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American Airlines and British Airways
today begin codesharing on flights beyond the carriers' gateways
in the United States and the United Kingdom.
DETAIL:
American Airlines and British Airways have had a marketing agreement in place
allowing the two airlines' customers to earn and redeem frequent flier points.
American and British Airways first approached the Department of Transportation
in 1996 for an alliance agreement that would require antitrust immunity.
Through a series of regulatory proceedings, American and British Airways agreed
to seek a codeshare that does not require antitrust immunity.
The codesharing arrangement, formally approved by the U.S. Department of
Transportation in May, enables American to place its code on British Airways
flights beyond American's U.K. gateways to key destinations in the United
Kingdom, Continental Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
British Airways is putting its code on American and American Eagle flights
beyond six of American's U.S. gateways at Dallas/Fort Worth, New York Kennedy,
Boston, Chicago O'Hare, Miami and Los Angeles to cities in the United States,
Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America.
The carriers will not codeshare on each other's trans-Atlantic services to
London, but American will codeshare on British Airways' daily nonstop between
New York JFK and Manchester. British Airways will do the same on American's
flights from Chicago O'Hare to Manchester and Glasgow, Scotland.
The codesharing will be implemented in phases, with more destinations being
added in the coming weeks and months. "Since May, teams on both sides of
the Atlantic have been working flat out to ensure that everything is running
smoothly by the time the first passengers start booking and boarding these
flights to new trans-Atlantic destinations," said Rod Eddington, British
Airways chief executive officer.
Ultimately, American hopes to codeshare to 110 destinations beyond its gateways
in the United Kingdom, while British Airways has approval to codeshare to 187
cities beyond its U.S. gateways.
The first flights today go beyond London Heathrow to Rome and Milan in Italy;
Copenhagen, Denmark; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Stockholm; Sweden; Munich,
Germany; Brussels, Belgium; Abu Dhabi and Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Bahrain,
Bahrain; Muscat, Oman; Doha, Qatar; and Accra, Ghana (Accra codeshare flights
begin Sept. 21.).
British Airways customers will be able to book codeshare flights on American and
American Eagle from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to New Orleans and
San Antonio; from Chicago O'Hare to Nashville, Tenn.; Cincinnati; Indianapolis;
Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn.; New Orleans; San Antonio and Pittsburgh, Pa.; and
from Miami to Panama City, Panama.
Once this initial phase in is complete on Oct. 26, American Airlines customers
will be able to book codeshare flights to Paris; Cape Town and Johannesburg in
South Africa; Berlin, Munich, Duesseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne and
Stuttgart in Germany; Glasgow and Edinburgh in Scotland; Manchester, England;
Helsinki, Finland; Lisbon, Portugal; Nice, France; Budapest, Hungary; Venice,
Italy; Istanbul, Turkey; Oslo, Norway; Prague, Czech Republic; Vienna, Austria,
and Warsaw, Poland.(SEP22)
Additional cities will be added beginning January 2004.
SUMMARY:
Predicting precisely where and when terrorism will occur is futile -- most
terrorists thrive on surprise attacks -- and the risk that
terrorism poses to an individual traveler remains small. Yet some destinations
are more likely than others to experience terrorism, usually due to a
combination of factors.
DETAIL:
The following is iJET Travel Risk Management's list of the 10 countries most
susceptible to terrorism today, and a brief explanation of the factors behind
the threat in each nation. iJET intentionally excluded from this list
turmoil-torn countries with very low numbers of travelers (business and
leisure), such as Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia. Also, due to negligible
variances in threat level between these 10 countries, iJET did not rank these 10
in order of risk; the list is alphabetical. iJET maintains security risk ratings
for 182 countries. Terrorism is one of six sub-categories used to calculate
those rankings.
* Colombia: The Revolutionary Armed Forces of
Colombia (FARC) has
essentially declared war on President
Alvaro Uribe, due largely to
his pledge to stamp out terrorism in
the country. FARC strikes
increasingly target urban areas, and
have shown an increasing
willingness to inflict broader
damage, as evidenced by the Aug. 24
bombing on a pier in Puerto Rico,
Colombia that killed seven people.
On Sept. 13, at least eight
foreigners were kidnapped in northern
Colombia, where both the FARC and the
paramilitary group United
Self-Defense Forces of Colombia (AUC)
operate.
* Indonesia: The Aug. 5 bombing of the Marriott
hotel in central
Jakarta suggests that President
Megawati Sukarnoputri lacks control
of radical militants in the country.
