Delta posts record loss
Delta posts record loss — The Christmas week storm and subsequent shutdown of Comair, after a malfunctioning computer, cost parent Delta Air Lines $20 million, the company disclosed Thursday while reporting a record $2.2 billion loss for the fourth quarter. The report capped a year where the Atlanta-based carrier lost $5.2 billion, the largest one-year loss in airline history.
A self-imposed ‘no-fly’ order — I drove 32,000 miles in 2004, more than double the national annual average of 15,000 miles. I intend to drive as much  more, if possible  in the new year. Perhaps I’m crazy; or maybe I’m simply addicted to the road. But if driving to a destination is at all feasible, I’d much rather do that than fly.
Canada cracks down on hotel smokers — In what is a first under Saskatchewan’s new smoking law, a Weyburn hotel has received multiple tickets for smoking violations. The Royal Hotel has been given six tickets, each for more than $500. The tickets are for setting ashtrays on the tables, not having “no smoking” signs, and for allowing patrons to smoke.
Rabbits terrorize DIA parking lots — In recent weeks, many car owners in Denver, Colo., have had their cars damaged, and the culprit is an unlikely source. Paw prints in the snow are only a hint. On any given afternoon, several rabbits can be seen scampering around Denver International Airport parking lots. “When I first called the Audi people, they said, ‘Have you been out at DIA?’” said Eric Underwood.
Smoking tourists snuffed out in Europe — The news is getting grim for Europe-bound travelers who can’t make it through dinner without a cigarette. Italy’s ban on smoking in restaurants and bars, which began last week, is just the latest crackdown, and smokers heading across the pond this summer could be in for a shock.
Hotels offer extreme concierge services — In an age of heated competition for guests, posh hotels often offer more than just a nice place for pampered travelers to lay down their weary bones. It goes way beyond chocolates and warmed nuts. Consider, for example, the tanning butler.