JetBlue and New Lounges Take Flight at LAX

JetBlue has recently announced an expansion of its low-fare service from the greater Los Angeles area. The airline, which will commence flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on May 21, will initially offer three daily flights to New York/JFK and once-daily flights to Boston. JetBlue has delivered on their commitment to building global partnerships by beginning services at LAX, which "will help strengthen the LAX international gateway as a key driver of Southern California's economy," said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. JetBlue currently flies out of LA/Ontario International Airport and Long Beach Airport, and is also introducing service from Burbank's Bob Hope Airport in May. As JetBlue finalizes its move into LAX, the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) continues to move forward on its multi-billion dollar capital improvement program. In early 2008, TBIT announced the completion of all four of its state-of-the-art airline lounges. Designed to incorporate the airline alliance concept, the STAR Alliance, oneworld Alliance, SkyTeam Alliance and a fourth, a non-affiliated independent lounge, replaced the terminal's outdated 16 lounges and expanded lounge space at TBIT by 72 percent to 47,000 square feet. Participating airlines have invested more than $20 million to provide business and first-class passengers deluxe service. The new lounges offer Wi-Fi access, individual work stations, showers, food service with local and ethnic favorites, reading material and VIP areas.
www.jetblue.com
www.lawa.org/lax

Coming Soon: The Simpsons!

On May 17, Universal Studios Hollywood will be adding animated fun and excitement to their roster with the opening of a new highly anticipated theme park ride based on the blockbuster hit series, The Simpsons. Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson -- stars of TV's longest running series -- will ride along with guests in a new mega-attraction. Guests will be rocketed along with the Simpson family and experience a side of Springfield previously unexplored. The ride will be interpreted by thrill rides, dark rides and "live" shows that make up a new fantasy amusement park dreamed up by the show's irritable Krusty the Clown. The ride will feature the show's classic humor and many of its instantly recognizable characters - all voiced by the original actors. In June, guests to the theme park will also be able to explore the new Universal Experience "Behind the Scenes of Universal Pictures" attraction, where Hollywood's crown jewels will be on view as Universal Studios Hollywood mixes rare, never-before-seen props, costumes, wardrobe and artifacts with special effects displays.
www.universalstudioshollywood.com

LA INC. Introduces the New 2008 MTPG

The 2008 Los Angeles Meeting + Travel Professionals Guide is a single reference resource that gives meeting and travel professionals a valuable tool, allowing them to compare everything from guest rooms and meeting facilities to support services and amenities. With a distribution of 25,000, the guide reaches many key customers including association, corporate and independent meeting planners; travel agents, tour operators and travel wholesalers - both domestically and internationally. Together, these groups help bring in a substantial portion of the $14 billion spent by visitors in Los Angeles each year. The guide is assembled in a user-friendly format that includes exciting articles, captivating photography and comprehensive listings that make up this exclusive sales piece for LA INC. In line with the bureau's green initiative, LA INC. is pleased to announce this guide has been printed on recycled paper and is now also available to view and download on LA INC.'s new-look Web site, www.discoverLosAngeles.com. The 2008 Los Angeles Meeting + Travel Professionals Guide joins LA INC.'s portfolio of publications, including the Los Angeles Official Visitors Guide (published semi-annually) and the Los Angeles Visitor Map (published annually).

Downtown Gets Convenient

Downtown continues to welcome new residential and commercial projects, as well as a whopping 10,000 new residents within the past four years. The area's influx of grocery stores and convenience marts is a direct indication of Downtown's resurgence. In July 2007, the Ralphs grocery store chain marked its return to Downtown after pulling out of the area more than 50 years ago. Categorizing Downtown as one of its "luxury" markets, the company opened one of its 25 upscale "Fresh Fare" Ralphs, with an emphasis on luxury items and specialty products. Also making its Downtown premiere in December 2007 was the 7-Eleven chain, which opened on the ground level of the Mandel Lofts at 7th and Olive streets. The store is Downtown's first 24-hour convenience mart. A high-end stop in Downtown is the Japanese convenience store, Famima!!. Serving Downtown with to-go sushi and Chinese steamed buns since 2006, the chain recently opened its third Downtown location in the California Plaza.

24 Hours in Hollywood

Hollywood is LA's iconic region, where the entertainment industry reigns supreme and the excitement is non-stop. Here's a 24-hour itinerary of how visitors can easily share the limelight with the stars who live, work and play in this glamorous setting:

8 to 9 a.m.
Have breakfast at The Griddle Café, where you'll find young trendy patrons enjoying a menu that offers overwhelming portions. 7916 Sunset Boulevard. www.thegriddlecafe.com

9 a.m. to noon
Take a StarLine Tours "Movie Stars Homes Tour" and drive past the mansions of stars such as Tom Cruise, Madonna, Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe; cruise the Sunset Strip, see the Hollywood Sign and more. www.starlinetours.com

Noon to 2 p.m.
You'll need the time to wait in line for this LA establishment, but Pink's Famous Chili Dogs is well worth the wait. You never know which celebrity may be waiting in line to place their headshot on the wall. 709 N. La Brea Ave. www.pinkshollywood.com

2 to 3 p.m.
Take a Kodak Theatre Tour and follow the path of the famous red carpet through the home of the Academy Awards® at Hollywood & Highland Center. See the VIP Room and Green Room, walk on the stage, and see where the stars sit while waiting to hear their names called. www.kodaktheatre.com

Then shop at the boutiques and designer shops at Hollywood & Highland Center, walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame and find your favorite star or relax in preparation for a glittery Hollywood night. During this time, make sure to stop by LA INC.'s Hollywood Visitor Information Center, conveniently located in front of the Kodak Theatre.

5:50 to 6 p.m.
Take the Metro Red Line from Hollywood and Highland to the legendary corner of Hollywood and Vine. www.metro.net

6 to 8 p.m.
Enjoy dinner at Katsuya Hollywood, where you might spot a few celebs. Seared tuna is a favorite at the sushi bar, and beef-rolled asparagus and garlic-buttered king crab reign at the robata grill. 6300 Hollywood Boulevard. www.sbe.com/katsuya

8 to 11 p.m.
See the Tony-award winning smash hit musical, Wicked, at the Pantages Theatre. Originally written and performed in LA, the untold story of the witches of OZ is now in its second record-breaking year in Hollywood. 6233 Hollywood Boulevard. www.wickedthemusical.com

11 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Visit one - or more - of LA's hottest nightclubs. Level 3 is a sleek, hip club with DJ tunes, located on the top level of Hollywood & Highland Center. At places like Ritual Supper Club, Les Deux, Opera and Mood, success is evidenced by the sense of accomplishment you'll feel after getting past the velvet rope. www.discoverLosAngeles.com

2 to 7 a.m.
Rest up for the next day of excitement in one of Hollywood's fine hotels. To be close to the action, stay at either the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel (conveniently located at Hollywood & Highland Center), or stay at the nearby Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, a Thompson Hotel (caddy corner Grauman's Chinese Theatre with a swank gourmet hamburger and wine joint on the ground floor open 24 hours called 25 Degrees). www.renaissancehotel.com or www.hollywoodroosevelt.com

8 a.m.
Do it all again -- but this time in one of LA's other storied regions.