US to install airport puffer machines
US to install airport puffer machines — Security checks where travelers are patted down will end for many people at 10 more airports by summer’s end, the government said Wednesday. Passengers will see “puffer” machines that can detect explosives residue when people walk through. Airport screeners will not have to pat down people to make sure they are not carrying hidden bombs. But the new equipment may not be installed at every checkpoint at those airports. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Rental car rates going up — The grass may not be as green for rental car companies this summer. Many of the nationwide chains are announcing rate increases. Seasonal increases are expected, but when Hertz announced a five percent increase three weeks ago it was much more than a seasonal hike. Hertz’ parent company Ford is pulling back from the fleet car relationships with car rental companies. “The costs per car are going up this year, there is no doubt about it.” At Ace Rent A Car, Charles Mullen says it’s not what he can buy the car for. He says the rental car game is what he can sell it for. (WTHR Indianapolis)
Delta raises trans-Atlantic surcharge — Delta Air Lines Inc., the world’s second-largest passenger carrier, on Wednesday raised passenger surcharges by $10 on tickets purchased on or after June 15 for travel on its trans-Atlantic flights to help offset the rising cost of fuel. The company said the surcharge will be applied to all trans-Atlantic destinations except for travel to and from Canada and Mexico, and travel from France and Italy. (Forbes)
Orlando once again is top US vacation spot — Orlando leads the pack for the 16th consecutive year as the favorite domestic vacation spot, according to AAA’s annual summer survey of its travel agents and auto counselors. The No. 2 through 5 rankings go to Seattle, Las Vegas, California and Hawaii, AAA says. (Orlando Business Journal)
Tube raises stink about commuters — It’s not unusual for commuters to raise a stink about London’s Underground subway system. But now they’re being told to “take a shower” to avoid unpleasant odors on the Tube. Tim O’Toole, managing director of London Underground, is asking passengers to be considerate of others stuck in the same sweltering carriages during summer months, without the benefit of air conditioning. (CNN)
Students sue Hooters Air over business plan — Three former aviation students sued Hooters Air Wednesday, claiming the startup carrier used their business plan from a class project as the blueprint for launching the airline but never compensated them. The former Southern Illinois University students said Hooters used their “concept, plan and work product” to start the airline in 2003, but never offered them management jobs or a stake in the company, according to a lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court. (MSNBC)
The bugs are back with a biting vengeance — They buzz and bite and swarm. They drive people indoors, torment gardeners, stampede the tourists.It’s the Incredible Return of the Bugs, sequel to last spring’s fierce hatch, and many people say they’ve never been pricked and pestered with such vengeance. We’re talking jillions here: mosquitoes, aphids, dragonflies, midges, gnats, hornets, beetles and assorted creepy-crawlies with all those weird Latin names. (Anchorage Daily News)
Travel laugh — Left luggage — Heard on a flight: “As you exit the plane, make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses.” (India Times)
Far-flung flings fade like sunsets — Fun and flirtation are for many people the components of the perfect holiday. But make the most of it because almost nine out of ten holiday romances are over in just a week.The average fling lasts only three days, according to research by Sky Travel. (This is London)
New Rules For Pets on Planes — A new law requires airlines to report pet injuries, losses and deaths occurring on their flights to the U.S. Department of Transportation. If a mishap occurs, the airline must try to prevent the same mistake from happening again. (KFSN TV)