Maggots force plane to return to Atlanta airport

ATLANTA – There weren’t snakes on the plane. Instead, there were maggots.

A U.S. Airways flight from Atlanta to North Carolina on Monday was forced to return to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after maggots started falling from an overhead bin, according to WSB-TV.

“I felt like they were crawling all over me because it only takes one maggot to upset your world,” The Associated Press quoted one passenger as saying. “And as they’re telling us to stay calm and seated, I see a maggot looking back at me and I’m thinking, ‘These are anaerobic, flesh-eating larvae that the flight attendants don’t have to sit with.’”

The plane did eventually continue to its destination, but was to be taken out of service so it could be fumigated, reports indicate.

“A passenger had brought a container of spoiled meat onto the plane,” WAGA-TV quoted a U.S. Airways spokesman as saying in a statement. “After it was discovered, all passengers were checked to make sure no other carry-on items had been contaminated and the passenger with the spoiled meat was re-accommodated on another airline. The U.S. Airways aircraft continued with its passengers on to Charlotte, where the aircraft has been taken out of service and will be fumigated as precautionary measure.”

Reports didn’t indicate how the spoiled meat went unnoticed.

Greetings from AthFest

Leaving vacation on the table? You're not alone

A new survey by LastMinuteTravel.com finds that 45 percent of working Americans did not take full advantage of their vacation days in 2009.

In fact, 39 percent said they lost 10 or more of those days. The survey also finds that more than three-quarters (78 percent) of Americans plan to repeat this trend by leaving their paid vacation days on the table.

According to the survey, reasons for lost vacation days are that many find it difficult to take time away from work, coordinate family schedules or they cannot afford a "real vacation."

Nonetheless, working Americans yearn for time off and fantasize about the type of vacation they would take, time and money permitting:  close to four in ten (35 percent) would choose a beach destination where they can relax and unwind; 19 percent would opt for an all-inclusive cruise; 16 percent would go to a family (theme-park) destination; and 15 percent would take a road trip across the country.

Want to move to WDW? Soon you can

Ever thought of moving to Walt Disney World?

Chances are, you're probably not alone. And, the good news is you won't have to wait much longer, if you have the money.

Walt Disney World announced plans to build 30 houses as part of the first phase of its Golden Oak community. The single family custom houses are expected to sell for between $1.8 million and $8 million and are expected to be completed by 2011.

"We have a range of options for guests at all price points to enjoy the Walt Disney World Resort.  But Golden Oak is something totally new: a residential resort community, right in the heart of the magic," Matt Kelly, vice president of Disney Resort Real Estate Development, said in a news release. "Golden Oak will be a place where families can come together and make memories for generations to come – with Disney World right at their doorstep."

When finished, the community is expected to have 450 houses.

Golden Oak will also include the Four Seasons Orlando hotel. Residents will have access to some of the Four Seasons' amenities, including restaurants and the full-service spa.

Feds shelve peanut prohibition

ATLANTA – Aw, nuts!

That’s what the federal government said after realizing it doesn't have the authority to ban peanuts on airplanes.

“This is great news for all peanut producers, especially those in Georgia," U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, D-Ga., said in a statement. “We have a long and proud history of peanuts in Georgia, and it has been a privilege to do all I can to protect this vital part of our state’s economy.”

Federal authorities were mulling banning airlines from distributing peanuts as snacks on airplanes, saying the move would benefit people with severe peanut allergies.

The peanut proposal was among a number of consumer protections the U.S. Department of Transportation announced earlier this month. Other proposed protections include increasing the compensation airlines pay to passengers who are involuntarily bumped from flights and a requirement that airlines prominently disclose baggage fees and offer a refund and reimbursement when bags aren't delivered on time.

However, before the feds institute such a ban, a “peer-reviewed scientific study must be conducted first to determine that there are severe reactions by passengers to peanuts prior to issuing any prohibitive measure regarding peanuts and peanut-products on airplanes,” according to a news release from Bishop. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood informed Bishop in a letter of the decision to postpone the proposal.

