More airports try to keep drivers out of the loop
More airports try to keep drivers out of the loop — In less than two years, cell phone lots have gone from nearly non-existent to commonplace. Almost half of the 50 largest domestic airports now feature such lots. (USA Today)
Other airlines suit up to play Southwest’s game — Low-fare goliath Southwest Airlines is facing some tough competition — and its fares are not always the cheapest anymore, especially for business travelers, who often purchase tickets at the last minute. (The Washington Post)
U.S. evacuation efforts slowly underway in Lebanon — The U.S. government has contracted with cruise ships to evacuate Americans, many of them with dual citizenship. The U.S. has a ship docked in Beirut, and another one will arrive Tuesday evening to take 900 to 1,000 people. (CNN)
Boeing says plastic 737s not far off — Forget big metal birds of steel, the aircraft of the future will be constructed out of plastic. That is according to American plane-maker Boeing who says new technology will soon enable us to take flights in carriers largely constructed from non-metal materials. (CNN)
Rail service coming to Warwick, R.I. airport by 2009 — After nine years of political wrangling, Rhode Island authorities are getting ready to build a new rail station at T.F. Green Airport that they hope will reduce congestion and make traveling across New England easier. (AP)
Tips to avoid getting lost in translation — American businesspeople have it pretty easy, at least in terms of communicating when doing business abroad. Several travel experts share their tips on preparing for a business trip that might involve a foreign language. (CNN)
Indonesia tsunami toll crosses 340 — The death toll from a tsunami that smashed into fishing villages and resorts on Indonesia’s Java island Monday has crossed 340, and over 200 more people are missing, officials said on Tuesday. (Reuters)
Sweltering heat to persist — The heat wave that has gripped most of the nation showed few signs of abating Tuesday and may persist for some regions until the weekend. (AP)
Tropical storm forms off North Carolina coast — The second tropical depression of the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season formed off the North Carolina coast Tuesday, and a tropical storm watch was issued for the eastern part of the state. (AP)
Lake Powell down, scenery up — Lake Powell is barely half full and taking a quarter less runoff than expected this year — a sign the Colorado River basin remains in the grip of a multiyear drought, according to a new report from government hydrologists. (AP)
Virgin sells space flight tickets for $200K — Virgin Group, owned by billionaire businessman and part-time daredevil Richard Branson, said Monday it was on track to launch the world’s first tourist space flights in 2008 and has sold tickets to its first 150 passengers. (Reuters)
EU may force airlines to advertise all taxes and fees — The European Commission on Tuesday proposed legislation that would force airlines to advertise fares inclusive of all taxes, charges and fees, sparing travelers the shock of hidden costs when it is time to pay. (AP)
Carrie Charney, Christopher Elliott, John Frenaye, Charles Leocha, Marge Purnell, Valerie Schneider, Mary Staley, Stephanus Surjaputra, Richard Wong.