But while an uncertain economy and an increase in fuel prices over the past month may curb car traffic this weekend, Darbelnet believes now is the time for frugal travelers to plan their vacations. Declining airfares, which are another factor helping take a chunk out of car traffic, are clocking in at as much as 16 percent less than last July Fourth's. And while car rental rates are slightly greater than they were last year (a daily average of only $2 more), hotel rates are expected to be twelve percent less than they were over the July Fourth weekend last year. With these numbers in mind, if you haven't made plans yet for this holiday weekend, what more incentive could you need besides clearer roads and cheaper flights?

AAA's projections are based on research conducted by IHS Global Insight. Ally Miola

The flight will be operated by a retro-fitted A318 featuring 32 seats that recline to fully-flat beds and it will be the U.K.'s first trans-Atlantic flight to allow e-mail and text messaging. Additionally, passengers can check in 15 minutes prior to departure and West-bound flights will stop in Shannon, Ireland for a customs and immigration clearance that will safe time at JFK. AM

Marriott plans to introduce its first telepresence meeting suites, using AT&T's Telepresence Solution, in 25 cities starting this fall, including New York, San Francisco, Washington, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Frankfurt and London. Starwood will roll out its first ten TelePresence rooms using Tata Communications' network by the end of the year at Sheraton New York Hotels and Towers, Sheraton on the Park in Sydney, Sheraton Center Toronto Hotel, The Westin Los Angeles Airport and W Chicago-City Center, with additional openings slated for Brussels, Paris, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo. AM

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Since I had enjoyed exceptional service when I had flown Asiana from New York to Seoul a few days earlier, my expectations were not only high for my next flight from Seoul to Sydney, I was actually looking forward to the experience. Unfortunately, I was running late due to rush hour traffic, and arrived at the airport at 6 p.m. for my 7:50 p.m. flight. Once there, I walked right up to the business-class counter—which had no line—and handed the attendant my passport. She welcomed me by name and asked if I had applied for my Australian visa.

My heart nearly stopped—I'd had every intention of registering in Seoul, but it had completely slipped my mind. The attendant could obviously tell I was in a state of panic. She told me to relax, as I could still take care of it online. I asked where I could find an Internet connection, but she insisted on taking care of it for me. After five minutes of holding my breath, she told me I was ready to go and asked another attendant to escort me through security and to the first-class lounge. Once in the comfort zone of Asiana's new first-class lounge, I indulged in food and drinks until it was time to board my flight.

BOARDING
An Asiana representative escorted me from the lounge to my seat, and before I could even sit down, a flight attendant greeted me by name and offered me a newspaper or magazine. As I looked over The Korea Times, I was offered a selection of juices, water and Champagne. Hot towels and amenity kits were also passed out before takeoff, and I was addressed as "Mr. Rodriguez" each time. When the time came, glasses were collected, the safety video started and the plane was headed for the runway.

SEAT COMFORT
We were flying on a Boeing 777-200 with business and economy cabins. The business-class cabin had a 2-3-2 staggered configuration, consisting of 32 seats total, each with a 62-inch pitch and 160-degree recline. The on-demand entertainment system offered a great selection of movies, TV shows, music and video games.

THE FLIGHT
Once we hit cruising altitude, the flight attendants distributed headphones, although they first asked if I still had my own. I told her that I did, but wondered how she could possibly have known this, as I hadn't taken them out yet. I let it go, and enjoyed the glass of Champagne and assorted nuts she delivered next. Following this, I was given a menu and I ordered the ssambab, a healthy Korean option. My attendant asked if I'd like it spicy, with a glass of Château Bel-Orme Tronquoy de Lalande 2002, which is precisely what I wanted. At this point, I realized that the flight attendants must take notes to anticipate their guests' needs.

I watched a movie throughout dinner, and when I was done, I reclined and fell right asleep. It was easy to do in such a comfortable seat, even if the pillows were much too small. I woke up about halfway through the 10-hour flight, only to find three attendants circling the cabin, checking on the mostly sleeping passengers. Once they noticed I was awake, someone came over to see if I needed anything. All I wanted was some ice water, but she insisted that I try a light snack or, better yet, a full meal if I liked. I found it hard to say no, and ordered a snack of hot ramen. The "snack" was actually served in a colossal bowl, but somehow I managed to eat it all. And before I even had the chance to order it, she brought over my preferred bottle of wine and offered to pour me a glass. For the remainder of the flight, as long as I was awake, my water and wine glasses were never empty, and the attendants were always in sight.

I slept for a few more hours until breakfast was served. I was still full from my snack, but once I took a look at the menu, I couldn't resist—I had to try the fried beef and leeks, and it was delicious!

ARRIVAL
We arrived on time, with no delays, leaving me slightly concerned—after eating so much that I was going to be able to get out of my seat in time.

VERDICT
The service was stellar on all four legs of my Asiana flight, especially the onboard service, which was incredibly personal. The thing that stands out most in my mind was the attendant who checked me in, and who took the extra time to apply for my Australian visa for me. This was definitely above and beyond the call of duty, and eased what could have been a stressful start to my flight. — Adam Rodriguez