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Welcome to the The Atlantic Update for Wednesday 6 February 2019, our weekly update on transatlantic travel from Europe to North America.
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Virgin Atlantic San Francisco Clubhouse Access
Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse in San Francisco has long been one of its more popular lounges outside of London.
The one downside is that the lounge could only be accessed before security. As of yesterday, Virgin Atlantic has advised that the lounge is now accessed airside in the departures area. You can access the lounge by taking a lift to Level 5 after security.
Severe Weather
Severe weather conditions continue across the United States.
American Airlines and BA have a travel waiver in place for the mid-West region including Chicago and Toronto. Passengers due to travel today or tomorrow can rebook up to Sunday 10 February.
Delta also has a travel waiver for the North East region. Passengers due to travel up to Thursday 7 February can rebook up to Sunday 10 February.
Equinox Hotel New York Opens In June
One of most dismal aspects of almost any hotel is its fitness room.
Photographs are always conspicuously absent from the hotel’s website. It’s usually located in a windowless basement with an odd assortment of equipment and devoid of any atmosphere. It’s a token effort as, unlike hotel bars and event spaces, they can’t be rented out with high minimum bar spend guarantees. Hotels have started to embrace “wellness”, usually with group yoga classes at an unspeakably early hour.
Equinox, which operates upscale gyms across the US and two in London, is opening its first Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards New York this is June.
Exact details are scant – bar a conceptual film featuring Naomi Campbell – and it’s not yet accepting bookings. Based on Equinox’s gyms this will certainly look good, but will be handsomely priced.
Also of note this week:
As snow fell in San Francisco yesterday, the San Francisco Chronicle looks at the great snow storm of 1976. (San Francisco Chronicle)
American Airlines welcomes its first Airbus A321 Neo ahead of scheduled domestic flights from April this year. (American Airlines)
Delta extends pre-ordering of meals in First Class on flights within the Americas. (Delta)
United opens its new United Club lounge at Fort Lauderdale airport, with new lounges to follow at LaGuardia, New Orleans and Raleigh Durham. (United)
Late Post Publication Updates
The Port Authority Of New York and New Jersey has provided further details on its plans to redevelop New York JFK. It has been confirmed that following the demolition of Terminal 7, BA will be co-located with American Airlines in Terminal 8 from 2022. (London Air Travel)
American Airlines is to introduce new amenity kits in premium economy, business and First Class on long-haul flights and in business and First Class on transcontinental flights. (American Airlines)
United is to reconfigure 21 Boeing 767-300 aircraft with more Polaris business class and new premium economy seats. These will operate between Heathrow and Newark first. (United)
[Reserved for updates during the day.]
The Atlantic Update is published every Wednesday at 06:00 GMT. If you have any comments, suggestions or tips then please drop us a line at mail [@] londonairtravel.com
