OTHER NEWS

Delta and united Continental Raise Bag Fees on Transatlantic Flights

Delta and United Continental have upped their baggage fees for checking a second bag on transatlantic flights. The first checked bag on both airlines remains free of charge, but checking a second bag on United Continental now costs $70. Delta now charges $60 for a second bag if checked online and $75 if checked at the airport. Read more

US Airways Earn Special Dividends

US Airways Earn Special Dividends when you fly with US or their partners. And as soon as you earn them, you can enjoy them! All you have to do is log in to your account and claim your Special Dividends. Read more

Aer Lingus Strike Action Called Off

Following discussions at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) that lasted 15 hours, the Irish Airline Pilots' Association (Ialpa) said the proposed industrial action has been put off until July 1. Read more

Air India Out of Money - Pilots Warn Passenger Safety Could Suffer

Given the severity of the crisis, alarm bells are ringing in the aviation ministry over the condition of AI. "The liquidity situation of AI couldn't have been worse. Neither banks nor the government is likely to give any loan or equity till they are convinced the management has a plan to revive the airline and that the additional infusion won't go down the drain. Now a moderate plan has been prepared," said highly-placed sources. Read more

How to Avoid Credit Card Problems Abroad

There may be some good news on the horizon for Americans like Mr. Elliot. A few banks have begun testing cards with the newer chip technology, known as E.M.V. (for Europay, MasterCard and Visa) and are beginning to offer the cards to select customers. Read more

Bin Space and the Airline Boarding Debacle

It may be surprising, but airlines put a lot of thought into this process, and American and United have both recently made changes to try and tweak their systems. Read more

South African Airways - New Nonstop Service JFK-Johannesburg

Onboard the new nonstop flights, SAA’s Premium Business Class customers will enjoy the comfort of fully-flat 180° seat, with extra large pillow and thick duvet for a good nights sleep, on-demand audio and visual entertainment with an extensive menu of programming, gourmet meals and award-winning South African wines. Economy class seat with up to 34” of legroom (2-3” more than most carriers to Africa), and other amenities. Ask your Travel-On/TravelPlace agent for more information.

iPads for First Class?

British Airways is trialing iPads on a B777 aircraft with a view to rolling out an offering of iPads in First. Read more

Nearly 25% of US Flights Were Late in April

Nearly a quarter of domestic airline flights arrived late to the gate in April as severe thunderstorms shut down major hubs, federal data released Tuesday shows. Read more

Beijing-Shanghai Bullet Train Targets Flyers Tired of Delays

Airline delays for trips to Beijing from Shanghai can triple the length of the two-hour flight. The new bullet train might improve your travel. Read more

DOT Threats Work: Long Tarmac Delays Drop Sharply

Long tarmac delays are down dramatically since the rule went into effect a year ago. Read more

Crisis Abroad: Tips for International Travelers

Going abroad this summer? Prepare yourself, and plan on packing more than your cargo shorts and money belt. Civil uprisings, earthquakes, ash clouds, terrorism warnings and violence have all disrupted travel in the past year. Read more

Air France Adds D.C. to List of A380 Cities

Washington Dulles has become the latest U.S. airport to host regularly scheduled service on the Airbus A380. It earned that distinction yesterday when Air France added the world's largest commercial passenger jet to its Paris-Washington schedule. Read more

Munich Airport Rolls Out InfoGates

InfoGates is a kiosk that allows passengers to click a button and be connected immediately, via video conference, to an information service representative for a real-time dialogue on a life-sized screen. So far, six of these new counters have been installed. InfoGates is are an extension of, and an addition to, 17 information points that provide information on a touch screen for queries that do not need connecting through to an information representative. Read more

Seatmates Spar Over Middle Armrests

Airplane armrest unrest can start with a nudge, progress to a shove and develop into full-scale combat as you soar through the clouds. Read more

IATA Reveals Checkpoint of the Future

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) unveiled the first mock-up of a Checkpoint of the Future, designed to enhance security while reducing queues and intrusive searches at airports, using intelligence-driven risk-based measures. Read more

Online Quiz Helps Determine What Car to Rent

Hertz's new online quiz helps customers decide what type of vehicle they should rent for summer travel. The "Gas" Traveler is aggressive, exciting and adventurous while the "Brake" Traveler is conservative and more of a planner. Read more

Hertz Introduces Electric Bikes in London

With every electric bike hire, customers will receive full training, a lock, optional helmet and a copy of the AA Leisure Guide to London with suggested bike rides around the capital. Read more

Hotel CEOs: Corporate Transient Rates To Increase Again In 2012

Despite an uncertain economy, chief executives of several global multibrand hotel companies said their sales teams later this year would push for corporate transient rate increases in the high-single-digit percentages when 2012 contract negotiations commence. Read more

The Steep Price of Visiting

As if high fuel prices and rising hotel rates were not enough to splash cold water on travel plans, consider the variety of taxes and fees that cities are levying on visitors. Read more

Bizcations' Provide Fun on Budget in Tight Times

Traditionally, summer is the time for some rest and relaxation. But this year, gas prices are up. Leisure time is scarce. What are workers to do to get a little work/life balance? It might be time for a “bizcation.” Sixty-seven percent of frequent business travelers said that they sometimes or often combined a business and leisure trip. Read more

Mobile Expense Reporting Poses Challenges & Opportunities

All mobile devices are not created equal. Blackberry is not iPhone is not Android. The operating systems are different, the hardware requirements are different, the security levels are different. Read more

Preparing the Way for Successful Site Visits

Selecting the right location for a meeting may be the most important step in planning a successful event. But you can’t do it over the phone or on the web. In-person site visits are critical to successful site selections. Read more

Meeting and Business Event Competency Standards

A product of several international boards, governmental bodies, task forces and (of course) MPI, the Meeting and Business Event Competency Standards provides something the industry has long been lacking—a detailed catalogue of the skills needed to be a meeting professional. Read more