“As you know, … no carrier will be required to provide a peanut- restricted area until 90 days after submission to both the Congress and the Secretary of a peer-reviewed scientific study that determines there are severe reactions by passengers,” LaHood wrote in his letter.

Being green ... And cost conscious

Under the guise of being green, a number of hotels nationwide are no longer washing linens on a daily basis.

However, as USA Today reports in today's edition, the move also has a financial implication.

"I have no issues with hotels cutting back," the newspaper quotes one frequent traveler as saying. "Replacing my linen on a daily basis is the height of absurdity. I don't do it at home, so why do it in my hotel room?"

To read the full report, visit: http://m.usatoday.com/Travel/1817196/;jsessionid=1ACCE629310F2E538BF84963A17C510A.wap1

WDW monorail probe continues

By Todd DeFeo, Railfanning.org News Wire

A federal probe into last year's fatal monorail collision at Walt Disney World could continue for the better part of 2010, The Daily Disney reported.

"We're now in the final stages of the investigation," The Daily Disney quoted NTSB spokesman Peter Knudson as saying. "I don't think we're going to see anything this summer."

The 21-year-old Walt Disney World monorail pilot was killed July 5 when two monorails collided at the Ticket and Transportation Center. The National Transportation Safety Board previously said the pilot who was killed tried to reverse his train in order to avoid the collision.

The fatality was the first on the Walt Disney World Monorail.

In December, OSHA $44,000 in penalties against Disney for the monorail wreck. That includes a $7,000 penalty for a serious violation "for not providing a place of employment free from recognized hazards that could cause death or serious harm by exposing employees to struck-by collision hazards."

That is the "maximum amount allowed for a serious citation," OSHA said.

The monorails are not only an efficient means for traversing the Walt Disney World resort, they are among one of the most popular attractions. The system opened in 1971 and today has three lines. There are now 11 monorail trains that operate over nearly 15 miles of track.

A single monorail built with the remains of the two trains that crashed debuted earlier this year.

Tribute bands take to EPCOT stage this summer

West Center Street.com

A number of tribute bands will be taking to the stage at EPCOT this summer as part of the Sounds Like Summer concert series.

“The key thing about tribute bands is that their intention is to reproduce, as closely as possible, the music of the artist whose work they are celebrating,” Walt Disney World Entertainment’s Senior Show Director Alan Bruun said in a news release. “It’s not an impersonation, which mimics the personality and visual aspect of a star, or a cover band that puts their own spin on a song.

“A tribute band goes for authenticity,” Bruun added. “Each band that performs as part of the Sounds Like Summer concert series has received written authorization from the band whose music they play.”

The schedule features:

• June 27-July 3: Karin Lawson - A Tribute to Janet Jackson
• July 4-10: Satisfaction - A Tribute to The Rolling Stones
• July 11-17: Slippery When Wet - The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute
• July 18-24: 2U - A Tribute to U2
• July 25-31: Beginnings - A Tribute to Chicago

The performances, which are free with park admission, are scheduled for 5:45 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. at the America Gardens Theatre. The July 4 performances are scheduled for 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Spirit Airlines: Flights resume Friday

ATLANTA – Spirit Airlines is set to return to the friendly skies.

On its website, the airline said it will resume flights on Friday after it reached an agreement with its striking pilots. The airline did not provide additional details about the agreement.

According to the Air Line Pilots Association, Spirit’s pilots “have been working at below-market rates for years, and under substandard work rules.” The strike followed four years of negotiations, according to the association.

The airline, however, previously said it offered pilots a number of concessions, including a pay increase.

“We are frustrated and disappointed that our pilots have turned down an over 30 percent increase at a cost of over $70 million over five years while disrupting thousands of our customers and jeopardizing the livelihoods of our over 2,000 employees,” Spirit Airlines President and CEO Ben Baldanza said in a Saturday statement.

