Air Travel Articles

(Dive Travel Business News - October 11, 2011) -- U.S. President Barack Obama has eased some restrictions on Americans travelling to Cuba: Just 90 miles across the Florida Straits from Cuba, Key West joins a string of other U.S. cities - Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Baltimore, Chicago, Atlanta, New Orleans, Dallas, Houston and San Juan, Puerto Rico, Miami, New York and Los Angeles - to be authorized by federal authorities to host charter flights to Cuba.  read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - September 30, 2011) -- The Egyptian revolution in January 2011 posed several challenges for the travel industry – evacuating tourists, accommodating media, protecting hotel property from protesters. The most difficult time came when tour operators grounded their planes, stifling the flow of tourists. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - Sept 8, 2011)  --  On the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, a new TSA video is being played for airline passengers waiting to go through security checkpoints at many U.S. airports. The video appeals to the traveling public's cooperation and patience in response to the continuing threat of terrorists bringing aboard explosives to blow up airliners. 

But travelers are losing patience and confidence in the Transportation Safety Administration's ability to protect them. Passengers don't argue that there remains a potential terrorism threat, but are seriously questioning some of the TSA methods being used to deter terrorists. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - May 17, 2011) -- The U.S. Department of Transportation's new proposal on the disclosure of airlines' ancillary fees through global distribution systems will likely not be announced until next year. However, a draft of the rule is expected to be sent to the Office of Management and Budget in August and will be evaluated until the end of the year.

The U.S. Department of Transportation does not expect to publicly reveal before January 2012 a new proposal on airlines' disclosure of optional service fees through global distribution systems. According to a DOT update issued last week, a public comment period following that Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking would extend until June 2012. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - March 27, 2011) -- Airfare increased 7% in 2010, leaving it 6% below its record high in 2008, according to the American Express Business Travel Business Travel Monitor study released March 15, 2011.  Fares have been on the rise this year, suggesting they will surpass their previous record soon.

"With oil prices rising, airlines are looking to cut their capacity-growth plans to combat higher fuel costs," said Christa Manning of Global Advisory Services, American Express' research division. "Increases in airfares are likely to remain on an upward trend in 2011. So far this year, we are seeing this trend hold true with domestic airfare rates in January up 8% compared to January 2010." read more »

(Dive Travel Business - March 2, 2011) --  The airlines new motto might be “let no fee go unnoticed. “ The latest: Continental Airlines offers an option to hold a reservation and lock-in the ticket price for 72 hours or seven days. This sounds reasonable except that there's a fee attached, beginning at US$5 for a 72-hour hold and $9 for a seven-day hold. And it's not just for domestic flights:  Overseas routes and International carriers are also starting to adopt similar fees.

The fees can vary according to routes and other factors, and can quickly add up because they are applicable for each traveler. Ever-growing airline fees continue to come under attack on many fronts, particularly since they are often not clear for consumers.  The International Air Transport Association, which represents 230 airlines in more than 115 countries, says baggage rules "are becoming increasingly complex and confusing,” and airlines "must improve transparency so travelers know what to expect." read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - January  28, 2011) -- To control mounting political protests, the Egyptian government has imposed a curfew  that has affected air service to Egypt.  Flight disruptions so far appear to be limited to Cairo including National flag carrier EgyptAir that has suspended its service from the capital. Many international airline flights in Cairo arrive late in the evening or in the pre-dawn hours that are now included in the 4pm - 8am curfew. International airlines are scrambling to readjust their schedules into and out of Cairo International to ensure that their passengers arrive and depart outside the curfew hours.  read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - Nov 11, 2010) -- Koro Sun Resort & Rainforest Spa on the unspoiled Fiji  island of Vanua Levu is offering a 7-night dive package (including 10 dives, accommodations and 3 meals per day) for US$1895 pp/d.o. with a group policy of 2 free on 10 paying guests.  The package rate, available now until Nov 20, 2010 includes:

* 7 nights in an Ocean view bure
* 5 days of 2 tank dives
* 3 gourmet meals per day (beverages other than coffee & tea are additional)
* Complimentary resort transfers to the airport & all non-motorized activities
* 30 min massage in our Rainforest Spa
Pricing is per person/double occupancy, VAT and HTT taxes included. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - October 29, 2010) -- It's time to double check ticket reservations.  The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will launch it's Secure Flight Information procedures next week.   As of Nov 1, 2010, ticketing information must have the passenger's name, date of birth and gender that matches their government-issued identification.

The new Secure Flight Information requirements are a means for the TSA to update its Watch List:  The list contains the names of people who are not permitted to fly or are required to have a special screening prior to flying.  Previously airlines had been responsible for checking passenger's names on the watch list, but with errors and mishaps that have frustrated legitimate flyers, the TSA will be taking over this security task. read more »