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E L L I O T T ' S TRAVEL NOTES
Travel news, opinion and analysis

January 6, 2005

Airline Stocks Fall - And So Do Fares
The stocks of major airlines were hurt on Wednesday by the prospect that lower fares would spread even more thickly across the country, fueled by strategic moves by the industry's healthiest player and one that is trying to regain its footing. Southwest Airlines, the industry's healthiest player, delivered another punch to struggling US Airways, announcing plans to start service from Pittsburgh, where US Airways is dismantling its hub after a long reign as the airport's dominant carrier. The industry's shares fell sharply on word that Delta Air Lines, the country's third-biggest airline, planned to cut its fares by as much as 50 percent and join its low-fare competitors in setting caps on its ticket prices. (The New York Times) Posted 5:35 a.m.
• String 'Running Out' For US Airways (News Journal)
• Pittsburgh Eager to See Southwest (Tribune Review)

Although there's plenty of bad news here for airlines and their shareholders, I can't see a downside for passengers who will get a lift from the lower prices..

Airport Smoking 'Zoos' Under Fire
Mayor Rocky Anderson opposes smoking at Salt Lake City International Airport. He says people puffing behind the glass-walled lounges look "like animals in the zoo." But he's not yet willing to take on that battle - airlines and airport administrators favor keeping the status quo - to get his way during the 2005 Legislature. Such a debate, he fears, would detract from lawmakers' consideration of one of his pet projects - a stub-out of smoking at private clubs. And he also wants them to ban smoking in gatherings of 50 or more people. (Tribune) Posted 5:45 a.m.

NTSB: Lawsuits 'Contaminate' Inquiries
The chairman of the nation's independent transportation safety agency said yesterday that she is concerned about the growing impact of outside lobbying and lawsuits on the organization's ability to investigate accidents fairly and quickly. Citing a contentious battle between American Airlines and Airbus SAS over the cause of the nation's most deadly airplane accident, the 2001 crash of American Airlines Flight 587 in Belle Harbor, N.Y., Ellen Engleman Conners said that repeated meetings of both parties with the National Transportation Safety board staff delayed the agency's final report. (Post) Posted 5:50 a.m.

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Refund or Credit?
When Earl Hathaway cancels the flight he bought through Expedia, he's offered a credit through the airline minus a $100 change fee. But only a few weeks before he tries to book a new trip, the online agency changes its mind and wants to give him a refund. Problem is, that could take a long time. He needs the cash now. Did Expedia drop the ball? Is it the airline's fault - or the customer's? Plus, find out how you can prevent this from happening to you. (Triprights.com) Posted 6:55 a.m.

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Woman Overboard Mystery Still Unsolved
A month after Annette Mizener disappeared from a cruise ship, the FBI is continuing its investigation and hasn’t changed her status from missing to deceased, an agency spokeswoman said Tuesday. Mizener went missing from the Carnival Pride cruise ship off the coast of Mexico on Dec. 4. Since that time, the FBI has followed its policy and declined to release information about the investigation, other than to say it’s ongoing. (GM Today) Posted 6:05 a.m.

Jacksonville Superbowl Ships Hit Snag
The NFL won't allow Jacksonville's Super Bowl Host Committee to host a viewing party aboard a cruise ship on Super Bowl Sunday. NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy says that violates a long-standing policy of not allowing admission to be charged for parties during the big game. It's not great news for the Host Committee, who must now find other ways to recoup the $11-million-plus cost of leasing five cruise ships during Super Bowl week for out-of-town visitors who need a place to stay. (FCN) Posted 6:10 a.m.

Air Jamaica Accused of Negligence in Stopover
A Hollywood, Fla., mother is upset after her 9-year-old daughter missed her connecting flight from Orlando to Miami, and got stranded at Orlando's International Airport for most of a day. Air Jamaica admits there was a mixup, but said the airline did everything it could to ensure the child arrived home safely. (Miami Herald) Posted 6:15 a.m.

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