UK & US Travel Headlines - April 5, 2024

Heathrow Faces New Four-Day Border Force Strike More than 600 members of the PCS union—those who carry out immigration controls and passport checks at Heathrow—are due to walk out from 11-14 April as part of a dispute with the UK government over changes to rosters and shift patterns.
Cathay Pacific First Class is Returning to JFK As of 31 March, one of Cathay's three daily JFK flights will feature first class. The flights will be operated by Cathay's four-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
Bulgaria & Romania Join EU's Schengen Travel Area The move means that passport checks at the two countries' air and sea borders have now been lifted for travellers from the other 27 Schengen members. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said the move was an "important day" as the two countries join the "Schengen Family."
United Allows Loyalty Members to Pool Their Miles With Friends & Family Groups of up to five MileagePlus members can now share and redeem miles in one linked account. There are no limits to the number of miles contributed to a pool, and pooled miles can be used when booking a ticket on United.com or via the mobile app.
National Grabs First Place Again in BTN's Annual Car Rental Survey Travel buyers gave car rental companies mixed results in BTN's 2024 Car Rental Survey, with three of the five rated brands garnering higher scores compared with 2023, but two declining. The average for the industry was 4.08 on an ascending scale of one to five, down from 4.12 last year.

GREEN NEWS

More Than One Million Passengers Opt for Lufthansa Group's Green Fares

The group launched the fare option as a pilot project in August 2022, before rolling it out across the group's European and North African routes in February 2023, and subsequently to selected long-haul routes.

Europe's Airports Call for Greater EU Decarbonisation Support

Airports association, ACI Europe, is urging future EU leaders to dedicate more funding to support the future of aviation and the sector's sustainability goals.

The pristine beaches of the Maldives await at Soneva Fushi. Hop off the plane and step into an unparalleled paradise of barefoot luxury. With 55 private island villas wrapped in a sustainable ecosystem of lush jungle, this lavish hideaway presents guests with exclusive access to crystalline waters, and one-of-a-kind sunrise and sunset views.

Allow yourself to be pampered with 24/7, personalised butler service before taking a dip in your own pool. Satisfy your appetite for adventure by ziplining through the rainforest; swimming amongst manta rays in Hanifaru Bay; or hopping on a speedboat to a private picnic escape.

Explore eleven unique dining destinations, with an ever-changing line-up of Michelin-starred guest chefs. Soneva Fushi will deliver a customised experience, every time.

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Sunset Marquis

Los Angeles, California

Sunset Marquis is a respite for the creative mind, and a place to recharge and relax poolside or at the spa. Though it has been a West Hollywood staple for over 60 years, it remains forever young. Located right off the strip, it is an oasis of bespoke tranquility, style, and comfort. Enjoy a decadent meal at Cavatina, where the finest local ingredients are hand-selected.

Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp

Antwerp, Belgium

Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is a destination in its own right. Boasting exceptional fine dining, the property showcases the best of Belgium and the world. Complete with a groundbreaking spa and a future-oriented health concept, this hotel is a global benchmark for luxury hospitality. Here, guests will discover sophistication amid the splendor of nature.

Hotel Lutetia

Paris, France

Hotel Lutetia opened in 1910. The building is significant in Paris for embodying the transition from the art deco style of the Belle Epoque to the emerging forms of art nouveau. The very best of Paris is reflected in each of the hotel's rooms, whilst striking signature suites redefine what luxury is in the modern age.

Kimpton Schofield Hotel

Cleveland, Ohio

Set inside a much-loved landmark building in downtown Cleveland, Kimpton Schofield Hotel honors the past; they've restored the gorgeous charm of their brick building to its circa-1902 look. Located in the middle of Cleveland's cultural circuit, this boutique hotel boasts a bright lobby, cosy guest rooms and playful touches.

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