United and American battle for China's skies

The stage appears to be set for United and American Airlines to battle for supremacy in Chinese airspace.

United currently has the most services between China and the United States, but American is making a big push for the market.

In April, American will begin a direct, daily flight between Chicago and Shanghai. Chicago also happens to be United's home base and largest hub.

GOL launches new payments option

GOL Linhas, Brazil's version of Southwest Airlines, has begun offering its customers an entirely different way of paying for their airfares.

The new option allows customers to pay their airfares in up to 36 monthly installments, not far from the same system people use to pay off loans and mortgages.

T.S.A. to slacken rules on in-flight objects

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (T.S.A.) is planning on easing the rules on what objects can be allowed onto planes, the New York Times reports.

An announcement is expected this week, most likely on Friday, that will allow passengers to bring previously banned items, such as small scissors, on board flights.

Singapore airport is first with VoIP lounge

Singapore's Changi Airport, the sixth busiest airport in the world, has become the first to offer an Internet telephony lounge.

While Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is available on any computer with internet access and a headset, this is the first airport lounge devoted to internet telephony.

The lounge was launched through a partnership with Singapore's Civil Aviation Authority and MediaRing, one of the largest VoIP providers in Asia.

Salt Lake City Airport gets new shops for non-passengers

Salt Lake City International Airport will be adding On the Fly Urban Market stores in its non-passenger, 'unsecure' areas of its terminals.

The store specializes in a range of products usually found at the supermarket, such as fresh-made sandwiches, soups, desserts, flowers, books and coffee.

AirTran begins winter sale

Discount airline AirTran Airways has started a winter sale on one-way airfares for all of its destinations.

Airfares will be as low as $39 but must be purchased before December 15, 2005.

Travel must occur before March 1, 2006 and discounts are not available on Sunday flights.

Mexicana adds new American route

Mexicana Airlines has announced that it will soon fly between its hub in Mexico City and Baltimore-Washington International Airport.

The route is scheduled to begin on December 1, 2005 and will fly every day.

Chief executive officer of Mexicana, Emilio Romano, was excited about the new route, saying it had much to offer all kinds of travelers.

Hooters says it is succeeding

Despite an industry in turmoil, with bankruptcies and strikes piling up, discount airline Hooters Air is doing well insists its president Mark Peterson

In an interview he told the Sun News: "We're going to be here next year and many more years. That's what our people need to know."

Business travel fares to rise in 2006

Airfares, car rental and luxury hotels for business travel purposes will all become more expensive in 2006.

According to research from American Express Business Travel, business class airfares and car rental prices will both rise by eight per cent in 2006, while hotel accommodation will increase by five per cent.

Club members can use other airline lounges

Members of airlines' premier clubs are usually given the royal treatment upon arrival at the airport.

Check-in is a simple queue-free experience and members can wait in lounges with all sorts of business and leisure amenities.

Today a group of airlines announced that club members can use the executive lounges of all the airlines involved in a new agreement.