National gas price nears $3 threshold
National gas price nears $3 threshold — Gasoline costs rose to their highest in more than 10 months Monday as the average U.S. price at the pump neared $3 a gallon, the government said. (USA Today)
Airlines add flights as more U.S. travelers take trips to Europe — Europe-bound travelers from the USA this summer can choose from a record number of flights, reflecting strategic decisions by big U.S. airlines to go where they think they can make more money. (USA Today)
Iberia pilots go on strike during busy tourist season — Pilots at Spanish airline Iberia began a weeklong strike Monday, forcing the cancellation of more than 200 flights and obliging travelers to seek alternative arrangements during a vacation season in one of Europe’s top tourist destinations. (AP)
At 35, Southwest’s strategy gets more complicated — On several fronts, the legendary Texas discounter that has rewritten the rules of air travel in the USA is adjusting to its rapid growth. It’s already overcome its former aversion to taking on competitors at their own crowded hub airports. And the day may come when the spartan discounter starts to match some of the in-flight amenities available at other airlines — movies, for example. (USA Today)
10 tips on tipping — A tip here. A tip there. After a day of travel, those tips start to add up. Our good-hearted selves say: Spread the wealth. Our inner miser asks: Can I get away with less? Here’s some advice on when to open your wallet and when to just smile and say, “Thank you.†(James Wysong on Tripso)
Airlines struggle to weather summer storms — Thunderstorms already have turned the summer into a season of delays, canceled flights and frustrations for passengers, particularly in the Northeast and Midwest. Airlines have wrestled with getting flights out safely while maintaining customer service. (The Washington Post)
Co-pilot arrested on alcohol charges — Authorities in Utah ordered a Southwest Airlines co-pilot out of the cockpit of his Arizona-bound jet shortly before takeoff Sunday morning and jailed him on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol, FBI and airline officials said. (CNN)
Greenbrier to close for three-month renovation — The famed Greenbrier is closing to guests for three months in its traditionally slow winter season, from Jan. 2 to April 2, for a $50 million makeover. (AP)
For urban singletons, travel guide market is on the rise — The travel guide market is breaking down into ever-more specialized segments, including perhaps the fastest growing, a clutch of guides like Wellman’s aimed at the 20-, 30- and 40-somethings who spend their weekends cooing over the produce at the farmers’ market and browsing for irony-tinged antiques. (AP)
Nick in paint causes Alaska Airlines flight diversion — Alaska Airlines Flight 4 from Seattle to Washington, D.C., with Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Wash., on board made an unscheduled stop in Denver on Monday because of a nick in its paint, the airline said. (AP)
Tiny Preston flush with dollars two years after hit film — A hit film about this sleepy farm town on the Utah border has generated $1 million for Preston, according to the town’s chamber of commerce. (AP)
Great Lakes cruises offer majestic views, relaxing pace — Largely dormant since the 1960s as international air travel and tropical cruises increased in popularity and affordability, the Great Lakes cruise tradition began a revival in the mid-1990s. (AP)
WaterFire brings magic to Providence’s rivers — The free public arts event, WaterFire, is held several times a month between May and October, drawing 40,000 to 60,000 people each time. Its marriage of fire, water, music and performance has become one of the most popular arts events in New England since the first fire was lit more than 10 years ago.
Carrie Charney, Christopher Elliott, John Frenaye, Charles Leocha, Marge Purnell, Valerie Schneider, Mary Staley, Stephanus Surjaputra, Richard Wong.