Pro-X-Travel

American Airlines Streamlines Its Airport Processes

American Airlines said today, as part of its efforts to streamline processes and the customer experience during flight departure, it is placing greater focus on its existing Confirmed Flight Change service (CFC), while modifying its standby procedures for customers traveling within and between the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada.

To streamline the departure process at the gate, only American's premium customers will continue to be eligible to standby at no charge on the day of travel for a flight on which they are not confirmed. This includes American's elite status AAdvantage® members – AAdvantage Executive Platinum®, AAdvantage Platinum® and AAdvantage Gold®, those customers who are confirmed in the First or Business Class cabin, customers on certain types of Coach cabin fares, other travelers booked in the same reservation as the eligible customer, and customers traveling on military fares (including spouse and immediate family). 

All customers wishing to change to another flight on their day of travel may purchase American's Confirmed Flight Change for $50, if inventory is available on the requested flights. The CFC service has been in place since 2005. Customers who desire CFC may call American's Reservations offices, handle the transaction at an airport Self Service machine, or purchase at the airport ticket counter. Subject to availability, day-of-travel changes may be confirmed within 12 hours of the new desired flight departure.

The changes go into effect for tickets purchased on or after Feb. 22, 2010. American noted that the changes announced today are similar to the policies of several other airlines and also apply to American Eagle and AmericanConnection flights.

SOURCE American Airlines

IHG announces opening of new Holiday Inn® hotel in Memphis with historic tribute to Kemmons Wilson

“Next-Generation” Holiday Inn opens in brand’s birthplace, owned by family of Kemmons Wilson, founder of Holiday Inn 

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, today announced that the 133-room Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites Memphis-Wolfchase Galleria has opened, bringing the seventh Holiday Inn to the city where the brand began in 1952. A grand opening ceremony and ribbon cutting took place on Saturday, Aug 1, 57 years to the day after the first Holiday Inn opened.

"We're proud to come full circle in Memphis, bringing the new Holiday Inn sign back to the place where it all began," said Kevin Kowalski, senior vice president, Global Brand Management, Holiday Inn Brands. "This hotel is a great example of the changes we are making as we relaunch the Holiday Inn brand around the world. It's very fitting that the family of Kemmons Wilson, the man who founded Holiday Inn, has reinforced their commitment to the future of our brand and the importance of the global relaunch."

The property is based on the Holiday Inn brand's "Next-Generation” prototype design, while the new sign is the seal of approval that this hotel exemplifies the standards of the $1 billion  Holiday Inn brand relaunch program.

The Holiday Inn brand relaunch is the largest in the history of the hospitality industry, with more than 3,200 hotels around the world being updated - improving quality and driving consistency at Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express hotels around the world. The global estate is expected to be relaunched by the end of 2010, and more than 1,000 hotels have been already been relaunched to date.

The relaunch focuses on the things research shows matter most to guests - a modern, contemporary hotel with efficient, friendly service  and a great night's sleep. Relaunched hotels such as the Holiday Inn Memphis-Wolfchase feature:

• Upgraded and decluttered lobby areas
• A Holiday Inn signature scent and sound
• New crisp, white bedding with pillows that come in two comfort levels: "soft" and "firm"
• Upgraded showers with specially designed showerheads that offer superior pressure, signature shower curtain with curved rod and new bathroom amenities
• New exterior lighting and landscaping
• New signage with the redesigned logo

All Holiday Inn employees also go through an extensive "Stay Real" training program to ensure guests receive the level of service they expect.

"The Holiday Inn brand relaunch has given us renewed excitement about the brand, which is meaningful because Holiday Inn is a major part of our family's history," said Kemmons Wilson, Jr., executive vice president, Kemmons Wilson Company.  "I remember when I was just six years old and we cut the ribbon on the very first Holiday Inn. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to continue my father's legacy today and in the future with the new look and feel of the iconic brand he created 57 years ago."

