United increases business and economy fares — United Airlines said Thursday it has raised most of its U.S. business-oriented fares by $25 to $50 one way and other fares by $5 to $10 each way, citing the high cost of fuel. (AP)
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)
Average gasoline price tops $3 a gallon — The nationwide average price of gasoline topped $3 a gallon Friday for the first time since last summer, and prices were breaking records in several Western states. (USA Today)
Affectionate plane passenger convicted — A California man who prosecutors said got a little too friendly with his girlfriend during a flight was convicted Thursday of interfering with flight attendants and crew members. (AP)
Most NYC drivers oppose mayor’s $8 fee: survey — New York drivers opposed Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s new traffic-fighting $8 fee for taking a car into Manhattan, a survey said on Thursday, and almost half of the group said it would force them out of their cars. (Reuters)
‘Grand reopening’ for Jamestown — Queen Elizabeth II is scheduled to depart Virginia today after a two-day visit to Jamestown and environs, but commemorations for the 400th anniversary of America’s first permanent English settlement don’t rev into high gear until next week. (USA Today)
The Simpsons headed to theme parks — Homer, Bart and the rest of the TV Simpson family are headed to the amusement park. Universal Studios will feature the cartoon characters in a new ride set to open at its two parks in Orlando and Hollywood, California, in the spring of 2008, the parks announced. (AP)
How much should you tip the airplane pilot? — Tipping flight attendants and other crew members is officially frowned upon. But cost-cutting measures at many airlines may one day force the issue. For now at least, flight attendants, pilots, gate agents and the folks who work the ticket counters don’t fish for cash tips. But sincere compliments and kind words from passengers are graciously accepted. (MSNBC.com)
United acquires stake in Aloha Air — United Airlines will acquire a minority stake in Aloha Airlines, providing the struggling local carrier with the backing of the nation’s second largest airline. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Midler to replace Celine Dion in Las Vegas — Bette Midler will replace Celine Dion as the headliner at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, officials announced Thursday, answering the lingering question of who would be chosen to step into some big shoes and the 4,100-seat Colosseum, which Dion virtually sold out for what will be a nearly five-year run by December. (AP)
Carrie Charney, Christopher Elliott, John Frenaye, Charles Leocha, Marge Purnell, Valerie Schneider, Mary Staley, Stephanus Surjaputra, Richard Wong.
