World airlines see blue skies ahead

Global airlines are undergoing a surprisingly strong recovery with Asian and Latin American carriers leading the way, the leading industry group said Thursday as it halved its loss forecast for 2010 to $2.8 billion.
The International Air Transport Association said carriers began bouncing back late last year, and have continued to see stronger demand after posting [...]

British Airways, American Airlines, Iberia to cede airport slots

British Airways, American Airlines and Iberia have offered to give away takeoff and landing slots at London and New York airports to soothe European Union antitrust worries, EU regulators said Wednesday.
The European Commission said it would ask other airlines whether freeing up slots at London Heathrow, London Gatwick and New York’s John F. Kennedy airports [...]

Flight attendants, American Airlines at odds over contract

Contract talks between American Airlines and its flight attendants broke off Wednesday night, with the union declaring that negotiations were hopelessly stalemated while the company said it is looking forward to more bargaining.
The union said that it would ask federal officials to start a 30-day cooling-off period, after which the flight attendants could strike.
There is [...]

Continental Airlines to let coach customers buy more space

Continental Airlines will begin charging coach customers extra if they want a seat with more legroom.
Prices will vary depending on the length of a flight and popularity of the route. A spokeswoman said extra room on a Houston-New York flight might cost $59. International fliers would pay more than that.
Starting March 17, coach customers will [...]

Hard-pressed Europeans flock to cheaper airlines

Budget airlines in Europe gained 13 million more passengers last year, with cheaper prices pulling in customers amid an overall drop in air travel.
The European Low Fares Airline Association, which includes Ryanair and easyJet, said an 8.7 percent increase in passenger numbers in 2009 allowed their industry expand and hire 3,000 more workers.
Airports say overall [...]

4 secrets for upgrading your next vacation travel

Think this is bad?
It could get worse. Much worse.
Travel is still at the beginning of its long descent into mediocrity. Airlines seem to invent new surcharges and passenger-hostile rules every week. Hotels aren’t far behind. Just the mention of the word “customer service” in the back office can be enough to evoke cackles of disdain [...]

Major runway closing at JFK airport

One runway, a whole lot of problems.
The main runway at New York’s John F. Kennedy International will be closed for four months starting March 1. Millions of travelers will experience delays — including some not flying anywhere near the Big Apple.
With about one-third of JFK’s traffic and half of its departures being diverted to three [...]