The Holiday Inn Memphis-Wolfchase gives a nod to not only the brand's future but also its history by including museum memorabilia from the first Holiday Inn. The property has an original room set on display including bed, desk, lamp and chair from the very first Holiday Inn, a collection of 80 historical photos are hung throughout the hotel, including photos of the first stock trade of Holiday Inn, the first royalty check, and Kemmons Wilson with notable figures such as Pope John Paul II and Muhammad Ali.

The property's 93,033 sq.-ft. footprint is based on the Holiday Inn brand's "Next-Generation" prototype design, developed to be more efficient to build, operate and maintain.  It features a contemporary, innovative design that sets new standards for business travelers and families alike.  The hotel design debuts a bold change in room décor for Holiday Inn and creates a residential atmosphere that is warm, trend-forward and comfortable. The hotel showcases a natural, fresh color palette punctuated by pops of energetic colors.

In addition, to standard Holiday Inn guestroom accommodations - the residential design includes business-focused necessities like an ergonomic work station, data ports, complimentary high speed Internet access in guest rooms, WiFi capabilities and AT&T VoIP phone systems, which will allow guests to conduct conference calls for up to six participants even while using their computer online.

The full-service hotel also includes a Kem's Restaurant, named after Kemmons Wilson, featuring a wide array of traditional favorites and fresh, grilled menu items.  The Holiday Inn Memphis-Wolfchase offers a variety of other amenities such as a 24-hour fitness center, indoor heated pool and whirlpool, and gift shop.  With more than 3,000 square feet of function space, the hotel will also be available for business meetings and banquets.

The Holiday Inn Memphis Wolfchase-Galleria is owned and managed by Wilson Hotel Management Co., Inc., a division of Kemmons Wilson, Inc., under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group, and is located at 2751 New Brunswick Rd., Memphis, Tenn., 38133.

W Hotels Worldwide Debuts in the U.S. Capital with the Unveiling of W Washington D.C.

Located Steps from the White House and Showcasing Unparalleled Views of the Historic City, W Washington D.C. Marks a Milestone in W’s Continued Global Expansion

W Hotels Worldwide, the hotel category buster and industry innovator, today unveils its first hotel in the U.S. Capital with the opening of W Washington D.C., the W brand’s 25th hotel in North America and 32nd globally. The closest hotel to the White House, W Washington D.C. offers a progressive point of view and reveals spectacular views from all sides of its 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue location. Owned by Nakheel Hotels, W Washington D.C. takes over the historic former Hotel Washington, which opened in 1917. The new W Hotel mixes the historic building’s Beaux Arts architecture with the edgy yet elegant designs of Los Angeles-based designer Dianna Wong, setting the stage for W’s fully integrated contemporary lifestyle experience, including POV (Point of View), the hotel’s destination rooftop bar and lounge, boasting unparalleled views of the White House and the city’s soaring monuments; W Living Room (W’s take on the traditional hotel lobby); and two firsts for Washington D.C.: J&G Steakhouse, from three-star Michelin Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Bliss® Spa, offering manicures, pedicures, facials and massages in a fun, no-attitude atmosphere.

“W Washington D.C. is a global flagship for the W brand as we transform from an American phenomenon to a global powerhouse,” said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien. “The hotel will provide guests and locals alike with W’s unique signature programming set in a cool design environment that gives a contemporary nod to Washington’s long history and offers incomparable views of this most scenic U.S. city.”

Iconic Architecture Mixes with Modern Design to Create the Capitol of Cool

Acclaimed designer Dianna Wong has preserved the history of the iconic Beaux Arts architecture of the iconic former Hotel Washington building while super-imposing W’s design style of vibrant colors, innovative textures, and cutting-edge elements that ring in a new era of modern glamour for both Washington’s power elite and jet setters alike. Guests first experience the contrast of Wong’s design as they walk through the F Street entrance doors, where they are welcomed by a digital fireplace, crackled paint, and deconstructed fixtures and artwork symbolizing “old Washington” and the deconstruction of the former Hotel Washington. In the W Living Room many of the building’s original architectural elements have been restored to their former luster, including famed plaster moldings, playful chandeliers and majestic arches. Wong’s duality of masculine and feminine power, or as she deems it, “pinstripes and lace,” serves as a design theme throughout the new hotel.

