon, Cochhi Americano, berries and orange bitters) and the Scarlet Rum Old-Fashioned (Flor de Caña 7 year rum, Scarlet Ibis rum, Clear Creek Pear Liqueur and Angostura bitters.)
The Waldorf Astoria New York has U.S. Open fever and is offering a grand slam of a cocktail during the run of the matches through September. The Tennis Ball features the hotel's Top of the Waldorf Honey produced by the six apiaries on the 20th floor along with Zubrowka Bison Grass vodka, Cocchi Americano, Midori melon liqueur and fresh lemon juice.
The Jefferson, Washington DC: The Quill cocktail bar crafts Zodiac Zinger cocktails based on the current sun sign. Right now they have the Virgo available through September 22, made with bourbon, cognac, Triple Sec, lemon juice, simple syrup, and an orange twist for garnish. The cocktail was designed to appeal to a wide range of palates, perfect for those notoriously difficult-to-please Virgos.
The Iroquois Hotel, NYC: The head bartender of Lantern's Keep, the intimate cocktail salon situated in the lobby, is a walking cocktail dictionary with upwards of 500 cocktails in his repertoire. Rene Hidalgo can convince any vodka-only drinkers to fall in love with a different spirit, particularly important since the bar doesn't serve vodka. The Rum Cherry Fix is available until the end of September
Famed chef José Andrés at the Ritz-Carlton Dorado
Spanish chef extraordinaire José Andrés who opened the restaurant Mi Casa at the luxury resort. Normally you'll find José's restaurants on the U.S. mainland at the SLS hotels in Miami and Beverly Hills, as well as other restaurants in Washington D.C., Las Vegas and other cities.
Latest travel trends: personalization & special interest
Over 4,000 luxury travel industry representatives attended Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas in August. Some of the visible trends highlight just how specialized many travel suppliers are becoming...
The rise and resurgence of the travel agent: While the rise of online travel sites threatened the traditional travel agent retail business, and agents most definitely took a hit over these years, the trend is swinging back towards the agent. The role of an actual human being is becoming ever more treasured as the information explosion continues to overwhelm the typical Internet research session. Cutting through the noise is difficult, and thus knowledgeable, available, well-connected agents are valued highly.
Special interest travel: Travel companies have been addressing the personalized travel trend for many years. With new technologies, travel startups have also been consistently offering up ways for travelers to both customize their trips before leaving and to secure individualized experiences while in-destination. There are no shortage of demographics aggressively being targeted in the luxury market: LGBT, culinary, sport & adventure, spiritual, historical, etc. Any interest can be catered to with customized itineraries for clients who value the curatorial skills provided.
Noteworthy exclusive experiences: In-person, face-to-face experiences that are not necessarily widely available are rising in prominence as the keys to a memorable trip. Both for personal growth and social media sharing, these experiences are becoming ever more valuable to those who consume them. For example: private access to Highclere Castle (of Downton Abbey fame) or a private viewing of non-public areas of the Tower of London.
Living like a local: For the luxury traveler, there is a new meaning to this phrase - especially when you consider the scale of private residences available for short-term stays. Access and authenticity are rapidly becoming the key attractions, not just a new destination, a nice hotel or a tasty meal.
Health and wellness travel: It's no longer just about getting away to a remote beach. Healthful activities and food are now being sought out. New spas, healthier menus, exercise, yoga and various levels of personal growth and health are now becoming core components for affluent travelers.
Going to Paris? Here's a Protravel VIP perk
Galeries Lafayette, Paris's leading department store, has offered all Protravel clients a 10% discount card with a welcome kit, complimentary glass of Moet & Chandon Champagne and access to VIP services like a personal shopper and private lounges. Ask your Protravel agent about it.
