Chicago: News

Virgin Hotels to Launch Preference Program, Open First Hotel

Virgin Hotels to Launch Preference Program, Open First Hotel

Virgin Hotels announced the launch of the Know, a new personalized preference program, as well as the opening of the first Virgin property.
The Know program works as follows: guests complete a questionnaire about their preferences, including pet peeves, allergies, and minibar likes and dislikes. Know members will also receive special benefits, including prearranged activities before arriving at the hotel, complimentary room upgrades when available, exclusive room offers, invitations to special …

United Airlines Launches Houston-Santiago, Chile Flights

United Airlines Launches Houston-Santiago, Chile Flights

United Airlines announced the beginning of new daily service between Houston, Texas and Santiago, Chile on Sunday.  The carrier is operating the service using Boeing 767-300 aircraft.
Flights depart George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston at 9:35 p.m. and arrive at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago at 10:10 a.m. the next day.  Flights from Santiago to Houston depart at 11:00 p.m. and arrive at 5:55 a.m. the following …

Delta to Offer New Craft Beers on Domestic Flights

Delta to Offer New Craft Beers on Domestic Flights

Delta Air Lines announced it will begin serving regional craft beers on many of its domestic routes in the United States.
The carrier will now offer beers from Ballast Point Brewing Company in San Diego; Blue Point Brewing Company in Long Island, New York; Brooklyn Brewery in Brooklyn; Lagunitas Brewing Company in Petaluma, California; Newburyport Brewing Company in Newburyport, Massachusetts; and Stone Brewing Company in Escondido, California.
The new selections of beers …

United Announces New Transatlantic Routes for Summer Schedule

United Announces New Transatlantic Routes for Summer Schedule

United Airlines announced new transatlantic additions to its summer network next year.  The carrier said it will launch new service between Newark and Venice, Chicago and Dublin, and Washington, D.C. and Paris.
Beginning June 4, United will offer new daily between Newark and Venice, Italy.  Flights will depart Newark Liberty International Airport at 6:45 p.m. and arrive at Venice Marco Polo Airport at 9:05 a.m. the next day, with flights from …

Thanksgiving Week Storm to Disrupt Travel Plans

Thanksgiving Week Storm to Disrupt Travel Plans

As a storm promising rain and heavy snow heads to the east coast and Appalachians, high winds were causing delays on Monday at numerous airports across the country.
The weather has caused almost 2,000 flight delays and 200 cancellations as of 2:30 p.m. EST, according to FlightStats, a flight-tracking service.
The airports impacted by the greatest number of delays and cancellations were Chicago O’Hare, LaGuardia, Dallas/Fort Worth International, and Baltimore/Washington International.
Meanwhile, rain …

Second Winter Storm Hits Pacific Northwest, Moves East

Second Winter Storm Hits Pacific Northwest, Moves East

The nation’s second winter storm, which already left up to a quarter inch of ice in parts of Portland and Eugene, Oregon, is moving east from the Pacific Northwest, and is expected to drop as much as four inches of snow in some places.
Portland can expect to see freezing rain, sleet, and snow on Thursday, with total accumulations by the end of the day totaling between 1” and 3”.  As …

First Major Winter Storm of Season Threatens Midwest

First Major Winter Storm of Season Threatens Midwest

Although the temperatures in many parts of the country have been warm, a preview of winter will make its debut at the start of the week, with below average temperatures in two thirds of the country and significant snow accumulations in parts of the Plains and Midwest.
A cold front moving east from Montana will bring below freezing temperatures to some cities including Chicago and Minneapolis, and it will feel even …