Pilots: ‘gaping’ security holes
Pilots: ‘gaping’ security holes –
An airline pilots group is giving dismal grades to aviation security, saying “gaping holes” remain almost four years after the September 11, 2001, terror attacks. The group gives failing or near-failing grades to the government and airlines for most aspects of security, from the airport perimeter to the cockpit, concluding that security measures deserve a grade point average of about 1.1.
Delta may file for bankruptcy — Delta Air Lines today warned again that bankruptcy could be possible if its financial troubles don’t improve, and reraised the possibility of selling assets to avoid a Chapter 11 filing. Although the carrier said it would probably make it through this year without needing to take such a move, the nation’s third-largest airline warned in its 2005 annual report of “substantial” losses for the year.
Jetsgo says buh-bye, eh? — Discount airline Jetsgo is grounding its fleet immediately and advising travelers to find another way to get to their destination. The company issued the announcement just after midnight on Friday, blaming the decision on “difficult market conditions and competitive pressures.”
Spain remembers March 11 attacks — Spain solemnly commemorated the first anniversary of the Madrid train bombings on Friday with church bells and silent tributes to the 191 people who died in al Qaeda’s worst attack in Europe. Some 650 churches throughout the Madrid area rang their bells for five minutes from 7:37 a.m. (1:37 a.m. EST), the time that 10 bombs packed in rucksacks began exploding on four packed trains bringing workers to the capital.
Infection risk by passengers higher than believed — Airline travel may spread infections between passengers far more often than is reported, according to articles in the Lancet medical journal. Travelers exposed to disease from a fellow passenger disperse widely very quickly and may be taken sick days or weeks later, often with symptoms that do not have to be reported to national public health monitors.
For hotels, travelers prefers sites over agents — When it comes to getting a hotel room, travelers are doing most of their reservations on line, according to a report Thursday from Keynote Systems, Inc. The San Mateo-based Internet commerce measurement company says there’s steady growth in the number of consumers stating they use the Internet to book lodging accommodations as compared to those using other methods, such as calling hotel reservation lines or calling a travel agent.
Contributing: Veronica St. Claire, John Frenaye