United, Denver take top spots in travel survey
United, Denver take top spots in travel survey — Denver International Airport was named the best airport in North America for business travel in a survey by Business Traveler magazine. Denver knocked O’Hare International Airport out of the top spot in the magazine’s annual poll. United was named the top airline. (AP)
A push for a friendlier welcome — Washington-Dulles and Houston international airports will become “model” ports of entry under a pilot U.S. program to present a warmer welcome to foreign visitors who face post-Sept. 11, 2001, security changes, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff announced yesterday. (The Washington Post)
E.U. vulnerable to hijackings — The European Union exists in large part to harmonize policy among its members. But when it comes to dealing with a hijacked airliner, those countries cling to a patchwork of contradictory rules and regulations. (The Washington Post)
Costa Rica finds U.S. couple killed in plane crash — Search crews in Costa Rica found the bodies of a U.S. couple on Tuesday after their single-engine airplane crashed against a volcano, Red Cross officials said. (Reuters)
Time for a checkup — Are your frequent-flier requirements running you around in circles? Do you really want to sleep with that hotel chain anymore? It’s time to take a hard look at your loyalty programs. Do this five-point checkup to make sure you’re getting the best perks for the least effort and inconvenience. (Joel Widzer on Tripso)
U.S. taking lead in fight against bird flu — The United States will commit at least $330 million to the global fight against bird flu, increasing an earlier pledge as the disease spreads from Asia to the edges of Europe, a World Bank official said Tuesday. (USA Today)
Oil prices spurt past $66 a barrel — Oil prices surpassed $66 a barrel for the first time in 3½ months Tuesday as separate developments in Nigeria and Iran heightened supply jitters and put prices close to record highs. (AP)
Arizona cities try and lure gay tourists — Conservatives may be working to add a gay marriage ban on the ballot, but Arizona cities are working to welcome more gay tourists into the state. The cities are vying for a slice of an estimated $65 billion gay travel market. (AP)
Gas prices, scenery deter Blue Ridge Parkway visitors — Officials worry high gas prices may be part to blame for a drop in the number of visitors to the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2005. It’s the third consecutive year the 70-year-old scenic road’s popularity declined. (AP)
Northwest says it’s in tentative deal with ground workers — Northwest Airlines told a New York bankruptcy court on Tuesday it has reached a tentative agreement with the union representing ground workers, but talks with pilot and flight attendants unions appeared to be deadlocked. (AP)
Southwest Airlines’ fourth-quarter earnings rise 54% — Low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines said Wednesday that its fourth-quarter profit rose 54% despite an unexpected security expense, driven by higher revenue and its cost control efforts. (AP)
Queen Mary 2 returns to port with motor problem — More than 2,500 passengers had their vacation aboard the Queen Mary 2 delayed Tuesday after the ship had a problem with one of its propulsion motors and had to return to port, Cunard Lines said. (AP)
United sailing through confirmation of its reorganization plan — United Airlines moved to the brink of getting a final go-ahead to leave bankruptcy, winning court approval Wednesday for its controversial management stock plan and resolving differences with its combative flight attendants’ union. (AP)
SF airport set for the big one — With ample seating in its spacious international terminal and six gates equipped for doubledecker jets, not to mention a fine selection of restaurants, this city’s airport is ready for the massive 555-seat A380 airliner. (Los Angeles Times)
Carrie Charney, Christopher Elliott, John Frenaye, Charles Leocha, Marge Purnell, Valerie Schneider, Mary Staley, Stephanus Surjaputra, Richard Wong.