Earlier this year, Spirit Airlines, which serves the Atlanta area, made headlines when it announced it will charge travelers for their carry-on bags.

Spirit Airline pilots strike

ATLANTA – Spirit Airlines has canceled all flights through Thursday because of a pilots strike.

Spirit Airlines, which serves Atlanta, said it “is processing future flight credits for customers for the full amount of their unflown flight purchase, and is also giving them a $100 future flight credit.” The airline also said it is doing what it can to resolve the strike.

“Spirit Airlines is continuing to work with our pilot union to reach a fair and equitable agreement that ensures the long-term stability of the company, and allows us to continue offering you the ultra low fares you have come to know and love,” the airline said in a statement.

However, airline passenger advocacy group FlyersRights.org said it has received complaints from passengers who have been stranded because of the strike.

“Despite its claims and promises, Spirit appears to have no intention to care for its customers in light of the strike and has no plan in place to address stranded passengers across the globe – who are now forced to fend for themselves,” FlyersRights.org Executive Director Kate Hanni said in a news release. “Tickets issued by Spirit are without value on other airlines and Spirit is depriving passengers of information on how they will care for them thereby perpetrating a global fraud upon its customers.”

Zoo Atlanta gorilla charges, breaks glass barrier

ATLANTA – Zoo Atlanta’s Willie B. Conservation Center remains closed after a 20-year-old silver back gorilla charged a glass barrier, causing it to crack, officials said.

Authorities suspect the gorilla – a male named Taz – charged because he was concerned about veterinarians who were in the viewing area. A day earlier, Taz underwent what officials said was “a routine medical exam.”

“Gorillas often associate their veterinarians as the ones giving vaccinations and can react nervously – much like many people do with a visit to the doctor or dentist,” Dr. Hayley Murphy, the zoo’s director of veterinary services, said in a news release.

Officials stressed that neither the zoo’s staff nor its visitors were in danger. The exhibit includes a moat and an electric wire between “the yard” and the viewing area.

“World-class animal care and the safety of our guests and staff are of the utmost importance at Zoo Atlanta,” Zoo Atlanta President and CEO Raymond King said in a news release. “We have many drills to prepare Zoo staff for various incidents and that preparation allowed us to safely return Taz to his secure holding area with no injuries to either the public or to the animal.”

The exhibit will re-open once repairs to the exhibit are completed, officials said without giving a timeframe.

Should that driver in the next lane be on the road?

ATLANTA – Here’s something to think about the next time you’re out on the road: an estimated 38 million Americans would fail a driver’s test if they took it today.

That’s according to the 2010 GMAC Insurance National Drivers Test, which revealed that upwards of 1 in 5 licensed drivers (18.4 percent) would fail the test. The average score of the 5,202 drivers who took the test was 76.2, down from a score of 76.6 in 2009; a score of 70 percent or below is considered failing, according to GMAC.

“It’s discouraging to see that overall average test scores are lower than last year,” Wade Bontrager, senior vice president of GMAC Insurance, said in a news release. “American drivers need to make safety a top priority and be aware of the rules of the road at all times. The National Drivers Test allows everyone to brush up on their driving knowledge with a brief refresher course.”

The survey found that Kansas had the best drivers, and New York drivers ranked last for the third time in the survey’s six years. New Jersey drivers have nothing to brag about, with 39.9 percent of drivers failing the test; the state ranked second to last.

Georgia ranked No. 32, and its drivers scored a 76.7 percent. That’s a vast improvement from the No. 47 post that the state occupied the previous two years.

In a bit of good news, only five percent of the survey’s participants admitted to texting while driving. A number of states, including Georgia, have enacted laws prohibiting drivers from texting while behind the wheel.

