US Airways the latest to increase extra bag fee

by Tom Johansmeyer on

US Airways has joined the ranks of airlines increasing their fees for extra baggage. The low cost carrier is raising its extra baggage fees by $5 each way, which is comparable to the increases levied by Delta, Continental and United. With the new charge, US Airways will be charging $25 for the first bag checked, with a second bag costing you $35 each way. The new fee takes effect on February 1, 2010. If you pay in advance, you can pick up a $2 discount on the first bag and a $3 on the second bag. American Airlines is still charging $20 each way for the first checked bag and $30 for the second one. On JetBlue, the first checked bag is free, and Southwest will let you check two bags sans charge.

The increased fees aren’t terribly surprising. The travel market slump is likely to continue through much of 2010, especially with the job market unlikely to improve until the middle of the year. And, airlines have become accustomed to all the extra cash they pick up from these fees. Since you’re a captive audience, they know you’re likely to pay … what other choice do you have?

So, get ready to cram everything you have into the overhead compartment. You’ll draw the ire of everyone else on the plane, but you’ll have the satisfaction of a few Andy Jacksons sitting in your pocket.

Starwood accuses Hilton of corporate espionage

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Two of the largest hotel chains in the world are locked in battle — legal battle. Starwood Hotels has accused 44 of Hilton‘s top executives of stealing trade secrets. Christopher Nassetta, the CEO of Hilton, is alleged to have known about this activity, according to an amended complaint that Starwood filed with the Manhattan federal court. The object of affection thievery was the luxury category of Starwood’s portfolio, including the St. Regis, W and The Luxury Collection.

According to Starwood’s complaint, Nassetta is said to be under “intense pressure” to deliver the financial returns expected by the Blackstone Group, the private equity firm that paid $26 billion for Hilton in 2007. The complaint further states, “Intense pressure — whether from Blackstone or otherwise — is no excuse for corporate espionage, and it is no excuse for the massive theft and widescale use of confidential and proprietary Starwood information.”

According to a USA Today report, Hitlton’s spokesman, Aaron Radelet, declined to comment, because the company doesn’t discuss pending litigation.

Starwood is looking to appoint monitors to make sure that Hilton complies with all injunctions, and it’s also seeking a court-imposed “time out” period during which Hilton wouldn’t be able to move forward with its luxury brands.

[Photo by p c w via Flickr]

NASA red-faced after Space Shuttle hangar cocaine find

by Scott Carmichael on

Finding contraband is usually reserved for the airport, but this week, NASA is dealing with its own aviation incident. NASA officials are scrambling to discover the source of a small bag of cocaine found in a Space Shuttle hangar.

The bag was found by one of the 200 people holding a permit to be inside the area, which obviously narrows down the number of people on the list of suspects.

The find is especially embarrassing because the hangar is on the base where a Shuttle launch is scheduled for next month. Obviously, the idea of cocaine making its way into orbit is rather frightening, as is the idea that someone with Shuttle access credentials may be a cocaine user.

The Kennedy Space Center has a zero tolerance policy on drugs, and officials have started drug tests on its workers, and drug sniffing dogs are searching the area for more clues.%Gallery-76818%

New York, Miami and Los Angeles most popular ports of entry

by Tom Johansmeyer on

As usual, 15 ports of entry were responsible for 84 percent of overseas entries to the United States last October. This is an increase of two percentage points from October 2008, according to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The top three ports were New York JFK, Miami and Los Angeles, together accounting for 39 percent of all arrivals from overseas. These three ports gained one percentage point of “arrival share” year-over-year. But, only four of the top 15 ports of entry posted increases from October 2008 to October 2009: Miami, Orlando, Philadelphia and Fort Lauderdale. These changes come based on an increase of 1 percent in foreign visits to the United States.

Salt Lake City ready to let the liquor flow

by Tom Johansmeyer on

It’s no secret that Salt Lake City isn’t exactly the top destination for travelers who like to bend their elbows a lot. The local culture isn’t terribly sympathetic to booze-fueled partying, but there are signs that icy receptions are being swapped for drinks on the rocks. The capital of Utah recently lifted a prohibition that only allowed two bars on every block downtown. The relaxed rules are the result of an increase in nightlife over the past few years. Drinkers may not be terribly popular … but in this cash-strapped economy, it’s hard to imagine that the state doesn’t want all that extra revenue.

According to the mayor of Salt Lake City, Ralph Becker, “We have diverse needs. We have antiquated laws. It’s an important step in creating a downtown we all want.”

Scott Beck, President and CEO of the Salt Lake CVB calls the measure “an exciting shift for Salt Lake as downtown continues to evolve into one of the most vibrant cultural, business and residential centers in the U.S.” He continues, “Lifting the ban on bar restrictions is a crucial step that will allow the City to reach its rightful place as a sophisticated metropolitan hub.

This new legislation follows broad changes to the state’s liquor laws, which have been criticized frequently by those who like to imbibe. The state’s private club system has been made unnecessary, for example, as Salt Lake City moves to a framework more consistent with what is found in other major cities across the United States.

The shift in liquor laws signals the greater changes that are coming to Salt Lake City. Currently in development is the City Creek Center Project, which will house premier retail, office and residential space on close to 20 acres over three blocks in the heart of Salt Lake City. The district is expected to be completed in 2012.

[Photo by ClarkProductions2008 via Flickr]