Delta, pilots’ union forge tentative deal
Delta, pilots’ union forge tentative deal — Delta Air Lines fliers and workers breathed a collective sigh of relief Friday on word that negotiators reached a tentative deal on a new pilot contract. But the agreement must gain important approvals before the shadow of a potentially devastating strike is completely lifted. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Staying connected, while (far) out at sea — Cruise lines are finally coming out of the technological dark ages and focusing on upgrading onboard communication services. Internet cafes are now common, and more cruise operators are rolling out wireless Internet access that stretches to every nook and cranny of the boat. Cruise ships are also becoming cellphone friendly. (The New York Times)
Looking for your true calling? Start with broadband — Thanks to the wide availability of broadband Internet service, travelers have more options for keeping in touch at a fraction of the traditional cost. Computer telephony, or VoIP (which, translated from geek speak, means “voice over Internet protocol”), allows you to make and receive calls between computers for free. (The Los Angeles Times)
The inside scoop on affordable cruising — Travel experts recommend inside cabins (which don’t have windows) if you’re looking for a cruise deal. With so much included in the price of the cabin, you end up with a better deal on all the shared amenities. Every minute in the hot tub, every bite from your plate, every moment of entertainment costs you less. (The Hartford Courant)
Transferring miles to a friend? You might be paying for them twice — Originally, it was a cardinal rule about frequent-flier programs that you could transfer awards to someone else but not your miles. These days, however, American, Delta, Northwest and United all allow you to transfer some of your accumulated miles to anyone else you select. (The San Francisco Chronicle)
Vegas now a pricier ticket — Ticket prices in the nation’s most-visited destination have shot up nearly 16% in the past year, according to LasVegasAdvisor.com, which tracks pricing. The average seat now costs $62.02, up from $53.66 a year ago. (USA Today)
More agencies are serving the flock: religious travelers — Religious, or faith-based, travel is going big time. Although most trips are still organized ad-hoc by churches and other religious groups, large tour operators and agencies are entering this niche market. (The Los Angeles Times)
Government attention delays Virgin’s plans — The U.S. government requested more data about U.K. billionaire Richard Branson’s role in Virgin America Inc., delaying the U.S. carrier’s plans to start flights this year. (Bloomberg News)
Small plane crashes at airport, three dead — A small aircraft plunged into the Gainesville Regional Airport just before noon Sunday, killing two men and the 12-year-old nephew of one of them. (Gainesville Sun)
Anxious watchers await outcome of Comair labor dispute — Travelers say they’re worried what will happen if negotiations with Comair and its flight attendants fail. Travel associations say air passengers should know all their options in case a strike disrupts the airline. (AP)
Airbus considers redesign of jetliner — Criticism from customers has pushed Airbus to consider redesigning its planned A-350, the jetliner the European planemaker is counting on to compete directly with Boeing’s ground-breaking, hot-selling 787 Dreamliner. (USA Today)
Four killed in Greek train crash — A train has hit a truck and derailed in northern Greece, killing at least four people and injuring about 40 others. (BBC News)
Logan screeners spring to revive heart attack victim — Rob Lomanno and Dave Lynch, two TSA security screeners at Logan International Airport in Boston, grabbed a defibrillator and applied it to an 86-year-old man who had stopped breathing last week. With their adrenaline pumping, they summoned their medical training and brought back his pulse. (The Boston Globe)
Carrie Charney, Christopher Elliott, John Frenaye, Charles Leocha, Marge Purnell, Valerie Schneider, Mary Staley, Stephanus Surjaputra, Richard Wong.