What's in the news this week ...

Northwest-Delta merger is good for employees and consumers
Apr. 17, 2008 - As many of you may know, Minnesota-based Northwest Airlines announced its plans to merge with Georgia-based Delta Airlines. This is the result of extremely high oil (and fuel prices), a poor economy, and an ever more competitive environment.

Business Travel Industry Reacts to Delta-Northwest Merger
The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) recently surveyed its travel manager members to gauge the business travel industry’s reaction to potential airline consolidation. NBTA member travel buyers control $170 billion in travel expenditures each year and manage travel on behalf of companies with more than 7 million business travelers.

US Airways to charge for 'Choice Seats'
Apr. 17, 2008 - US Airways President Scott Kirby says today in a letter to employees that the carrier "is announcing the Choice Seats program which, beginning May 7, will offer customers using Web check-in at usairways.com the option to pay as little as an additional $5 per flight for an aisle or window seat assignment in the first several rows of coach." The letter says the number of seats put up for sale will vary by aircraft type, but adds the fee will cover about 8% of the airline's seats.

Bumped fliers get more cash, but fares may rise
Apr. 18, 2008 - Like almost everything else related to air travel in recent weeks, government proposals unveiled Wednesday rankled airlines and could be bittersweet for an already sour traveling public.

Fuel prices fatten airfares again
Apr. 18, 2008 - Airfares are going up again, but not fast enough for most big airlines to cover their rising fuel expenses.

Passengers sue Southwest Airlines over missed inspections
Apr. 16, 2008 - Four Alabama passengers have filed a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines, saying the company broke its contract with travelers by carrying them on planes that missed safety inspections over a period of about six years.

Travel experts advise air passengers to prepare for lengthy delays
Apr. 17, 2008 - Consumers need to arm themselves with food, drink, medicine and a good attitude to better their odds in the air, a travel expert said Thursday.