America West and US Airways to merge
America West and US Airways to merge — America West Holdings Corporation and US Airways Group, Inc. announced yesterday an agreement to merge and create the first full-service nationwide airline, with the consumer-friendly pricing structure of a low-fare carrier. Operating as the first national low-cost (LCC) hub-and-spoke network carrier, customers can look forward to simplified pricing, international scope, access to low-fare service to over 200 cities across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe, and amenities that include a robust frequent flyer program, airport clubs, assigned seating and First Class cabin service. Note: Originally posted to Tripso Late Edition 5:32PM EST May 19, 2005 (America West Investor Relations)
Delta’s Grinstein: we’ll cut $1 billion in costs — Delta Air Lines Inc. will do whatever necessary to achieve the remaining $1 billion of its targeted cost cuts and tough decisions may have to be made, Chief Executive Gerald Grinstein said Thursday. “There is no area that will be safe from scrutiny,” Grinstein told shareholders at the struggling carrier’s annual meeting. (Fox News)
Airlines argue daylight savings change is costly — Financially strapped U.S. airlines are worried that a congressional effort to extend daylight-saving time by two months would disrupt their overseas flight schedules and cost them at least $147 million in lost business. “This seemingly simple change will have a ripple effect throughout the domestic airline system that will frustrate and inconvenience travelers while hurting U.S. airlines,” the association said in a briefing paper distributed to lawmakers. (San Diego Union Tribune)
Florida tourism touting small towns — Florida visitors are probably already familiar with Orlando’s glittering theme parks and the fine white sands of Gulf Coast beaches. But chances are they haven’t heard much about the historic and picturesque downtowns of Dunedin, Lakeland or Jensen Beach. State tourism officials are trying to change that. (CNN)
Happy birthday Vegas, baby! — There were no long-legged showgirls or slot machines as the city celebrated its centennial Sunday along a stretch of downtown known as Glitter Gulch. Instead, Sin City wrapped its neon arms around its less-than-flashy railroad history, remembering how the booming desert metropolis got its start. (ABC News)
Finding a toilet no longer a crapshoot — What do Starbucks, McDonald’s and Borders bookstores have in common? Their restrooms are open to all comers  or goers as the case may be. Where to Stop & Where to Go: A Guide to Traveling with Overactive Bladder in the United States, is a free booklet released yesterday is compiled by guidebook pioneer Arthur Frommer. (USA Today)
Croatian tourism goes to hell — Croatian deputy minister who proposed prosecuting wearers of indecent swimwear and bathers who relieve themselves in the sea was fired on Monday, her boss said. And other proposals to ban revealing swim suits, swimming while drunk and eating on the beach have also been canned, said Croatian Education and Sports Minister Dragan Primorac. (Daily Democrat)
Airline food causes illness in 45 people — Contaminated carrots served on
several flights out of Honolulu likely caused 45 people to suffer food
poisoning across 22 states, Japan, Australia and American Samoa, a state
epidemiologist said Thursday. The outbreak has sparked one lawsuit, filed
Thursday, against airline caterer Gate Gourmet Inc., which included the carrots
in meals served last August 22-24. (CNN)
that explains the oozing pink slime that was noted in an earlier story on
Tripso.
Virgin blue wins best
airline award — Australian-based airline Virgin Blue has been named best
low-cost airline of the year at an international airline industry awards night.
The OAG Airline of The Year Awards in London recognise excellence in aviation,
both in the air and on the ground. The airline took out the award for the
second year running, beating other nominated low cost carriers, US-based
Southwest and the UK’s easyJet. (Sydney Morning Herald)
Shoppers pick apart The Plaza — They came with babies, bicycles and walkers _ thousands of shoppers winding around a Manhattan block to get their hands on the spoils of the Plaza Hotel.
Eloise would have been shocked seeing bare mattresses leaving a door that once welcomed royals. “It’s a mirage. People think they’ll find treasures, but it’s mostly cheap and cheesy stuff,” said Eduardo Caceres, a Stamford, Conn., used-furniture dealer who managed to find a pair of armoires at $225 apiece. (Newsday)
A shrewd move for Airbus — Airbus yesterday pumped up the prospects of its proposed A350 jet, which will compete against Boeing’s 787. The European jet maker secured a U.S. launch customer by loaning $250 million to finance the merger of US Airways and America West, which in turn will buy an unspecified number of A350s. The Wall Street Journal had pegged the order Monday at about 20 jets. (Seattle Times)
Contributing: Skip Bowman, Charlie Leocha, John Frenaye