US Airways’ new computer system creates logjam — US Airways’ expectations of business as usual the first day under a new computer system were quickly dashed Sunday morning with long lines of travelers forming after self-service check in kiosks failed. (The Arizona Republic)
Car-rental groups hit by Detroit’s difficulties — A drive by the three Detroit-based carmakers to wean themselves from low-margin sales to car-hire fleets is complicating life for several other key operators in the North American motor industry. (Financial Times)
British airways hit over ‘open-skies’ deal — Shares of British Airways Plc fell nearly 10% on Monday, retreating as the U.S. and the European Union late Friday agreed on the outlines of a new pact designed to open up transatlantic aviation markets. (MarketWatch)
Zero Gravity to launch commercial flights in Las Vegas — Tourists familiar with the ups and downs of gambling will soon be able to experience the real thing high above the Nevada desert. The parabolic flight company that is giving physicist Stephen Hawking his first experience with weightlessness in April has decided to set up a base in Las Vegas and take paying customers on the ultimate thrill ride. (AP)
Crazy cruise costs — When Elliott Manning booked his dream cruise to Hawaii on Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL), he expected to pay a single supplement. What he didn’t expect was to be charged double port fees. “New policy,” says NCL. What’s going on here? (Anita Dunham-Potter on Tripso)
International tourism expected to top pre-9/11 levels — The number of international tourists visiting America should exceed pre-September 11 levels this year for the first time since the 2001 terrorist attacks crippled the travel industry, U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said Friday. (AP)
Martha’s Vineyard says farewell to beloved ferry — After 57 years, the MV Islander will ferry passengers for the last time between Martha’s Vineyard and Woods Hole on Monday. The modest workhorse is being replaced by a younger, faster vessel. (AP)
As political unrest eases, travel picks up — A peace agreement with Maoist rebels is encouraging outfitters to return to Nepal. (The New York Times) (Registration required.)
Spicy ceremony for Hurley in India — Elizabeth Hurley and her husband, Arun Nayar, arrived Monday to kick off the next leg of their nuptial celebrations — six days of traditional Indian festivities that will culminate in a ceremony at a lavish palace. (AP)
Carrie Charney, Christopher Elliott, John Frenaye, Charles Leocha, Marge Purnell, Valerie Schneider, Mary Staley, Stephanus Surjaputra, Richard Wong.
