Gustav Hurts Airlines’ Labor Day Business
Transport Crisis in Thailand During Protests
Rape Victim Lobbies For Cruise Ship Safety Law
US Airways: Abandoning Passengers ‘Is Not a Compensation Issue’
China Planning ‘World’s Fastest Train’ from Beijing to Shanghai
GUSTAV HURTS AIRLINES’ LABOR DAY BUSINESS - USA Today
Though Hurricane Gustav turned out not to be as bad as predicted, it caused the cancellation of more than 135 flights into and out of the Gulf coast, dealing a significant blow to air carriers’ bottom lines. AirTran, Continental, Delta, and Southwest airlines all canceled flights headed to and from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama airports, and either issued refunds or rescheduled passengers on other flights. Many waived the customary change fees. The cancellations will hit the industry hard, as many airlines are already struggling financially and the Labor Day weekend is a time when flights are normally at full capacity.
Link: USA Today
TRANSPORT CRISIS IN THAILAND DURING PROTESTS - Times Online (UK)
Thousands of foreign and domestic tourists were stranded in Thailand over the weekend after anti-government demonstrators caused chaos which forced airports and railway stations to shut down. The airports at Hat Yai, Phuket and Krabi were closed, along with train lines nationwide, as 2,000 workers went on strike and protesters attempted to take over the Bangkok police headquarters. The protestors, who represent the People’s Alliance for Democracy, seem to have supporters in high places that may be trying to encourage a coup. The police seem reluctant to act against the group, which has already forced the Prime Minister from his offices.
Link: Times Online (UK)
RAPE VICTIM LOBBIES FOR CRUISE SHIP SAFETY LAW - Sacramento Bee
A woman who was raped on a Miami-based cruise ship in 2006 is lobbying Congress for tougher law regarding the recording and reporting of crimes and other incidents that happen at sea. Senator John Kerry is among the lawmakers backing the effort, which would affect the more than 12 million passengers who take cruises every year. Currently, cruise lines are not required to report even the most serious crimes such as rape and murder that happen in international waters.
Link: Sacramento Bee
U.S. AIRWAYS: ABANDONING PASSENGERS ‘IS NOT A COMPENSATION ISSUE’ - Consumerist
US Airways was heavily criticized for its decision to not compensate passengers after their flight from the Dominican Republic was canceled due to bad weather. Many travelers on the Punta Cana-to-Philadelphia flight were left stranded in the airport because all alternative flights off the island were full as were local hotels. The airline cited airline regulations that do not compel them to pay compensation when a cancellation is caused by safety concerns, but angry customers say that common courtesy dictates that the airline should not treat passengers in such a cavalier manner.
Link: Consumerist
CHINA PLANNING ‘WORLD’S FASTEST TRAIN’ FROM BEIJING TO SHANGHAI - Daily Telegraph (UK)
China has begun work on a railway line that will link the nation’s two largest cities with a train that can go as fast as 236 miles per hour. The 819-mile line will open in 2012 and will reduce travel time between the two cities from 10 hours to four hours. Chinese officials were torn between improving existing slow but reliable services between cities around the country and building the high-speed links between major cities. The new rail route will be competitive with air service, which takes two hours, not including check-in times.
Link: Daily Telegraph (UK)
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