Air France jet diverts after being told to stay clear of US airspace
An Air France flight from Paris to Mexico had to make a stop in Martinique to refuel because US air traffic controllers told the jet that it would not be allowed to fly over US airspace.
On board the plane was Colombian Journalist Hernando Calvo Ospina, who works for Le Monde Diplomatique.
What makes the whole incident even more interesting is that Air France had only sent its passenger manifest to the Mexicans, but now it is clear that Mexico shares this information with the United States.
Hernando Calvo Ospina has written articles about the United States involvement in Latin America, and is currently writing a book about he CIA. The exact reason for him being on the terrorist watch list is unknown, and we’ll probably never know what criteria are used for adding people to it. Air France is considering asking the United States for compensation.
Mr. Ospina has written a description of the incident including his interrogation in Martinique.
US airlines make swine flu concessions
American Airlines, Continental Airlines, and US Airways are allowing travelers to change their travel plans to Mexico without penalty due to the swine flu outbreak.
“We have had a few calls from customers but not huge numbers of them seeking changes or information so far,” said American Airlines spokesman Tim Smith. “We are told that authorities in Mexico are closely monitoring passengers who are leaving as they go through security as well.”
Airlines test system to standardize access to a la carte fees
By the end of the year, Amadeus agents and online meta-search engines may have access to airlines’ a la carte fees like checked bags and premium seats.
For travel agents, one immediate benefit might be an end to surfing airline websites to arrange for a client’s checked bags or lounge access.
More broadly, if enough airlines decide to file their optional services with ATPCO for distribution to the GDSs and other channels, it could transform the way travel agents use the GDSs as well as the way consumers use online agencies and metasearch engines.