“Motorists traveling on Georgia’s roads will be safer as a result of this new law. Distracted driving is a hazardous and deadly practice that needs to end,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a news release in response to the new Georgia law. “It’s time for Americans to follow Georgia’s lead and just put their devices down. Texting while driving is just too risky.”

Feds soliciting comments on peanut ban proposal

The Travel Trolley

ATLANTA – Federal authorities are mulling banning airlines from distributing peanuts as snacks on airplanes, saying the move would benefit people with severe peanut allergies.

The peanut proposal was among a number of consumer protections the U.S. Department of Transportation announced earlier this month. Other proposed protections include increasing the compensation airlines pay to passengers who are involuntarily bumped from flights and a requirement that airlines prominently disclose baggage fees and offer a refund and reimbursement when bags aren’t delivered on time.

“Why doesn’t the DOT’s proposed rule also ban milk and milk products? Why didn’t the rule include a ban eggs or foods containing eggs? Or for that matter, why doesn’t the DOT ban the travel of all dogs and cats, particularly within the passenger cabins of commercial planes?” U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, D-Ga., asked in a letter to Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. “While I am certainly not proposing that any of these be included in any future DOT rule, each affects millions more Americans than peanuts.

“Just as important is the question of passengers who might wish to enter a plane with peanut products in their possession,” Bishop added. “Would the proposed ban on peanuts prohibit passengers from bringing peanut products on-board? And as a practical matter, how would such a ban be enforced with respect to passengers? What would be the penalty for a passenger caught with a Snickers Bar on a plane under the proposed rule?”

The DOT notes that it is merely soliciting comments on the proposal. Still, some airlines, including Continental and United, have stopped distributing peanuts on flights, while others have not, according to an Associated Press report.

However, in Georgia, which produces the most peanuts of any state in the nation and has a roadside attraction dedicated to the “goober” in Ashburn, some farmers and officials aren’t hesitating to voice their opposition to any ban.

“The peanut industry feels like we’re being picked on,” The Associated Press quoted Armond Morris, a peanut farmer and chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission, as saying. “If we’re going to go targeting food products, maybe we just need to ban all food (on airplanes).”

Airline Data: Traffic up 2.4 percent from March 2009

The Travel Trolley

The Transportation Statistics reported that U.S. airlines carried 62.4 million scheduled domestic and international passengers in March 2010.

That represents a 2.4 percent increase from March 2009. However, the March 2010 passenger total was 7.8 percent below that of two years ago in March 2008.

BTS also reported that U.S. airlines carried 2 percent more domestic passengers in March 2010 than in March 2009. The number of international passengers on U.S. carriers increased 5.1 percent over March 2009. The March 2010 load factors of 82.6 percent systemwide and 83.4 percent domestic were the highest recorded for any March, according to BTS.

For the first three months of 2010, the number of scheduled domestic and international passengers on U.S. airlines increased 0.9 percent from the same period in 2009 at 164.1 million. The number of passengers declined 10.1 percent from the first three months of 2008 to the first three months of 2009.

U.S. airlines carried 0.6 percent more domestic passengers and 2.8 percent more international passengers in the first three months of 2010 than during the same period in 2009.

Reed appoints airport GM search committee

ATLANTA -- Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has appointed a committee to oversee the search for a new airport general manager.

The nine-member committee -- chaired by Home Depot CFO Carol Tomé -- will work with a search firm, Heidrick & Struggles, to interview and recommend candidates for the post. The committee is working pro bono.

"My goal is to find an individual who will continue to maintain Atlanta's dominance as the number one passenger airport in the country," Reed said in a statement. "I am committed to keeping the airport safe and secure, and with the help of my newly appointed search committee, I am confident that we will identify the perfect candidate for the job."

Among the projects for which the new airport chief will be responsible is the new Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal.

"Hartsfield Jackson International Airport is the world's busiest airport and a vital part of Atlanta's economic engine," Reed said. "There are many opportunities for further development at the airport, and having an Airport general manager who will continue to grow Hartsfield-Jackson and help fulfill its mission of become a leading international cargo hub is essential."

