You
Might Not Be Able to Use Your Credit/Debit Card on Your
Next International Trip
BETTER pack some cash on your next trip abroad. Americans
are finding that their credit and bank cards aren’t
as convenient as they once were while traveling overseas.
The problem: American cards lack a special chip, now commonly
used in many foreign countries, causing the cards to be
rejected by some merchants and kiosks. Read
details
Delta, Northwest Frequent Flyer Programs Merged
Delta
Air Lines Inc. has completed the integration of its frequent
flier program with that of its subsidiary, Northwest Airlines,
Chief Executive Richard Anderson said Thursday. The combined
program has more than 70 million members. Separately, another
airline executive said that about half of the old Northwest
Airlines planes that will get Delta's colors have been
repainted, and the rest will be finished by mid-2010. Atlanta-based
Delta, which became the world's biggest airline operator
with its acquisition in October 2008 of Eagan, Minn.-based
Northwest, remains on course to obtain a single operating
certificate by the end of this year. Details
News Highlights
Airlines
add surcharge for travel around holidays
The number of days passengers must pay extra for flying
during busy holiday periods has jumped. Several airlines
are now charging a $10 "peak-travel" surcharge
per flight on 13 days around Thanksgiving, Christmas and
other holidays.
United's
new twist on fees: $249 for a year of checked luggage
United Airlines put a new twist on baggage fees Monday,
introducing a sort of all-you-can-carry fee for luggage.
The airline said travelers could pay $249 for the right
to check two bags every time they fly United or United
Express for a year.
United
Airlines offering Wi-Fi service on some flights
United Airlines has started Wi-Fi service on flights between
New York and California, allowing passengers to surf the
Web on their laptops and mobile devices. The first United
flight using Itasca-based Aircell's Gogo service took place
Friday, said airline spokeswoman Robin Urbanski. The plane
was the first of 13 Boeing 757s that will be equipped with
Wi-Fi by mid-November.
Airport
Check-in: Registered Traveler program may return
Registered Traveler could be making a comeback. Henry Inc.,
an investment firm, says it signed an agreement to buy
some assets of Verified Identity Pass and restart the service,
which gives customers front-of-the-line privileges at airport
security checkpoints for about $200 a year.
AirTran
introduces new service in Baltimore and Milwaukee
AirTran's new service from Baltimore-Washington and Milwaukee
Mitchell, announced earlier this year, began operating
Tuesday, intensifying its competition with Southwest in
key low-cost carrier markets.
Airline
Asks Passengers to Empty Bladders Before Boarding Flights
Just when you thought airlines couldn't do anything else
to lighten the load, here comes a new idea: Japan's All
Nippon Airways is now asking passengers on select flights
to empty their bladders before boarding.