"It's been thrilling for me to work on the first W Hotel in the nation's capital," said Dianna Wong, principal at Dianna Wong Architecture and Interiors in Los Angeles. "The new Obama administration has brought a sense of excitement, elegance and youthful energy to Washington D.C. and this hotel captures those qualities. D.C. is the seat of power in America, but the insider knows that the dynamics of power in this town revolve around politics and pleasure. For me, this dance is symbolized by pinstripes and black lace, a duality between masculine and feminine - themes we use throughout the hotel. There is interplay here between history and fashion, classic and sleek, monumental and sublime” added Wong.

Mix and Mingle with Washington’s Power Set at POV Rooftop Bar 

For decades, the former Hotel Washington’s famed rooftop terrace was the most popular destination for presidents, politicos, and Washington’s power set, providing the most renowned views of the White House lawn and the city’s soaring historic monuments of any leisure spot in the nation’s capital. With the opening of W Washington D.C., the rooftop returns, reinterpreted as a modern cocktail lounge inspired by craft cocktail expert Sasha Petraske. Petraske, founder and owner of the well known cocktail culture destinations Milk & Honey in Manhattan, Little Branch in Greenwich Village and Dutch Kills in Queens, NY, has revived classic cocktail recipes that complement the historic architecture and modern twists found throughout the hotel. At the heart of POV’s operation is Petraske’s signature ice program, customized for every beverage, whether it calls for chunks from a burly 100+ pound ice block, custom cold-sculpted spears, spheres, and pellets, or simply shaved ice. Perched atop W Washington D.C., POV features striking red, black and white décor to complement the night sky, floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the city, and an outdoor terrace reconfigured with raised awnings, offering even more spectacular views. Additionally, Petraske’s artisanal spirits and classic cocktails are available in the 150-seat W Living Room, which serves as a social hub for guests and locals to mingle and sip as they mix business with pleasure or transition between the two.

Savor Sumptuous Cuisine in Style at J&G Steakhouse 

Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the Michelin-starred culinary figure renowned for providing dining experiences that are local in content and global in reach, arrives in Washington for the first time with the opening of J&G Steakhouse, W Washington D.C.’s signature restaurant. Infusing timeless and sophisticated cuisine set in a contemporary design environment, J&G Steakhouse is a composition of Jean-Georges’ favorite dishes from his New York restaurants as well as an inspired steakhouse menu with composed and simply grilled items. Also designed by Wong, the dining room at J&G Steakhouse boasts 20-foot ceilings with double height, arched windows and mirrors providing sweeping views of the White House Gardens and the Washington Monument. San Francisco artist Julie Chang has created a modern mural of cherry blossoms and coins on the ceilings and walls of the restaurant, homage to the Capital City’s famous cherry trees and a nod to the neighboring Treasury Department.

"J&G Steakhouse will bring New York cuisine to Washington D.C. in a modern take of the classic steakhouse - Jean-Georges style with D.C. flavor. Working with local organic farms to source sustainable products, we plan to highlight the best of what D.C. has to offer on our menu,” said Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

Located just below the dining room is J&G’s stylish Wine Bar, a cozy tavern-style lounge with slated floors, brick walls and exposed concrete beams. A selection of old and new world wines are offered as well as hand crafted cocktails and bottled beers from around the world. Jean-Georges has created an informal and casual menu of dishes to enhance the Wine Bar experience and accompany the unique libations. Guests at W Washington D.C. are also able to enjoy Vongerichten’s award-winning cuisine whether relaxing in-room, sipping amongst D.C.’s elite at POV, or attending a star-studded event held at the hotel.

