Senate Approves Bill to End Partial FAA Shutdown

The Senate has approved legislation ending a two-week partial shutdown of the Federal Aviation Administration, clearing the way for furloughed employees and airport construction projects to resume. Two senators were present to approve a House bill extending FAA's operating authority, using unanimous consent procedures that took less than 30 seconds. Employees can return to work as soon as Monday if President Barack Obama signs the bill before then. The shutdown has cost the government about $400 million in uncollected airline ticket taxes and idled thousands of construction workers. Read more

Global Business Travel Association Urges Congress to Act on FAA Shutdown

The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) joined the chorus of voices calling for immediate action to fund the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). For three years, GBTA notes, it has called for passage of a long- term re-authorization bill. Read more

US Airways Joins Delta, Plans to Refund Taxes to Traveler

Prior to the moves by Delta and US Airways, passengers appeared to have been caught in the middle. Airlines had been telling customers to contact the IRS for refunds, while the IRS in turn had said the refunds should be handled by the airlines. Both airlines are working with the IRS for a procedure. Read more

US Airways Files Lawsuit Against Pilots

More than 600 US Airways flights leave Charlotte-Douglas every day. But in recent months, the airline alleges pilots have been intentionally delaying flights as part of a negotiating tactic for a new contract. Read more

Ramadan is Aug 1-30 How Will This Effect Your Travel Plans?

Muslims throughout the world will observe Ramadan, Islam's holiest month, Aug. 1-30. Ramadan begins with the first sighting of the crescent moon, and the start and end dates may vary by 1-2 days depending on the findings of local Islamic authorities.

Some government and business offices may close or reduce operating hours in predominantly Muslim countries and areas. Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk during Ramadan; large meals are consumed after sunset and before sunrise. Muslims typically stay up late and the mood is generally festive. Many restaurants close during daylight hours in predominantly Muslim countries, but eateries in major hotels that cater to non-Muslims are usually open for business.

Expect heavy traffic in the evenings and around places of worship. Public transportation will generally be more crowded than usual in some countries. Expect increased security in crowded areas, such as transport hubs and places of worship. Sectarian problems between Muslims and Hindus are possible in India. Beef is in high demand during Ramadan, and illegal cow slaughter has raised communal tensions and led to clashes in certain areas in the past. An upsurge in militancy is possible in areas with active insurgencies, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, southern Thailand, and Muslim-populated areas of the southern Philippines. Security problems could also occur in western China, especially if authorities attempt to restrict religious observances in Uighur Muslim-populated areas.

TSA: Reminders About Religous Events of Ramadan

TSA has reminded its security workforce that passengers may be observed in various areas in the airport - including in security checkpoints - or on aircraft, engaged in religious practices and meditations during Ramadan. TSA would also like to inform the traveling public that they may notice passengers observing Ramadan engaging in the following activities:... Read more

Tech Tools For Surviving Travel Emergencies

In addition to knowing the insider secrets of how airlines operate and having the right type of travel insurance, several high and low tech travel tips will prepare you for many emergencies that arise. Pick and choose the preparedness tips that work for you. Read more

Passengers Face Israeli-Style Behavior Screening at Boston’s Logan Airport

A new layer of airport security aimed at screening passenger behavior will begin testing Tuesday at Boston's Logan International Airport. The TSA will train screeners on sparking more conversations between screeners and passengers at Logan's Terminal A security checkpoint -- a first-in-the-nation initiative modeled after Israel's enhanced airport screening methods. Read more

World’s Best Airport Restaurants

All of them provide not only amazing meals but also a sane respite from the hustle and bustle of a large international airport. Read more

Airport Guide: Surviving LAX

Los Angeles International Airport is a mess of bad traffic, decaying terminals and an inconvenient gate layout. But for me, LAX is home. It definitely helps to know your way around, so I'm sharing my tips with you. Read more

US Airways - Amenities Limited During PHL Makeover @ Termnal F

Terminal F is getting a makeover including 20 new food outlets and retail stores, roomier seating areas and a bigger waiting area for the terminal shuttle. During the construction, amenities will be limited. Also, beginning August 30, the bus to Terminals A, B and C will be moved to Gate F14. But, US Airways' flight schedules won't be affected.

Business Travel News (BTN) - Business Travel Buyer’s Handbook Available for Download

For all organizations, standardizing travel processes and controlling expenses are achievable objectives, especially with senior management support. A cohesive travel management program provides mechanisms to support business goals, manage supplier relationships, ensure traveler security, and adapt to the continually changing business travel marketplace. Read more

Star Alliance and Air India Put Air India’s Membership Application On Hold

The member airlines of the Star Alliance network and Air India have jointly concluded that the integration of Air India into the global airline alliance will be suspended. This is due to the fact that Air India has not met the minimum joining conditions that were contractually agreed in December 2007. Read more

Tips For Taking Care of Yourself On a Business Trip

You excel in everything you do, you have ambition and networking skills, and you love your fast paced working style. But do you take the time to care for your own relaxation and health? Read more

Could Non-Refundable Room Rates Be a Part of Your Corporate Hotel Program?

Let's face it, it's just a matter of time before hotels start offering non-refundable rates to corporations. Just wait until you have to try comparing a 10-day advance booking for a 20% discount at one property to a 25% discount for a 14-day advance booking at the hotel across the street. Will this really happen in the corporate space? Read more

How to Beat the High Costs of Dialing Abroad

Take it from Jeff Gardner, who received an $11,000 bill from Verizon after spending four days in Jamaica. Before the trip, Mr. Gardner, who runs a fly-fishing business in Grayling, Mich., said he called Verizon to find out what it would cost to use his cellphone for calls and his wireless air card to check e-mail on his laptop while in the Caribbean. He said he was told that calls would be about $2 a minute and that there would be no extra charges for data as he was on an unlimited plan. The latter part turned out to be wrong. Read more