Topic: Business Travel

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Airline travel: life in first class is getting cushier (but not back in steerage)

US airlines, profitable again after a disastrous decade, are spending almost $2 billion to upgrade amenities for their highest-paying customers. "There is a war going on for the profitable passenger," says one analyst.
787 Dreamliner takes off at last. When can you jump aboard?

787 Dreamliner jet, Boeing's new fuel-sipping and passenger-friendly aircraft, left the US for Japan Tuesday, with executives of All Nippon Airways aboard. Commercial flights of the 787 Dreamliner start Oct. 28 – in Asia.
Airline fares go up. Southwest joins hike.

Airline fares for business travelers have gone by an average of $6 to $10 per round trip. Southwest's hike in airline fares virtually guarantees price rise will stick.
Tax VOX
Why Obama really wants a tax hike on corporate jets

Obama's corporate jet proposal would only save a tiny amount of money. Does the president just want to put Republicans on the defensive?
Sleeping air-traffic controllers show that fatigue issue still plagues FAA

FAA official resigns following string of incidents involving sleeping air-traffic controllers. Passenger rights group praises decision to add second overnight controller at 27 airports.
Big diamond: one of five things to watch April 12

Big diamond is purple-pink, 10 carats, and up for auction at Christie's. Besides the big diamond, keep an eye on oil and real estate.
Classic review: In the Country of Men

This powerful novel about a 9-year-old boy and his absent father offers an unnerving portrait of life in the Libya of Muammar Qaddafi.
Continental Airlines, UAL to merge

Continental Airlines and UAL shareholders approved the deal, which will create the world's biggest airline
BlackBerry ban in UAE will reportedly extend to visitors, too

BlackBerry ban: Visitors to Dubai will have to do without BlackBerry e-mail, messaging and Web services starting in October, as the United Arab Emirates imposes a ban on the mobile devices.
Losses loom for airlines, but most can stave off bankruptcy – for now

Passenger traffic at the largest carriers is well below last year's level. Big fare reductions aren't bringing in enough travelers.
Classic review: In the Country of Men

For 9-year-old Suleiman, childhood in Tripoli means a disappearing dad and a mom who tells stories that burn his young ears.
Airline quality report: Better service, fewer passengers

With air travel down in 2008, fewer planes were late and fewer bags were lost in airlines' best performance since 2004.
Will US airlines make a turnaround in 2009?

Their cost-cutting in recent years could pay off. But longtime problems remain.
Aviation leaders urge Congress to act on energy policy – now

They call for a special session of Congress, but many are skeptical the session will get off the ground.
Major turbulence ahead for airlines

Industry officials and analysts urge Washington to act to avert a collapse.
A entirely predictable farce

Patrick Dempsey goes into charm overload in 'Made of Honor.'
FAA adjusts safety regime, but some say not enough

The agency cites new 'improvements' to safety record, airline oversight. Critics say its industry ties remain too tight.
Plane maintenance lapses draw congressional hearing

With four major carriers having grounded planes, FAA whistle-blowers will testify Thursday before Congress.
As Southwest grounds planes, calls rise for FAA overhaul

Critics say that FAA inspectors cut airlines too much slack.
Delta-Northwest merger: pilots' demands hold any deal up

Even if an agreement is reached, some say that consolidation will lead only to more crowded planes and higher prices.