The presence of Jemaah
Islamiyah (JI) cells in Indonesia and
recent trials of JI leaders
and accomplices in last October's
Bali bombing make the country
vulnerable to terrorist attacks.
* Israel: Palestinian terrorist groups, backed by
legions of willing
suicide bombers, have developed a
sophisticated capability to stage
attacks. These groups,
especially Hamas, have the technological
know-how to build both suicide belts
and improvised explosive
devices, and possess an intelligence
network to identify potential
targets and deliver bombers within
hours of receiving instructions.
* Kenya: As a country hosting numerous and
various foreign businesses
and interests, Kenya is a desirable
target for Al Qaeda and
sympathetic groups. Inadequate
border security and close proximity
to countries with little or no
security, such as Somalia and Sudan,
exacerbate Kenya's predicament.
Many terrorism experts predict a
repeat of the Nov. 28, 2002 attacks
in Mombassa.
* Nigeria: Nigeria is bordered by unstable
countries (Chad and, to an
extent, Cameroon) and is home to
major multi-national oil firms,
which are attractive targets for
terrorists. Nigeria's population
is roughly 50 percent Muslim, which
allows militant Muslims from
outside Nigeria to blend in while
planning attacks. Nigeria has not
experienced a major terror attack in
recent memory, but high
religious and ethnic tensions over
control of Nigeria's oil wealth
make the country ripe for an attack.
* Philippines: Terrorism in the Philippines is
driven by separatist
groups, primarily the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front. Low-level
terrorist attacks in the southern
Philippines are relatively common
-- a Sept. 8 grenade attack in
Cotabato killed three people -- but
bolder attacks, such as those in
March and April in Davao, are
becoming more common.
Terrorists would view a major attack in
metropolitan Manila as a huge
success.
* Russia: The threat of terrorist bombings
continues to plague
southwest Russia and major urban
centers in European Russia; this
includes a real threat to tourist
areas, especially Moscow. A Sept.
15 truck bomb in Manas killed at
least two people and injured 15.
On July 4, President Vladimir Putin
set elections for a president
for Chechnya for Oct. 5, a move that
enraged militants in Chechnya.
More acts of terrorism and sabotage
against civilian targets are
expected prior to the elections.
* Spain: The Basque separatist group ETA
continues to target a variety
of Spanish interests, most notably
the tourism industry. Common
targets include political offices of
PP and PSOE parties, police
installations, hotels and resorts.
Authorities blame ETA for the
Sept. 14 shooting of two policemen in
Lagran. ETA often -- but not
always -- warns authorities of
attacks in advance, thereby
diminishing the chances of collateral
injury. But authorities have
attributed more than 800 deaths to
ETA attacks in the past 35 years.
* Thailand: A major terrorist attack in Thailand
is increasingly
likely. Numerous tourist
destinations and foreign businesses are in
relatively remote locations that give
terrorists the opportunity for
"hit and run" operations.
Thai officials have warned of possible
terrorist attacks during the
mid-October Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation summit. Authorities
only recently banned the parking of
large trucks near buildings, hotels
and malls, a measure that many
nations took months or years ago.
* Yemen: Vast areas of Yemen are out of the reach
of government
forces, and Al-Qaeda is known to have
relocated large numbers of
fighters and training bases to
Yemen's tribal regions. The ability
of the terrorists to hide in remote,
lawless regions -- and among
the population -- while planning
attacks makes preventing terrorism
nearly impossible. On Sept. 12,
armed tribesmen sabotaged an oil
pipeline in Marib. The Yemeni
government, while aiding the U.S. in
the war on terror, has also released
many Islamic militants who
"promised" not to carry out
additional attacks.(SEP22)
For more information on travel risks for each above destination, visit:
[ www.ijet.com ]
Continental Airlines announced a
package of special services and benefits for premium flyers.
EliteAccess
EliteAccess helps customers by reducing the time they spend waiting in the
airport. When checking-in at eService Centers or specially-designated ticket
counter positions (or on-line at continental.com), qualifying customers will
receive a boarding pass printed with the EliteAccess trademark to remind them of
their status throughout their trip. Continental's 750 eService Centers are being
programmed to issue documents explaining EliteAccess benefits for qualifying
customers.
Following expedited security screening (where permitted), EliteAccess travelers
will receive special treatment in the aircraft boarding area.
