Union warns of fatigue crisis for U.S. pilots — U.S. airline passengers face a summer of cancellations and delays as a crisis of “chronic pilot fatigue” limits carriers’ ability to handle disruption caused by bad weather, the head of the largest cockpit crew union has warned. (Financial Times)
Tripso Traveler: Aboriginals of the Tiwi Islands — A 16-minute flight from Darwin takes visitors to another land — an Aboriginal land, ruled by its own tribal council much like a Native American reservation. This island culture, separated from the mainland for thousands of years has retained much of its original and unique Aboriginal customs. (Charles Leocha on Tripso)
JetBlue lands at SFO — JetBlue will land at San Francisco International Airport for the first time today, the first of three major “low-fare” domestic carriers expected to begin service at the airport in the next few months. (Palo Alto Daily News)
More airlines asking passengers to pay for inflight services with plastic — The cumbersome dash for cash by flight attendants and passengers is disappearing on some airlines as technology makes it easier to accept credit and debit cards in flight. (The Arizona Republic)
Hip digs without the high prices — Road warriors of the world, relax. If you’ve been looking for lodging that delivers more bang for fewer bucks, you may be in luck. Thanks to the development of several new hotel chains, travelers are increasingly enjoying high-tech amenities and cutting-edge style without spending $200 or more a night. (MSNBC.com)
Your passport’s no good — An American Airlines ticket agent tells Nancy Dreher that she can’t board her flight to Costa Rica. It seems her passport is valid — but not valid enough. That ends Dreher’s vacation, but now the airline won’t respond to her requests for a refund. What, if anything, does the airline owe this passenger? (Christopher Elliott on Tripso)
Business class to London: Cheaper than you might think — Major airlines are improving their international routes and reducing capacity on domestic routes as lower-fare competition becomes more aggressive. (The New York Times) (Registration required.)
Stars and Stripes, wrapped up in the same old blue — The newly minted American passport — now full of patriotic images, plus a computer chip. (The New York Times) (Registration required.)
Disney World to ban smoking at all of its hotels — The ban, effective June 1, permits smoking at designated outdoor areas. It extends to all the Walt Disney Co.’s 22 hotels and time-share resorts. (AP)
Best airports for a layover — Today’s best airports are closer to upscale malls, offering services and distractions like swimming pools and fitness clubs, expansive shopping facilities, play areas for children, first-rate hotels for overnights and in some cases, even fine art. Some of these places are starting to attract people who don’t have a plane to catch. (Forbes Traveler)
Carrie Charney, Christopher Elliott, John Frenaye, Charles Leocha, Marge Purnell, Valerie Schneider, Mary Staley, Stephanus Surjaputra, Richard Wong.