Indulge at Washington’s First Bliss® Spa

Bliss Spa arrives in Washington D.C. for the first time with more than 4,000-square-feet of tension-fighting facilities with a focus on manicures and pedicures, facials, waxing, and skincare services as well as bliss signature massages. Four treatments rooms and bliss trademark touches such as rhythm & blues tunes, a retail beauty boutique, and the legendary brownie buffet, make bliss washington d.c. the ultimate destination for stylish jet setters and spa and beauty-loving locals. W Washington D.C. guests also receive “BIP” (Bliss Important Person) status for priority reservations, exclusive in-room sampling, and sink side bliss amenities in all guestrooms and suites.

Escape and Unwind in a Modern Refuge

W Washington D.C. features 317 stylish guestrooms, including 23 Marvelous suites, seven WOW suites, and an Extreme WOW suite (W’s reinterpretation of the traditional Presidential Suite), all of which incorporate Wong’s neo-romantic designs, exemplifying the power balance of “pinstripes and lace” found throughout the property. All guestrooms and suites feature state-of-the-art entertainment options, including flat-screen LCD TV and docking station for MP3 players, and a fully stocked Munchie Box (W Hotels’ twist of the hotel Mini Bar), setting the stage for a night on the town or for winding down after a day taking in the city’s illustrious museums.

Celebrate at Washington’s Premier Meeting, Event and Wedding Space 

W Washington D.C. features more than 12,000 square feet of ultra-modern meeting and event space, including The Great Room (W’s take on a grand ballroom) and Altitude Ballroom, which overlooks the Washington cityscape. Wong’s design of The Great Room, with a capacity to hold 700 guests, is a modern interpretation of the historic hotel’s 1920s Beaux Arts glamour, featuring a dramatic staircase at the entrance, striking chandeliers (new and 1920s originals remodeled) and glimmering columns throughout. Altitude Ballroom, located adjacent to POV rooftop lounge, has a capacity for 220 guests and has quickly become Washington’s most in-demand wedding destination.

Lavish Your Every Whim Whatever/Whenever

Other amenities at W Washington D.C. include SWEAT, state-of-the-art fitness center; WIRED business center; 24-hour in-room dining; and dry cleaning, laundry and valet services. Event spaces and WOW suites are connected to the National Press Club’s satellite feed, allowing the hotel’s entertainment and news industry guests to uplink remotes and interviews without the hassle of bringing satellite trucks downtown. W Washington D.C. also offers the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever® service promise, providing guests with whatever they want – from a private guided tour of the White House to private jet service from Reagan National – whenever they want it, as long as it’s legal!

W Washington D.C. is located at 515 15th Street NW Washington, District of Columbia 20004.

Holiday Inn Relaunches 1000th Hotel

New Holiday Inn Express in Times Square, New York, opens as part of the biggest  relaunch in hospitality history

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), the world's largest hotel company, today announced the opening of its 1000^th relaunched Holiday Inn hotel - the Holiday Inn Express New York City Times Square.

The $1 billion relaunch of Holiday Inn is the largest in the history of the hospitality industry, with over 3,200 hotels around the world being updated - improving quality and driving consistency at Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express hotels from Boston to Beijing.

In addition to the 3,200 open hotels there are a further 1,050 in the development pipeline, due to open with the relaunched branding in the next 3-4 years. The relaunch programme, combined with new openings and continued removal of lower quality hotels, will completely rejuvenate the Holiday Inn estate over the next few years.

Andy Cosslett, IHG's CEO said "The opening of our 1000^th relaunched Holiday Inn hotel is the latest milestone on our 3 year journey and demonstrates the momentum behind the programme. Despite the tough economic climate, we've relaunched, on average, 4 hotels a day for the past 6 months and we're committed to completing the global relaunch by the end of 2010.

Relaunched hotels are benefitting from improved guest satisfaction and an average RevPAR (revenue per available room) outperformance of over 5%. And the feedback we're getting from our guests and hotel owners tell us it's the right time to be doing this. The economic environment has changed since we started the programme, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to show people that the Holiday Inn they came to know and love over the last 50 years is still a hotel that's right for them today."