Continental boarding gates will have separately identified entrances for
EliteAccess and general boarding. At any time during the boarding process,
EliteAccess customers may use their special entrance to the jetway to present
their boarding pass and receive immediate access to the aircraft. EliteAccess
customers will always be invited aboard prior to general boarding, but the new
gate process ensures that they can board quickly regardless of when they arrive
at the gate by receiving "head of the line" treatment. More than 350
boarding gates around the Continental system are being modified for EliteAccess,
including new blue carpets and gold stanchions marking the path to priority
boarding.
Baggage claim will go faster, too. EliteAccess bag tags affixed by Continental
agents at time of check-in will indicate first-to-the-carousel treatment for
these bags at the destination airport.
EliteAccess privileges will be offered only to OnePass members who hold Elite
status in the frequent flyer program, first class and BusinessFirst
ticketholders, and travelers who qualify as "Elite for the Day." About
20 percent of Continental's customers fall into one of these categories.
Elite for the Day
An economy-class traveler qualifies as "Elite for the Day" by
purchasing a ticket in certain fare categories, even without membership in the
OnePass frequent flyer program. Travelers who are "Elite for the Day"
are even eligible for space-available first class upgrades on domestic flights,
with priority after OnePass Elites.
Elite for the Day is initially being introduced in the 48 contiguous U.S. states
plus Alaska.
No Middle Seat Assignment Guarantee
Continental is introducing the No Middle Seat Assignment Guarantee. This offer
assures business travelers in economy class that they will receive a window or
aisle seating location. The guarantee is backed up by 1,000 OnePass miles
payable by Continental in any instance when a Y-fare traveler is assigned a
middle seat. Normally Y-fare customers will be eligible for a First Class
upgrade with their "Elite for the Day" status and they will receive
economy seating only when First Class is full.(SEP22)
For more information, visit:
[ www.continental.com ]
Northwest Airlines announced that
its application to transport pets to the United Kingdom under that
country's Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) has been approved. Pets entering the U.K. on
Northwest flights will not be subject to the usual six-month quarantine period.
Animals from non-qualifying countries or those not meeting all PETS requirements
must spend six months in quarantine. Since animals may only enter the U.K. as
manifested cargo, Northwest will handle their transport on regular Northwest
flights. Northwest is one of only two U.S. carriers to be approved under the
PETS program and offers daily nonstop flights to London's Gatwick Airport from
its hubs in Detroit and Minneapolis/St. Paul.(SEP22)
For more information on transporting pets on Northwest, visit:
[ http://www.nwa.com/services/shipping/cargo/products/ppet.shtml
]
US Airways has enhanced its
nonrefundable ticket policy, enabling customers who purchase nonrefundable
tickets greater flexibility to reschedule their travel plans, effective
immediately.
Customers holding wholly unused nonrefundable tickets will be able to apply the
value of their ticket, less any applicable administrative change fee, toward the
purchase of a new ticket on US Airways for up to one year from the date of the
originally purchased ticket. To apply the value of their unused ticket for
future travel, less any administrative change fee, customers must cancel their
reservations on or before the scheduled date of departure. Flights must be
canceled before 11:59 p.m., on the originally scheduled departure date.
Prior to the expansion of our policy, customers were required to cancel the
reservation and also apply the value of the unused nonrefundable ticket to a new
itinerary by 11:59 p.m., of the originally scheduled departure date to retain
the value of the ticket, less any change fee.(SEP22)
Full terms and conditions are available on US Airways' Web site: http://www.usairways.com/
The Air Line Pilot's Association has
released a statement regarding the recent widely publicized incident
where a stowaway managed to ship himself in a cargo crate.
The statement says in part:
"This is exactly the kind of cargo security breach that we have been
warning government and industry about. If a garden-variety fugitive from justice
can place himself on a cargo airliner for two days by the mere act of stowing
away in a plain wooden crate, how hard would it be for trained, determined
terrorists to do the same thing, armed with weapons and explosives?"
(SEP22)
Read the complete statement at:
[ http://www.alpa.org/alpa/DesktopModules/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentID=5010
SUMMARY
Not long ago, innkeepers and museum curators might
have contacted a "ghost buster" to banish unwanted
apparitions as a means of keeping visitors from being frightened. Today, though,
those in the hospitality industry are more likely to bring someone in who can
actually attract ghosts to their sites.
Odd as it may seem, ghosts are big business. Throughout the year, but especially
as Halloween approaches, travelers enthusiastically seek out eerie noises,
creepy cold spots and unexplainable sights in the hopes of making their weekend
getaways more memorable than the average vacation. In short, guests love ghosts.