Reed will choose the candidate from among five finalists selected by the committee. The new general manager will replace Ben DeCosta, who is leaving at the end of June.

Study: Customer satisfaction with airlines improves

ATLANTA – Customer satisfaction with the nation’s airlines has improved, bucking a three-year downward trend, a new study suggests.

According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 North America Airline Satisfaction Study, overall customer satisfaction with airlines increased to 673 on a 1,000-point scale. That’s up 15 points from 2009.

“The fact that overall satisfaction with airlines has improved is particularly notable in light of a difficult economic year, in which add-on fees have continued to proliferate and two major airlines have merged,” Stuart Greif, vice president and general manager of the global travel and hospitality practice at J.D. Power and Associates, said in a news release.

Alaska Airlines topped the Traditional Network Carrier Segment with a 699 score, well above the segment average of 642. JetBlue Airways topped the Low-Cost Carrier Segment with a score of 764, above the 735 segment average.

“Receiving this honor for the third year in a row is a testament to not only our operational focus on running a safe, efficient, on-time airline, but also to our talented and dedicated employees, who have continually worked to deliver on our customer promises,” Alaska’s President Brad Tilden said in a news release.

To gauge overall customer satisfaction, J.D. Power and Associates looked at seven areas, including the flight crew, in-flight services and cost and fees.

“Airlines generally compete based on costs and fees, which is necessary to make their organizations stronger in an extremely difficult environment,” Greif said. “It’s important for carriers to remember, however, that building a base of committed passengers is also about creating a travel experience that fosters emotional attachment to a particular carrier, which in turn may make customers willing to flex their schedules or pay a little more for their flights.”

A number of recent surveys indicate more than half of Americans have a summer trip in their plans, and industry experts expect the airline industry to return to profitability this year.

“The question is whether airlines will take the necessary steps to improve the passenger experience and build commitment before rising prices and increased passenger traffic negate those efforts,” Greif said.

Traditional Network Carrier Segment

• Alaska Airlines, 699
• Continental Airlines, 672
• American Airlines, 642
• Traditional Network Carrier Segment Average, 642
• Delta Air Lines, 640
• Air Canada, 636
• United Airlines, 630
• US Airways, 613

Low-cost carrier segment

• JetBlue Airways, 764
• Southwest Airlines, 742
• WestJet, 740
• Low-Cost Carrier Segment Average, 735
• AirTran Airways, 704
• Frontier Airlines, 688

Delta: Expanding first class on domestic flights

ATLANTA -- Delta Air Lines today said it plans to make first class service available on all domestic flights longer than 750 miles -- or about two and one-half hours of flight time.

The service will be effective beginning this fall.

"This enhanced service reflects the investment Delta is making in improving the customer experience on the ground and in the air across both our domestic and international network," Glen Hauenstein, Delta's executive vice president -- Network Planning and Revenue Management, said in a news release. "Business customers who appreciate the option of traveling in a First Class cabin and frequent fliers who appreciate the opportunity to upgrade will particularly benefit from the significant expansion of two-class service on longer Delta Connection flights."

When the upgrade is complete, 50 routes that currently feature Delta Connection flights with only one class of service will be upgraded to two-cabin aircraft with first and economy class service, Delta said.

Port Columbus Passenger Activity Continues To Stabilize

Special to The Travel Trolley

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Passenger activity at Port Columbus International Airport showed a slight increase in April, officials said.

Statistics released during a recent meeting of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority Board of Directors show that in April Port Columbus had a 0.8 percent increase in passengers compared to the previous year. A total of 529,496 passengers traveled through Port Columbus in April compared to 525,223 in April 2009. Year-to-date 1,957,333 passengers have used Port Columbus, up two percent from 2009.

"We're encouraged to see passenger traffic continue to stabilize at Port Columbus after a difficult national economy negatively impacted travel in 2008 and 2009," David Whitaker, vice president of business development & communications, said in a news release.

Port Columbus provides 150 daily departures to 33 airports.

Ga. Gov. signs texting while driving ban into law

ATLANTA -- Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue has signed into law legislation that prohibits drivers from texting while behind the wheel.

The governor also signed into law a measure that prohibits teens from using cell phones while driving.

Hotel rates offer positive news for travelers (Summer 2010 Outlook Part III)

SMYRNA, Ga. – It’s the journey, not the destination may not be quite the case this summer, especially considering that airfares are likely to rise this summer.

Travelers, though, should find solace in that fact that hotel rates appear to be holding the key to a good value this summer.

“Demand is back, and rooms can be found for a great value,” Dorothy Dowling, Best Western’s senior vice president of sales and marketing, said at the Annual Leisure Travel Summit. “Travelers have an advantage, but it won’t last long. Those looking to vacation in a premium destination such as New York, Orlando or any national park need to research and make a commitment now to actually get a room.”

A new TripAdvisor survey indicates 62 percent of travelers are planning to head to a new destination while 44 percent had both and old and a new destination in mind. The survey also revealed that 80 percent of those traveling plan to take at least seven days of travel this summer.

“While demand for hotels this summer will be brisk and will continue to provide positive recovery momentum, rate growth remains a concern,” Brad Garner, vice president of Smith Travel Research (STR), said in a release posted to Hotel News Now.com. “Conditioned and value conscious consumers will not be reaching as deep into their wallets as in previous summer seasons. We anticipate flat to slightly negative rate growth this summer.”

For the best fares from Atlanta, check out Airfarewatchdog.com.

NOTE: Dowling’s comments were taken from a news release about the Annual Leisure Travel Summit.

More could drive this summer (Summer 2010 Outlook Part II)

SMYRNA, Ga. – With the summer travel season in full swing, it appears more travelers could be hitting the highway this summer as their preferred method of travel, rather than flying the friendly skies.

Experts predict fewer – and therefore more expensive flights – flights this summer. Domestic fares are expected to be up 9 percent this summer, CBS News reported, though some estimates indicate airfare could climb even higher.

“It is going to be very stressful to fly this summer. Fewer flights to choose from and more crowded planes lead to more delays, missed connections and cancellations,” Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council, said in a news release. “That doesn’t paint a pretty picture for those thinking about flying.

“Driving is simply more convenient and less hectic than flying, and dramatically less costly – a much better deal,” White added.

According to the American Express Spending & Saving Tracker, 33 percent of Americans are planning to drive instead of fly as a means to save money.

Still, the Air Transport Association of America (ATA) said it anticipates 176 million people will travel domestically this summer – about the same amount that traveled last summer. However, the 26 million people that ATA estimates will travel internationally represents a 7 percent increase from last summer.

“We anticipate that the summer 2010 air travel season will be very modestly ahead of last year,” ATA President and CEO James C. May said in a news release. “We would like to see even more growth, but this slight uptick in the number of air travelers is a positive sign for an economy and an industry in recovery.

“One particular challenge that remains this summer is high jet fuel prices,” May added. “We anticipate that jet fuel prices will be approximately 20 percent higher than last summer’s prices. This means that even as demand continues to gradually improve for air travel, we face rising fuel prices once again, which could hamper recovery efforts.”

At the Annual Leisure Travel Summit, George Hobica, creator of Airfarewatchdog.com, indicated “fare deals (this summer) will be few and far between.”

“If you see something within your price range, grab it,” Hobica said. “Airfares to Europe are at an all-time high so a traveler’s best bet is to stay domestic, though bargains will still be hard to come by. Train travel is another affordable option for travelers to consider.”

Note: Hobica’s comments were taken from a news release about the Annual Leisure Travel Summit.