The relaunch focuses on the things research shows matter most to guests - a modern, contemporary hotel with efficient, friendly service and a great night's sleep. Relaunched hotels feature:

• Upgraded and decluttered lobby areas  

• A Holiday Inn scent and sound  

• New bedding  

• Upgraded showers and bathroom amenities  

• New exterior lighting and landscaping  

• New signage with the redesigned logo  

• All Holiday Inn employees also go through an extensive "Stay Real" training programme to ensure guests receive the level of service they expect.  

26 million people a year visit Times Square and the 210-room Holiday Inn Express New York City Times Square is surrounded by New York City's biggest tourist attractions including Broadway, the Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building. The hotel is located at 343 West 39th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues in Midtown Manhattan, with LaGuardia (LGA) and JFK International (JFK) both less than 30 minutes away.

Connect by Hertz Signs Marriott as First Corporate Customer

Programs Available for Large and Small Businesses Accounts

Connect by Hertz, Hertz's global car sharing club, has signed its first major corporate account -- Marriott International. Cars will be placed at Marriott's Bethesda, MD headquarters providing its more than 3,000 employees with an environmentally friendly, economical alternative to car ownership and a solution for short-term transportation needs. The effort underscores Hertz's commitment to aggressively expand its car sharing club which was launched in December.

Mark P. Frissora, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hertz, said, "Car sharing is another good way for corporations to manage business travel in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner. The partnership between Marriott and Connect by Hertz enables Marriott, a long-time Hertz partner, to create a new, cost-effective travel option for its headquarter employees. We believe many corporations can realize significant savings and benefits by adding a car sharing option to their business travel portfolio."

"At Marriott International, part of our Spirit To Preserve™ strategy is to engage our employees and guests to support the environment through their everyday actions at home, at work and on travel," says Arne Sorenson, Chief Financial Officer of Marriott International and co-chair of the company's Executive Green Council. "If our headquarters employees have access to Connect by Hertz cars to run errands or attend offsite meetings mid-day, we believe they'll be more likely to carpool, bicycle and take public transportation to and from work. Based on this program's success, we will review making it available at our hotels throughout the world."

Four EPA SmartWay® certified cars have been placed at Marriott's headquarters and will be available for use 24/7. Cars are available to all employee members of Connect by Hertz with gas, maintenance, insurance and parking included in the low, hourly rate (starting at $8.50 per hour). Hertz was selected by Marriott for its advanced technology, solid infrastructure and quality vehicles and Hertz's history of providing superior customer service. Marriott and Hertz are also allowing membership and vehicle usage by other businesses located near the Marriott headquarters as well as local-area Bethesda residents.

Connect by Hertz offers businesses an economical, convenient and socially conscious alternative to fleet ownership. Connect by Hertz helps promote public transportation usage and car pooling, reducing congestion and parking problems while helping the environment. Businesses can reduce expenses and control costs by converting fixed fleet costs into variable costs by only paying for per trip usage. Shared cars can be used for professional purposes, including trips to nearby offices and off-site business meetings. Additionally, businesses can give employees a money-saving perk by offering Connect cars at work, making cars available for personal usage.

With a variety of programs available, Connect by Hertz eliminates the need for businesses to worry about owning a corporate fleet. Connect by Hertz's basic business package is great for small companies with such benefits as no minimum commitment, free membership and a variety of parking options. For larger businesses, Connect by Hertz's semi-exclusive and exclusive packages offer exclusive vehicle usage, membership in Connect by Hertz and Hertz #1 Club Gold, and personal, employee accounts.

"The applications for businesses are great," continued Frissora. "Connect by Hertz is able to situate cars on corporate campuses, allow employees to access vehicles for personal usage and we're also able to offer corporate members the added benefit of classic rent a car services. Businesses, government entities with fleet operations, and even companies operating residential buildings, such as apartment complexes, can all benefit by offering employees and tenants car sharing services."

