TSA seeks passenger lists for airline fly-overs
TSA seeks passenger lists for airline fly-overs — The U.S. government plans to force foreign airlines flying over American soil to turn over the names of passengers on board or check the names against U.S. government watch lists in an effort to prevent terrorists from entering U.S. airspace. Under current rules, overseas carriers are required to provide passenger manifests to U.S. officials within 15 minutes of takeoff if they are to land in the United States, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
Today’s poll — How should we make air travel safer?
AAA: Vacation costs up 5 percent this year — Gas prices aren’t the only expense increasing for vacation travelers this year. AAA’s annual vacation costs survey reveals lodging and dining costs have increased a combined average of 5 percent since last year. AAA’s survey shows that a family of two adults and two children can expect to pay an average of $247 per day for food and lodging. Lodging rates will average $129 a night, up 3.9 percent from last year. Meals will cost $118, up 6.5 percent.
Acela derailed until summer — Amtrak will not be able to get any of its high-speed trains up and running again until summer, officials said Wednesday, another setback in restarting Acela Express service after brake problems were discovered. Amtrak officials speaking at Union Station said the trains will resume service once replacement brake parts are retrofitted onto the trains.
Ford considers selling Hertz unit — Ford Motor Co., the world’s third- largest automaker, might sell the Hertz Corp. rental-car unit to raise money as the company tries to halt a decline in U.S. automotive market share. “Now is the right time” to consider the future of Hertz, the biggest daily car-rental service, Chief Executive William Clay Ford Jr. said on a conference call today. “If we look at core automotive strategy, we’re moving away from daily rental.”
Did Dawn hurry back for TV appearance? — The storm-battered ship Norwegian Dawn was coming back to New York through gale-force winds to make a scheduled TV shoot for “The Apprentice” - a product placement that cost the cruise company more than $1 million, sources said yesterday. Donald Trump yesterday confirmed the ship _slammed by a 70-foot “freak wave” during the storm - was slated to be shot in New York early Sunday morning for an episode of his hit show.
Confessions of a hotel manager — Our anonymous confessor, who over the past decade has worked as a front-desk clerk, auditor, accountant, human resources director, and general manager at several big-name hotel groups, is currently based in the Pacific Northwest.
Contributing: Charles Leocha, John Frenaye