FAA expands program to minimize weather delays — With a record number of flights expected this summer, the Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday it would expand the use of an air-traffic control strategy intended to minimize weather-related delays. (AP)
New carrier fuels airport expansion dreams — With Skybus planning to add 70 more jets to its eight-plane fleet in five years and expand far beyond its current eight destinations feeding a Columbus hub, officials in Portsmouth, N.H. are planning to make that city a focal point for the airline. (The Boston Globe) (Registration required.)
United schedules earlier flights to ease summer crunch — Passengers booking morning flights on United Airlines this summer may have to set their alarm clocks a bit earlier. The nation’s second-largest carrier is scheduling earlier departure times in about 20 U.S. cities starting in June, eyeing a summer air-travel crush that’s expected to be worse than usual. (AP)
Following Q1 loss, United focuses on balance sheet — A little more than one year removed from bankruptcy and fresh from a $152 million first-quarter loss, United Airlines is focusing on repairing its balance sheet and improving its product rather than fleet renewal, Senior VP-Alliances, International & Regulatory Affairs Michael Whitaker said. (Air Transport World)
New directions from AAA: Go to the web, then print — It was with some skepticism that the author considered the online improvements that AAA, the automobile club, is promoting for its Web site. (The New York Times) (Registration required.)
All aboard! World’s speediest trains — Want to get from Paris to London in just over two hours? How about Barcelona to Madrid in two and a half? Take the train. (Forbes)
New deal: U.S.-China flights to double by 2012 — Passenger flights between the United States and China would more than double by 2012 under an agreement between the two countries on Wednesday, good news for the biggest U.S. airlines aiming to shake their domestic woes. (Reuters)
The Price of Overpacking — Airline baggage restrictions are getting tougher–and more expensive. Most airlines now limit luggage to one carry-on and two checked pieces; after that, expect to pay $80 or more for each extra bag. And all checked luggage must meet strict weight and size limits. Here’s how overpacking for domestic flights can lighten your wallet. (AARP)
Today’s Travel Blogs
Mobile phone roaming charges to be capped in Europe — I’ve had a few rants in the past, about the price of mobile phone calls, and it appears that the European Union is finally going to do something about this con in time for the Summer holiday season, and holidaymakers can expect a fall as much as 75% due to the capping of roaming charges. (Travel-Rants)
Do men or women get better hotel service? — USA Today’s Kitty Bean-Yancey ponders this topic. Recently, while trying to get the attention of a busy front desk staffer she was aced out by a guy in a business suit with an expensive briefcase and platinum AmEx. (Hotel Hotsheet)