Connect by Hertz uses the latest in end-to-end telematics to provide superior customer service. Members enroll online where they can retrieve invoices and access their driving history. After reserving, an email confirmation and text message indicating the car's license plate and location is sent to the member. To unlock and engage the vehicle, members simply swipe their Connect card over the car's identification reader. In car, a hands-free audio kit connects members to a Member Care Center representative should they have questions, need assistance or need to extend their rental. Cars are also equipped with iPod connectivity and NeverLost® in-car navigation system.

The Hertz Corporation, a subsidiary of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HTZ), is the world's largest general use car rental brand, operating from approximately 8,500 locations in 141 countries worldwide. Hertz is the number one airport car rental brand in the U.S. and at 42 major airports in Europe, operating both corporate and licensee locations in cities and airports in North America, Europe, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. In addition, the Company has licensee locations in cities and airports in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Product and service initiatives such as Hertz #1 Club Gold®, NeverLost® customized, onboard navigation systems, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and unique cars and SUVs offered through the company's Prestige, Fun and Green Collections, set Hertz apart from the competition. In 2008, the Company launched Connect by Hertz, entering the global car sharing market in London, New York City and Paris. Hertz also operates one of the world's largest equipment rental businesses, Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation, offering a diverse line of equipment, including tools and supplies, as well as new and used equipment for sale, to customers ranging from major industrial companies to local contractors and consumers through approximately 350 branches in the United States, Canada, China, France, and Spain.

UPDATE: American Express Unveils Flagship Travel Service Office in Cambridge, Mass.

Recent images of the American Express flagship Service Office in Harvard Square / Cambridge, Mass.

American Express Unveils Flagship Travel Service Office in Cambridge, Mass.

Featuring New Services including Cardmember Lounge and Concierge Services, Innovative Technology, Special Offers and Events

American Express opened its flagship Travel Service Office in Cambridge, Massachusetts offering visitors new travel services including a Cardmember lounge, concierge services, unique virtual technology, and special travel offers and events, in addition to service from American Express' travel agents. Located in the heart of historic Harvard Square, the Cambridge Travel office features a lounge-inspired environment that takes leisure travel to a new level.

"The new Cambridge office is the travel agency of the future, a destination that's welcoming, interactive and encourages visitors to linger and discover all the features and services that American Express Travel offers," said Ellen Bettridge, vice president of the American Express Retail Travel Network. "Our goal is to make the vacation planning and exploration process easy, convenient and meaningful; and to invite consumers who haven't used a travel agent before to discover the benefits."

New Services and Technology

The Cambridge Travel Service Office features a new onsite concierge services desk that provides end-to-end travel planning for elements of a trip including dining and entertainment, daily activities and excursions, tours and transportation.

The Travel Service Office also provides an American Express Cardmember Lounge, which offers Cardmembers a place to unwind and enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and refreshments. 

"Our Travel Service Offices around the world have always been a place our Cardmembers go when they need assistance," added Bettridge. "In launching this new flagship location, we wanted to provide an oasis for our Cardmembers and for customers and to continue to demonstrate that American Express is there for them." 

Additionally, a business lounge area is available with administrative services for conferences, guest lectures and other functions for an additional fee.

The Travel Service Office also features innovative technologies through a Microsoft Surface station designed to take visitors on new and exciting journeys. Customers have access to a touch-screen map that provides information and details on hotels, travel offers and promotions through videos and images, virtually transporting them to destinations around the world.

Special Travel Offer

From now until July 31, 2009, travelers who book a qualifying vacation package at the new Cambridge office that is valued at $3,000 or more will receive a $300 American Express Gift Card, certain restrictions apply*. 

Special Events and Benefits

The Cambridge office will host events with key American Express Travel partners that will be open to the public, including:

• "Set Sail in Harvard Square" with Royal Caribbean that will bring the cruising experience to life. Guests can sample hors d'oeuvres inspired by their onboard fare and receive exciting booking offers on June 25, 2009
• "Ireland Loves Boston" with Brendan Vacations will entice travelers to get to know and plan their next vacation to Ireland with live Irish music, Irish fare and compelling travel incentives on August 6, 2009.
• "Destination Caribbean" with American Express Vacations in partnership with a Caribbean tourism board will invite Bostonians to plan their next warm weather vacation with island music, tropical fare, special travel offers, giveaways and more. To be held in September.