DETAIL
The Mid-Atlantic region provides ample opportunities to hunt for haunts and,
recognizing that, the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA)
has assembled a list of haunted sites from each state in the alliance (Delaware,
Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, DC). The
selections below are a starting point for eager ghost hunters looking for
opportunities to spot specters and find phantoms. More details about sites and
activities are available from the contact provided with each listing. In
addition, a MATPRA web site, www.MidAtlanticGhosts.com
offers an ever- lengthening list of eerie attractions and events throughout the
Mid-Atlantic.
DELAWARE
(Veronica Richardson, 302-672-6854)
Addy Sea www.addysea.com
99 Atlantic Avenue
Bethany Beach, DE 19930
800-418-6764
Plumber John Addy of Pittsburgh built his home, now a bed and breakfast, in
1904. Room One contains a copper tub that was originally installed by Addy
himself. Guests and owners have reported that sometimes the tub shakes for no
apparent reason. Organ music is often heard wafting through the rooms, but there
isn't an organ in the home. The owner has often heard footsteps and unexplained
noises, and on one occasion she was locked in a downstairs closet when the door
swung shut on her. The owners, who don't know the identity of these otherworldly
guests, have determined that they are mischievous yet non- threatening.
MARYLAND
(Mindy Bianca, 410-767-6298)
National Museum of Civil War Medicine www.CivilWarMed.org
48 E. Patrick Street/P.O. Box 470
Frederick, MD 21705
301-695-1864
Contact: George Wunderlich
The building that houses the museum functioned as an undertaker's establishment
for nearly a century -- including the years of the Civil War. Visitors and staff
have reported seeing shadowy figures in person or on surveillance cameras,
feeling cold spots in various parts of the building and sensing presences. Not
all of the vibes were good ones, so when the museum was renovated recently, the
staff brought in a paranormal specialist to cleanse the building. Since that
time, all the negative energy seems to have left; these days, most reports are
of orbs that appear in photographs.
PENNSYLVANIA
(Carrie Fischer, 717-720-1308)
Eastern State Penitentiary
2124 Fairmount Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
215-236-3300
Contact: Yvonne Jones, 215-236-5111, ext. 4
This site in Philadelphia -- a gothic, castle-like structure built in 1829 --
was once home to such characters as Al Capone and Willie Sutton. The building,
which is now a museum, was designed to be frightening. Ghosts are reported to
include ill-fated prisoners and a phantom guard who appears in the guard tower.
The prison also hosts a Halloween celebration that takes visitors through five
cellblocks and the central rotunda, all enhanced by tremendous special effects.
VIRGINIA
(Judy Watkins, 804-371-8163)
Camberleys Martha Washington Inn www.marthawashingtoninn.com
150 W. Main Street
Abingdon, VA 24210
276-628-3161
Contact: Terry Brenner, 404-946-2847
There are many ghost stories associated with this historic hotel, which served
as a hospital during the Civil War. A young woman named Beth, who cared for the
wounded soldiers, fell in love with one of her charges, John Stoves. He died,
and Beth passed away just a few weeks later. Employees have reported seeing her
ghost as she returns to Room 403, the room where Stoves died. Others tell of
glimpsing a phantom horse looking for his master, a Union soldier shot in front
of the building.
WEST VIRGINIA
(Matt Turner, 304-558-2288, ext. 341)
Haunted Graveyard Tour Martinsburg www.wvsocietyofghosthunters.com
P.O. Box 1411
Hedgesville, WV 25427
304-754-6983
Contact: Susan Crites
Participants are encouraged to keep their eyes open during this chilling walk
through two of the most actively haunted graveyards in the Eastern Panhandle.
Visitors have actually darted out of the graveyards during the tour after
spotting the "Lady in Black" or ghostly children among the tombstones.
Participants can bring cameras to capture their own sightings and tour
organizers lend participants an EMF reader and a ghost detector. The Eastern
Panhandle is rich with paranormal activity, attributed to uneasy spirits from
the Civil War.
WASHINGTON, DC
(Rebecca Pawlowski, 202-789-7099)
National Building Museum www.nbm.org
401 F St., NW
Washington, DC 20001
202-272-2448
Contact: Jill Dixon, 202-272-2448, ext. 3201
The magnificent edifice where Civil War veterans once came to collect their
pensions is known to be visited by a soldier on horseback - possibly Montgomery
Meigs, the building's designer. Swirling faces are also sometimes seen at the
top of the glorious marble columns in the building's great hall.(SEP22)
Worldwide Caution - Public
Announcement
September 10, 2003
U.S. Department of State
Washington, DC
This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated July 29, 2003. It is being
issued to remind U.S. citizens of the continuing threat of terrorist actions
that may target U.S. citizens and to update these potential threats, especially
around the anniversary date of the September 11, 2001, attacks. The U.S.
Government remains deeply concerned about the security of U.S. citizens
overseas. U.S.
citizens are cautioned to maintain a high level of vigilance, to remain alert
and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This
Worldwide Caution expires on February 10, 2004.
With the second anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks upon us, we are
seeing increasing indications that Al-Qaida is preparing to strike U.S.
interests abroad.
Looking at the last few months, Al-Qaida and its associated organizations have
struck in the Middle East in Riyadh, in North Africa in Casablanca, and in East
Asia in Indonesia. We therefore assess that European or Eurasian locations
could be venues for the next round of attacks, possibly to closely coincide with
the anniversary of the 11 September attack. We expect Al-Qaida will strive
for new attacks that will be more devastating than the September 11 attack,
possibly involving nonconventional weapons such as chemical or biological
agents. We also cannot rule out the potential for Al Qaida to attempt a
second catastrophic attack within the U. S.
Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations,
hijackings, bombings or kidnappings. These may also involve commercial aircraft
and threats to include conventional weapons, such as explosive devices.
Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. These may
include facilities where American citizens and other foreigners congregate or
visit, including residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship,
schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events or resorts and beaches. U.S. citizens
should remain in a heightened state of personal security awareness when
attendance at such locations is unavoidable.
U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert.
These facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to
time to assess their security posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies
and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S.
citizens. Americans are urged to monitor the local news and maintain
contact with the nearest American embassy or consulate. As the Department
continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S.
citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular
Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov.
In addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers may obtain
up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747
toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at
1-317-472-2328.(SEP22)
According to a statement issued by
the Airports Council International - North America, the US Department
of State has decided to delay the Machine Readable Passport (MRP) requirements
for the nationals of the twenty-seven countries that participate in the US Visa
Waiver Program. The requirement has been postponed until October 26, 2004.
However, the MRP requirement for Belgium Nationals, which was instituted on May
15, remains.(SEP22)
According to a statement issued by
the Association of Flight Attendants, "flight attendants still have
not received any meaningful anti-terrorist security" two years after
the events of 9/11. The announcement also expresses concern that the
mandatory requirements for such training may be weakened.(SEP22)
Joining the latest industry
bandwagon, Northwest Airlines has announced that passengers may use cellular
phones onboard Northwest aircraft after landing at U.S. airports.
Cellular phones may now be used after the aircraft has left the active runway
and is taxiing towards the airport gate. There are no changes to the departure
phone use policy, which allows passengers to use their cellular phones only
until the aircraft door is shut for departure. Northwest developed and tested
plans to permit this change, in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration
safety guidance on aircraft cellular phone use. The change is effective
immediately.
The new policy on cellular phone use will be expanded to Northwest Airlink
flights operated by Mesaba and Pinnacle Airlines in the near future. (SEP22)
Southwest has announced that
customers with cell phones onboard may begin using them after the flight
attendant gives permission to do so upon landing at the destination and taxi to
the airport gate.
Previously on Southwest, Customers could use their phones onboard upon boarding,
but only until the aircraft doors closed. Then, all cell phone power had to be
turned off until the aircraft was secured at the gate in the arrival city. Now,
instead of waiting until an arriving aircraft is parked at the gate and the door
is opened, Customers will be able to use their cell phones upon arrival in a
city, while the aircraft is taxiing to the arrival gate. Flight attendants
onboard will make announcements to let Customers know when it is OK to begin
using a cell phone or pager.
Southwest conducted the required Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) testing
to ensure that cell phones did not interfere with ground navigation equipment
during taxi. Its test results showed no avionics nor ground test
anomalies.(SEP22)
For the fifth year in a row New York
City, retains first place as the city most people would like to live in
or near. What is remarkable is that it has retained this position in the two
years following the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
The next four most popular cities are all in the West -- three in California and
one in Nevada. They are, in descending order, San Diego, San Francisco, Las
Vegas and Los Angeles.
The next most attractive cities to Americans, where the largest numbers of
people would like to live, or live close to, are, in descending order, Chicago,
Phoenix, Portland (OR), Seattle, and Denver.(SEP22)
United Airlines has announced that
elite members of United's award-winning Mileage Plus program can
now upgrade to United First or United Business without using miles, certificates
or money, provided they book a full fare economy class ticket.
The new policy, effective immediately, allows Premier, Premier Executive and
Premier Executive 1K members who buy a full fare economy electronic ticket (most
Y or B class fares) for travel within the United States, Canada, Hawaii,
Caribbean and Central America (Region 1) to upgrade one (1) class of service,
free of charge, without using miles or certificates. Upgrade clearance will be
based on elite status (100 hours for 1K, 72 hours for Premier Executive and 48
hours for Premier) and is subject to availability.(SEP22)
American Airlines and British Airways will begin a
long-awaited worldwide codeshare on September 17.(SEP2)
The New York Times is reporting that Berlin, Germany may have as many as 3,000
wild urban boars wandering the residential areas of the city.
The board are attracted to many neighborhoods because of the large number of oak
trees (acorns are their favorite food). (SEP2)
WASHINGTON (AP)
- The U.S. government says its training program to arm commercial airline
pilots is now at full capacity and it expects to train all qualified pilots who
volunteer to carry guns within a year.
Pilots disagree, saying the Transportation Security Administration is discouraging them from signing up by requiring background and psychological checks, ordering pilots to carry guns in lockboxes and holding the training at a single remote site.
"We estimate 40,000 pilots would volunteer if it were properly managed by the TSA," said Capt. Bob Lambert, president of the Airline Pilots' Security Alliance who was speaking at a Tuesday news conference. Pilots are trying to pressure the Bush administration to move ahead quickly with the training program.
John Moran, who heads the government's training program, said the TSA's training is meeting the demand of pilots who want to carry a weapon.
"The great majority of those who have volunteered will be trained within a year," Moran said at a news conference at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Full classes of 48 each are booked through the end of September, he said, and the agency plans to double its classes in January.
Another member of the pilots security group, Capt. Phillip Beall, says 10,000 of his fellow airline pilots should have been given guns by now and trained to use them while in the cockpit. Instead, he said, fewer than 200 have weapons because the agency in charge of arming pilots is dragging its feet.
The pilots held news conferences Tuesday at several airports around the country to urge the Transportation Security Administration to speed up the program.
Brian Turmail, a TSA spokesman, rejects the claim that the agency isn't moving fast enough. He said the TSA quickly created a training program and application process for pilots, and now that those elements are established, the pace of training will pick up.
Full classes are booked through the end of September, he said. The number of pilots in each class is kept secret for security reasons.
Pilots lobbied Congress hard last year, arguing that guns would allow them to supplement air marshals, who cover only a small percentage of the 35,000 daily flights in the United States. The TSA, seeking to address a budget shortfall of nearly $1 billion, froze air marshal hiring in May.
The agency had opposed arming pilots, believing tighter airport security, bulletproof cockpit doors and more vigilant passengers made it unnecessary. Critics also said adding guns to airplanes was inherently dangerous.
But after it became obvious that Congress would support the program, TSA chief James Loy reluctantly went along.
Pilots who volunteer for the program take a week of classes, weapons instruction and hand-to-hand combat drills at a federal law enforcement training center. Background checks and psychological testing also are conducted.
Capt. Lambert said at the current rate of 50 pilots a week it will take 15 years to arm the estimated 40,000 pilots who want to carry guns.
The first 44 pilots to complete the program were designated "flight deck officers" on April 19 and began flying with weapons. The second class finished in July, and now classes are conducted weekly.
An upcoming move to a training center in Artesia, N.M., from Glynco, Ga., will allow the agency to train more pilots, Turmail said. Many pilots don't like the new location because it's difficult to get to.
Former Rep. Bob Barr, R-Ga., is backing the pilots' campaign.
"The government is
throwing roadblocks in the way of fulfilling what was a very clear congressional
mandate," Barr said. "If the White House would simply make a clear
statement that this must be done, it dramatically improves the chances of it
happening." (SEP2)
American Airlines is offering
discounted weekend fares centering on college football events,
including related discounts for cars and hotels. (SEP2)
According to Canadian press sources, prime minister Jean Chrétien
says that Montreal's Dorval International Airport will be rechristened in honor
of former prime minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau.(AUG25)
United Airlines today announced it
has added new features to its EasyCheck-in units throughout its system.
Customers traveling from the United States to an international location now will
be able to use EasyCheck-in and receive their boarding pass. Other new features
will also help customers impacted by irregular operations and those passengers
that need to check bags after they have used
EasyCheck-in online.
United customers use EasyCheck-in self-service units to check-in for a flight,
choose their seat assignments and obtain their boarding pass when traveling with
a United electronic ticket.
EasyCheck-in also helps speed customers through the airport by issuing their
boarding document in less than 60 seconds, allowing customers to proceed
directly to a security checkpoint without having to wait in line at the check-
in counter. United also will install EasyCheck-in units inside the concourse to
allow customers impacted by flight irregularities to check in for their new
flight. The installation of concourse units will begin this month at Chicago's
O'Hare International Airport.
United now also has EasyCheck-in Curbside in 32 airports. At these airports,
customers can obtain their boarding pass curbside from the Skycap who will not
only check their baggage but also provide them with their boarding pass.
EasyCheck-in Curbside installation is scheduled for completion in conjunction
with EasyCheck-in kiosks by early 2004.
EasyCheck-in Online allows customers not checking baggage to check in online and
go through the security checkpoint directly to the departure gate. If they need
to check bags, they can do so now going to an EasyCheck-in podium where a
customer service representative will check their baggage.(AUG25)
Delta Airlines is the latest carrier
to join the relaxed non-refundable ticket rules bandwagon. The
company announced today that,
effective immediately, customers holding nonrefundable tickets will be given one
year from the ticket's original issue date to reschedule their travel without
losing the value of their ticket, provided the customer cancels their
reservation prior to the scheduled departure time of their original flight. The
new policy applies on Delta, Delta Connection, Delta Shuttle and Song, Delta's
new low fare service.(AUG25)
Continental Airlines announced that,
effective immediately for travel beginning today, Continental Airlines
customers with nonrefundable tickets that allow changes will have a full year
from the date the original ticket was issued to reschedule their travel plans
without losing that ticket's value.
Under the relaxed policy, customers must cancel their reservations prior to the
scheduled departure time of the flight for which they were originally scheduled
in order to apply the value of that ticket to future travel. (AUG25)
American also issued a press release
announcing the change, which states (in part):
"Effective immediately, customers with nonrefundable tickets that allow
changes will have a full year from the date their original ticket was issued to
reschedule without losing the value of their tickets, provided they cancel their
reservations prior to scheduled departure time." (AUG25)
The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC has unveiled the centerpiece to
its annex to the Air and Space Museum, the most popular museum in
the world. The "Enola Gay" is now on display, gleaming as brightly as
it did on August sixth, 1945, when it dropped an atomic bomb. The restoration
efforts have gone on since 1980. (AUG25)
UK-based e-tid.com reports that
staff at Southwest Airlines, are starting a
campaign of 'informational picketing' rather than industrial action over a
number of employment issues.
US wires report that Southwest flight attendants are visiting airports
served by the carrier to explain to passengers their current contract
dispute.(AUG25)
NATIONAL PASSPORT INFORMATION CENTER
Changes to Toll- Free Telephone Service
and Expands Service Availability and Options (AUG8)
On August 19, 2003, the National Passport Information Center (NPIC), the
U.S. Department of State's single, centralized public contact center for
U.S. passport information, will move from 1-900 fee-for-service to toll-free
service and expand service availability/options:
. New Telephone Number: 1-877-4USA-PPT (1-877-487-2778)
TDD/TTY: 1-888-874-7793
. Customer Service Representatives will be available
Monday-Friday, 8
a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern Time
Excluding Federal
Holidays
. Automated Information will continue to be available 24/7.
. Email Access will be added at npic@state.gov.
. Website for Passport Information will continue at:
[ www.travel.state.gov ]
This is the only official U.S. Government website for
passport information.
We are pleased to share this information with you.
Passport Services
Bureau of Consular Affairs
U.S. Department of State
Hong Kong is pulling out all the
stops to welcome visitors in the months
ahead.
The world premiere of a fantastic laser light show, picturesque lantern
celebration, first-ever illuminated Chinese New Year parade, winter festival
and exceptional bargains on travel, dining, shopping and sightseeing are all
part of a multifaceted program of mega events now unfolding in Hong Kong
that will last well into 2004.
Visitors to Hong Kong arriving at major ports of entry until the end of
September will receive special Welcome Packs. Contents include guides on
shopping, dining and sightseeing, a limited-time dragon souvenir pin and
Welcome Passport. To be printed in three different editions with more than
60 offerings in each, the passports offer savings and coupons for
attractions, cultural highlights, shopping, dining and tours. Free Cultural
Kaleidoscope Programs, such as junk rides, tai chi classes and guided
architecture and Cantonese opera tours, are complemented by numerous "Buy
One, Get One Free" deals and other discounts.
The "Hong Kong Welcomes You" promotion also features a "Super
Draw" with
prizes worth more than $2 million -- the largest citywide mega-lucky draw
ever in Hong Kong. Visitors simply collect at least three stamps from
purchases made in a range of Hong Kong establishments to become eligible to
enter a drawing to win such prizes as a luxury car, jewelry, airline
tickets, shopping and dining bonuses, and more. The contest runs through
September 30.
Starting August 17, the night sky over Victoria Harbor will be lit up with a
multimedia show called Strato-Fantasia, designed to symbolize Hong Kong as
"The Pearl of the Orient." Centerpiece of the show is the world
premiere of
a 65-foot translucent globe, which serves as the focal point for a vibrant
extravaganza of synchronized videos, colorful lasers, pyrotechnics and
music. Two shows will be held nightly through September 15 on the Wan Chai
waterfront.
Colorful Lantern Celebration Features World's Largest Lanterns
Hong Kong's Mid-Autumn Festival is being extended this year into a
month-long Mid-Autumn Lantern Celebration.
A special Lantern Carnival will be held for the first time at Victoria Park
from September 10-14. Visitors will be invited to join residents under the
stars to eat festive moon cakes and light beautiful lanterns in the shape of
fish, flowers and other objects. Traditional cultural performances and games
will also be part of the festivities.
The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance will be performed at Victoria Park for the
first time. The 25-foot long "fire-breathing" dragon will wind its way
around the park for three consecutive nights from September 10-12. In
addition, the first-ever Lantern Boat parade will take place in the
world-renowned Victoria Harbor.
During the month of October, an International Musical Fireworks Competition
will take place over Victoria Harbor. Top fireworks professionals for around
the world compete against each other for the best fireworks displays set to
music. Performances are now slated for the evenings of October 1, 5 and 12.
(AUG8)
Calendar of Major Events and Activities
August 1 - September 30 Hong
Kong Super Draw
August 15
Welcome Day
August 17 - September 15 Strato-Fantasia
September
Mid-Autumn Lantern Celebration
October 1,5,12
International Musical Fireworks Competition
Mid-November - January
Hong Kong WinterFest
January 22, 2004
International Chinese New Year Night Parade
For more information about Hong Kong, visit www.DiscoverHongKong.com/usa
The Chinese government yesterday
banned sightseers from
undeveloped sections of the 4,500 mile-long wall, according
to an article in The Guardian. The ban is a response to
litter and graffiti that threaten sections of the "wild
wall."(AUG4)
The Washington Post reports that the
U.S. government has
received credible threats of possible airline suicide
hijackings planned for later this summer. Advisories have
been issued to airlines and security personnel.(AUG4)
Read the article at:
<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A59284-2003Jul28.html">
Government says more hijackings planned (via PS Inform)</a>
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A59284-2003Jul28.html
The New York Times reports that
business fliers are
increasingly seeking out foods they can carry on to their
meal-free flights. The paper offers suggestions for
carry-out meals at the busiest airports and in the cities
themselves.(AUG4)
After 14 years operating as a United Express carrier,
Atlantic Coast Airlines plans to become a low-fare airline,
according to a Washington Post story. Atlantic plans to
make the transition sometime after United emerges from
bankruptcy protection. (AUG4)
BBC reports that Italian authorities have decided to clean
Michelangelo's David sculpture with distilled water despite
objections from art restoration experts. Work is scheduled
to begin in September. (AUG4)
What to do with stray dogs is just one of the challenges facing
Athens as it prepares for next year's Olympic games, according
to an AP report. The city's history and beauty are intact, but
security, venue construction, power supply and lodging are all
major concerns.(AUG4)
NYT reports that more U.S. airlines
are selling meals in
economy class. Except for CO, the major U.S. carriers are
either experimenting with selling boxed meals or have
implemented sales on a permanent basis.(AUG4)
Parrot Jungle Island, a roadside attraction in Miami since
1936, has moved into a modern new home on Watson Island
between downtown Miami and South Beach. AP reports that the
new park boasts thousands of tropical birds, crocodiles,
orangutans and more than 2,000 tropical plants and flowers.(AUG4)