In addition to the events, the Cambridge travel office offers benefits to its customers through partnerships with Lands' End and Travel + Leisure.

• As the official retail partner for the Cambridge office, Lands' End supplied the travel service office team apparel and will provide visitors a ten percent discount on apparel through a special website.
• Visitors will be able to pick up complimentary issues of Travel + Leisure magazine.

Location and Hours
The Cambridge travel office is located at 39 JFK Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts and is open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

About American Express Travel
American Express entered the travel agency business in 1915, and today operates one of the world's largest travel agency networks in more than 140 countries worldwide.

American Express Company (www.americanexpress.com) is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.

*To redeem, contact American Express Travel, Cambridge and mention promotion code: AERMT001. Offer valid through July 31, 2009. To receive this benefit, purchase a cruise or vacation package operator through the American Express Travel Services location in Cambridge, MA, of $3,000 or more per booking to receive a $300 American Express Gift Card. Does not include independent air, hotel or car rental reservations. Limit one per customer. Offer not combinable with other American Express offers. Gift Card will be provided to customer at time of final payment. 

DOLLAR THRIFTY AUTOMOTIVE GROUP UPDATE ON CHRYSLER EXPOSURE

Chrysler Group LLC assumes obligations

Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. provided an update on its credit exposure to Chrysler LLC, which has declined significantly due to payments received since the commencement of the Chrysler LLC's bankruptcy proceeding and its successful asset sale. As previously announced, the Company's primary credit exposure to Chrysler relates to residual value guarantees on program vehicles in the Company's rental fleet, as well as on program vehicles that had previously been returned to auction.

In connection with the completion of the sale of substantially all of the assets of Chrysler LLC to Chrysler Group LLC ("Chrysler Group"), Chrysler Group has agreed, as stated in the bankruptcy court order approving the sale, to assume certain liabilities of Chrysler LLC, including liabilities under residual value guarantees and rebate bonuses offered to fleet customers prior to the closing of the sale with respect to vehicles subject to guaranteed depreciation programs. Based on the assumption of this liability by Chrysler Group, the Company believes that its primary exposure will be fully honored and settled in the ordinary course of business.

As of June 10, 2009, the Company's exposures were as follows:

• Approximately $6.4 million in trade receivables under incentive and vehicle repurchase programs.
• Approximately $250,000 in estimated exposure for residual value guarantees on approximately 40 program vehicles that have been returned to auction but not yet sold.
• Approximately $23 million in estimated exposure for residual value guarantees on approximately 3,600 program vehicles currently in the Company's rental fleet. These vehicles are subject to return to auction in the third and fourth quarters of 2009.

"We are very pleased that Chrysler completed its asset sale in a way that will allow Chrysler Group and Dollar Thrifty to continue to benefit from our long-term association. The removal of this uncertainty is of significant benefit to Dollar Thrifty and all of our stakeholders," said Scott L. Thompson, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are particularly pleased that the sale process was handled in such a timely way that we have not experienced a negative impact on the residual values of Chrysler products. We look forward to continuing our relationship and expect to be working closely with Chrysler Group in the near future."

Dollar Thrifty separately confirmed that it does not have any material exposure to General Motors.

About Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc.

Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. is a Fortune 1000 company headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Driven by the mission "Value Every Time," the Company's brands, Dollar Rent A Car and Thrifty Car Rental, serve value-conscious travelers in over 70 countries. Dollar and Thrifty have over 700 corporate and franchised locations in the United States and Canada, operating in virtually all of the top U.S. and Canadian airport markets. The Company's approximately 6,800 employees are located mainly in North America, but global service capabilities exist through an expanding international franchise network. For additional information, visit www.dtag.com or the brand sites at www.dollar.com and www.thrifty.com .

SOURCE: Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc.