Page One

Page Two

Home Page

Reuters is reporting on a World Health Organization (WHO) meeting in Geneva, Switzerland where experts are warning that the worldwide threat from influenza remains great and that the human threat from the so-called Asian "bird flu" has not ended.(MAR17)

Read the complete report at:

 http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=4579517&pageNumber=0 

Forbes has an analysis of US Airways' current situation and why the carrier's financial outlook has declined so rapidly in past months.(MAR17)

Read the complete report at:

 http://www.forbes.com/maserati/billionaires2004/073.html 

Reuters reports a bizarre incident on a recent El Al flight from Germany, where airline personnel are said to have purposely concealed a fake firearm in a passenger's luggage to test whether security was able to find it.  Apparently this is a practice the carrier employs from time to time.(MAR17)

Read the complete article at:

 http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=oddlyEnoughNews&storyID=4568436 

The U.S. State Department has issued the following statement on "International Travel Safety Information for Students," in anticipation of travel for the forthcoming spring and summer break periods:

_________________________


Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
February 18, 2004

International Travel Safety Information for Students

As the time approaches for spring or summer breaks, many college students are getting ready for that much anticipated trip abroad. Most will have a safe and enjoyable adventure, but for some the trip will become a nightmare. A number of vacations are ruined by one or more of the following: drugs, alcohol, and disorderly behavior.

Each year, more than 2,500 American citizens are arrested abroad -- about half on narcotics charges, including possession of very small amounts of illegal substances. A drug that is legal in one country may not be legal in a neighboring nation. Some young people are victimized because they are unaware of the laws, customs, or standards of the country they are visiting.

Besides drugs, alcohol can also cause trouble for U.S. citizens traveling abroad. Students have been arrested for being intoxicated in public areas, for underage drinking, and for drunk driving. Some young Americans go abroad assuming that local authorities will overlook such conduct. Many believe that they are immune from prosecution in foreign countries because they are American citizens. The truth is that Americans are expected to obey all of the laws of the countries they visit, and those who break these laws sometimes face severe penalties, including prison sentences.

Disorderly or reckless behavior is also to be avoided. In many countries, conduct that would not result in an arrest in the United States constitutes a violation of local law. Being arrested is not the only misfortune that can occur on a foreign vacation. Young Americans have suffered injury or even death from automobile accidents, drowning, and falls, in addition to other mishaps. While these accidents are sometimes chance occurrences, many are caused by alcohol or drug abuse. Sadly, other Americans have been sexually assaulted or robbed because they have found themselves in unfamiliar locales or are incapable of exercising prudent judgment while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Other hidden safety issues are of major concern as well. Because standards of security, safety and supervision are not the same in many countries as they are in the U.S., many young persons have died after automobile accidents, after falls from balconies, after falls into open ditches, by drowning in the ocean as well as in hotel pools, and in water-sports mishaps, among others. In some countries, the water sports industry is not carefully regulated. Unlicensed operators have been linked to assaults, and a number of Americans have been killed or injured by the improper use of jet-skis and other personal watercraft. It is crucial that young Americans be aware of these risks as they are enjoying their time abroad.

Young Americans traveling abroad should remember that reckless behavior while in another country can do more than ruin their vacation; it can land them in a foreign jail, cause them to suffer physical harm, or worse. It is possible to have a safe and fun trip if they avoid risky behavior and become familiar with the basic laws and customs of the country they plan to visit before they
travel.

More information about traveling abroad is available at the Department of State's web site:(FEB23)

[ http://travel.state.gov/studentinfo.html ]

For further information contact: Bureau of Consular Affairs Office of Public Affairs

Internet address: http://travel.state.gov
Public Inquiries: toll free (888) 407-4747

The UK's Yorkshire Museum and Gardens has opened a new display of what is likely among the most important Viking archaeological finds in that country.  Discovered only last December, artifacts are now open for public view for the first time.  The find is believed to be the first Viking boat burial discovered in England and therefore one of the most important Viking discoveries ever made in the British Isles.

An update from the museum may be read at:(FEB23)

[ http://www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk/news.php ]

America West Airlines has announced that it is offering new non-refundable first class fares that are up to 70 percent lower than the industry's traditional first class fares. With today's announcement, America West now offers two new non-refundable first class fares: one with a 7-day advance purchase requirement and one with a 0-day advance purchase requirement.

Customers purchasing the new first class fares also receive day-of-departure access to the America West Club and a 50 percent elite-qualifying FlightFund mileage bonus.(FEB23)

As most anyone with an e-mail account can tell you, the Federal "CAN-SPAM" law, which went into effect January 1, has thus far failed to slow the number of SPAM messages.  As predicted by some experts, many SPAM-senders have moved their servers off-shore or are waiting until real enforcement efforts become visible.

Read the complete report at:(FEB8)

http://www.internetweek.com/security02/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=17601929 

Consumers filed fewer complaints with the government about airline service in 2003 than in any year since these complaints were first compiled in 1970, according to the monthly Air Travel Consumer Report issued today by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).(FEB8)

DETAIL:

Consumers filed 5,980 air-service complaints with the government last year, 36.8 percent fewer than the 9,466 complaints received in 2002. The previous low mark was the total of 5,985 complaints filed in 1993.

The monthly report also includes data on the number and causes of flight delays, as well as information on flight cancellations, reports of mishandled baggage filed with the carriers, and consumer disability and discrimination complaints received by DOT's Aviation Consumer Protection Division. This report also includes data on airline reports of oversales ("bumping") during the fourth quarter and January-December 2003.

     Flight Delays*

According to information filed with the department's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), the U.S. commercial air carriers reporting on-time performance posted a 76.0 percent on-time arrival record in December, down from November's 80.2 percent mark. For January-December last year, the reporting carriers posted an on-time arrival record of 82.0 percent, just under the all-time best mark of 82.1 percent recorded in 2002. The 2003 data includes reports of the 17 airlines that filed on-time performance for all of last year. During 2002, 10 carriers reported on-time performance to DOT.

Complaints About Air Service Reach Record Low in 2003
ADD ONE

     Causes of Flight Delays

In December, the carriers filing on-time performance reported that 9.13 percent of their flights were delayed by aviation system delays, compared to 8.78 percent in November; 6.32 percent by late-arriving aircraft, compared to 4.73 percent in November; 5.43 percent by factors within the airline's control, such as maintenance or crew problems, compared to 4.02 percent in November; 0.76 percent by extreme weather, compared to 0.64 percent in November; and 0.08 percent for security reasons, compared to 0.04 percent in November. The department noted that weather is a factor not only in the extreme-weather category, but also in the aviation-system category - which includes delays due to the re-routing of flights by DOT's Federal Aviation Administration in consultation with the carriers involved - and the late-arriving aircraft category. Additional data on causes of flight delays can be found at the BTS website, www.bts.gov.

     Flight Cancellations*

The consumer report also includes BTS data on the number of domestic flights canceled by the reporting carriers. In December, the carriers canceled 2.1 percent of their scheduled domestic flights, up from November's 1.4 percent cancellation rate.

    Mishandled Baggage*

The U.S. carriers reporting flight delays and mishandled baggage data posted a mishandled baggage rate of 5.69 reports per 1,000 passengers in December, up from November's 3.54 rate.

     Bumping

The report also includes airline reports of involuntary denied boarding, or bumping, for the fourth quarter of last year. Of the 18 U.S. carriers that report on-time performance and mishandled baggage data, 15 are also required to report their bumping data to DOT. For the fourth quarter of 2003, the carriers recorded a bumping rate of 0.78 per 10,000 passengers.

     Complaints About Airline Service

In December, the department received 467 complaints about airline service from consumers, 10.5 percent below the 522 complaints filed in December 2002 and 22.3 percent fewer than the total of 382 filed in November 2003.

Complaints About Air Service Reach Record Low in 2003
ADD TWO

     Complaints About Treatment of Disabled Passengers

The report also contains a tabulation of complaints filed with DOT in December and January-December 2003 against specific airlines regarding the treatment of passengers with disabilities. The department received a total of 27 disability-related complaints in December, 8 percent more than the total of 25 filed in December 2002 but 43.8 percent fewer than the 48 complaints filed in November 2003. For all of last year, the department received 373 disability-related complaints, a drop of 21.6 percent from the total of 476 received in 2002.

     Complaints About Discrimination

In December, the department received five complaints alleging discrimination by airlines due to factors other than disability - such as race, religion, national origin or sex - down from the total of eight received in December 2002 but one more than the total of four recorded in November 2003. For all of last year, the department received 86 discrimination complaints, down 55.7 percent from the 194 received in 2002.

Consumers may file their complaints in writing with the Aviation Consumer Protection Division, U.S. Department of Transportation, C-75, Room 4107, 400 7th St., S.W., Washington, DC 20590; by e-mail at airconsumer@ost.dot.gov; by voice mail at (202) 366-2220 or by TTY at (202) 366-0511.

Consumers who want on-time performance data for specific flights should call their airline ticket offices or their travel agents. This information is available on the computerized reservation systems used by these agents. Detailed flight delay information is also available on the BTS site on the World Wide Web at http://www.bts.gov.

The Air Travel Consumer Report can be found on DOT's World Wide Web site at http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov. It is available in "pdf" and Microsoft Word format.

* (Due to a difference in the number of carriers reporting flight delays, flight cancellations and mishandled baggage data in December 2003 from December 2002, year-to-year data comparisons are not provided.)

STATISTICS:

AIR TRAVEL CONSUMER REPORT
DECEMBER 2003

KEY ON-TIME PERFORMANCE AND FLIGHT CANCELLATION STATISTICS
Based on Data Filed with the Bureau of Transportation Statistics
by the 18 Reporting Carriers

Overall

76.0 percent on-time arrivals

Highest On-Time Arrival Rates

1. Hawaiian Airlines - 88.3 percent
2. Southwest Airlines - 83.5 percent
3. JetBlue Airways - 81.5 percent

Lowest On-Time Arrival Rates

1. American Eagle Airlines - 68.5 percent
2. Atlantic Coast Airlines - 68.5 percent
3. AirTran Airways - 70.1 percent

Most Frequently Delayed Flights

1. Atlantic Coast Airlines flight 7839 from Burlington, VT to Chicago O'Hare - late 100 percent of the time
2. Atlantic Coast Airlines flight 7649 from Hartford, CT/Springfield, MA to Chicago O'Hare - late 96.77 percent of the time
3. Atlantic Coast Airlines flight 7524 from Chicago O'Hare to Fort Wayne, IN - late 94.12 percent of the time
4. Atlantic Coast Airlines flight 7514 from Chicago O'Hare to Lansing, MI - late 94.12 percent of the time
5. Atlantic Coast Airlines flight 7535 from Lexington, KY to Chicago O'Hare - late 94.12 percent of the time; and
    SkyWest Airlines flight 6893 from Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, IA to Denver - late 94.12 percent of the time

Highest Rates of Canceled Flights

1. American Eagle Airlines - 4.0 percent
2. Atlantic Coast Airlines - 3.8 percent
3. SkyWest Airlines - 3.4 percent

Lowest Rates of Canceled Flights

1. Hawaiian Airlines - 0.7 percent
2. JetBlue Airways - 0.9 percent
3. Southwest Airlines - 1.1 percent

Reuters has an interesting report that discusses delays in expansion of Delta's low-cost "Song" operation and the short-term effects on JetBlue.  Also included are contrasting views as to how much trouble "Song" may be in.

Read the complete report at:(FEB8)

 http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=4294189 


Royal Olympia Cruise Lines Inc. has announced that its ship Olympia Countess, which had been arrested by creditors in Durban, South Africa, in December 2003, has been sold at auction under the auspices of South African courts. It is not expected that the company will receive any proceeds for its own use from this auction. Auction proceeds will be used to pay certain creditor debts.(FEB8)

Reuters is reporting on a meeting today between U.S. Federal Government officials and major airlines to discuss passenger data privacy protection, including suggestions as to potentially dealing with concerns.

Read the complete report at:(FEB8)

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=4295383 


Reuters has a discussion of the negative effects increased security and profiling may have on the online air reservations industry, and particularly on airlines that derive most of their traffic from this channel.

Read the complete report at:(FEB8)

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=4111770 

The Washington Post is reporting that the U.S. will move forward with plans to develop and deploy a travel database using information obtained from airlines in order to profile security risks.  Voluntary airline cooperation has been limited and hence, according to the report, the government will require airlines to provide the data.  Several groups have raised a variety of privacy concerns surrounding earlier government tests of such programs.

In addition, the government will proceed with the "registered traveler program," which has been discussed frequently since 9/11 and would speed frequent travelers through security screening if they voluntarily provide information to the government in advance.(FEB8)

Read the complete (extensive) report at:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A8504-2004Jan11.html 

A number of international airlines and countries have rejected U.S. calls for air marshals on certain flights to the U.S. or through U.S. airspace.
According to Reuters, Thomas Cook Airlines (based in Germany) will not permit air marshals on any of its flights:(FEB8)

U.S. Department of Homeland Security said that it will require international air carriers in certain cases to place armed law enforcement officers on flights over the United States.  This will involve aircraft of all types, not just passenger carriers.(JAN2)

According to Reuters, the long-awaited initial public offering for online travel company Orbitz has started to take shape, with the company declaring that 11 million class A common shares will be sold in an initial public offering for $22-$24 apiece.(DEC1)

Read the complete report at:

[ http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=3894307 ]

American Airlines has announced a special reservations desk, intended to give customers new
 options for rebooking their flights during bad weather or other major delays. American's "Off-Schedule Operations" (OSO) support desk has been expanded to all domestic locations and will allow customers at the airport to call a special toll-free number to reschedule their travel without standing in line.

When there is a major service disruption, customers may call a toll-free number to call using a cell phones or an airport telephone and rebook their trip. Then they can proceed to one of American's Self-Service machines to check in for their new flight.

American's passenger service representatives at the airport will continue to assist customers with rebookings. The OSO support desk, activated only when needed, will significantly expedite the process.

This service will remain in place to assist customers after the holidays.(DEC1)

Canada's National Post is reporting that Canadian National Railway Company will pay CAD $1 billion to take control of BC Rail Limited, the Crown-owned railway the government of British Columbia wants to privatize to pay down debt.(DEC1)

Read the complete report at:

[ http://www.nationalpost.com/financialpost/story.html?id=95CC5A85-6E6A-4797-A1A4-F5A4A8C163FE ]

According to Reuters, "If you're looking for job security, signing up for CEO of a U.S. airline is probably not for you."  In an article that chronicles recent changes in top management at major airlines, Reuters speculates that many "can't take the heat." (DEC1)

Read the complete report at:

[ http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=3883772 ]

In anticipation of increased holiday travel to and from certain cities in Latin America, Mexico and the Caribbean, American Airlines and American Eagle, remind passengers that they will implement a policy limiting the size and number of checked bags and prohibiting checked boxes.

The limits will be in effect between December 10, 2003, and January 9, 2004. During this period, American will not accept boxes, and baggage will be limited to two checked items and one carry-on. The baggage and box embargo applies to: Cali, Colombia; Caracas and Maracaibo, Venezuela; La Paz and Santa Cruz, Bolivia; Lima, Peru; and Quito, Ecuador, in South America; Managua, Nicaragua; Guatemala City, Guatemala; Panama City, Panama; San Salvador, El Salvador; San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa, Honduras, in Central America; Kingston, Jamaica; Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and Port of Spain, Trinidad in the Caribbean. All American Eagle flights to and from San Juan, Puerto Rico, are also included.

For passengers traveling to Leon and Guadalajara, Mexico, the bag and box limits are in effect November 15, 2003, through January 9, 2004. Additionally, boxes will not be accepted to Mexico City during this period.

Effective November 22, 2003, through January 9, 2004, American Eagle passengers flying from Fort Lauderdale, Orlando or Miami to Nassau, Bahamas, will also be limited to two checked bags and one carry-on.

There is a year-round box embargo for passengers traveling from or through New York's Kennedy Airport to all Caribbean and Latin American destinations.

Excess, oversize, and overweight baggage will not be accepted for flights to the destinations covered by the bag embargo. Passengers will be limited to a maximum of two checked bags, with each not exceeding 62 linear inches (computed by adding the length, width and height of the bag) and 70 pounds. One carry-on bag will be allowed with a maximum size of 45 linear inches and a maximum weight of 40 pounds. Sports equipment, such as golf bags, bikes and surfboards, can be accepted as part of the total checked-bag allowance, although additional charges may apply.(DEC1)

Canada's Transport Minister has said that the time is not yet right for further liberalization of the country's airline industry, including foreign ownership of Canadian carriers and access to Canadian domestic routes by foreign airlines.

Read the complete article at: (NOV4)

[ http://www.canada.com/national/story.asp?id=49E4B075-F29C-4758-BDC9-037CCA0C1AE7 ]

A long-held secret cave in Arizona found under Kartchner Caverns State Park, with pristine stalagtites and stalagmites, is opening with a new 1.7-acre Big Room Complex (November 11). The cave defies nature as it stays a live, wet natural wonder under the dry Chihuahuan desert one hour south of Tucson.

The cave must be protected from the desert heat because it would ruin the delicate treasures inside where the temperature is just 70 degrees. Access is limited to protect the cave from human impact.  Two explorers discovered the cave in 1974 but kept it secret to protect it from vandals until 1988.

Kartchner Caverns State Park draws international attention owing to its formations and innovative development techniques. The extensive environmental research program, scientific techniques implemented to protect the cave, and its sensitive ecosystem are becoming the model for caves around the world.

Each person has an impact because dry skin cells, hair and fibers fall on the trails. Conservation chambers protect the wet interior from the dry desert and only 'drops' of low light reveal formations along the trail to keep heat down.  Kartchner Caverns is one of the top ten caves in the world from a mineralogical standpoint.

The Big Room trails are dangerously close to the pristine speleothems and cave features grow as secondary mineral deposits formed by water moving through limestone layers.  The water drips, flows, seeps, condenses, or pools and each drop determines the shape of a formation.

The State is limiting access to protect the cave (NOV4)

For more details see:

[ www.azstateparks.com ]

October 27, 2003

This Public Announcement updates information on safety and security in the Solomon Islands in the wake of efforts by a regional military intervention force to restore order.  This replaces the September 8, 2003 Public Announcement and expires April 9, 2004.

Since July 24, 2003 the Regional Assistance Mission in the Solomon Islands (RAMSI), a coalition of Pacific Island states that includes military and police forces from Australia and several other Pacific Island nations, has helped the Solomon Islands improve law and order.  The Solomon Islands government and the vast majority of its citizens have welcomed the intervention.  By the end of September 2003, more than 3500 weapons were surrendered or seized as part of a countrywide weapons amnesty.  While there has been a marked drop in crime and violent incidents since the arrival of the RAMSI mission, the potential for tension and civil unrest remains.  We continue to recommend Americans who travel to the Solomon Islands be aware of their surroundings and be cognizant of the security situation.

Americans planning to visit the Solomon Islands may wish to contact the U.S. Consular Agent in Honiara or the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, for updates on the security situation.  In particular, those who intend to travel outside the capital city of Honiara should seek an update on the security situation.

All Americans in the Solomon Islands are encouraged to register with the U.S. Consular Agent in Honiara, as there is no U.S. Embassy in the Solomon Islands.  Americans requiring emergency assistance or updated security information may contact the U.S. Consular Agent, c/o BJS Agencies on Mendana Avenue in Honiara, telephone (677) 27429, fax (677) 23426.  Alternatively, contact the U.S. Embassy in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, telephone (675) 321-1455, fax (675) 321-1593, e-mail consularportmoresby@state.gov. For further general information on travel to the Solomon Islands, please consult the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet for the Solomon Islands and Worldwide Caution Public Announcement at: (NOV4)



October 27, 2003

This Travel Warning is being updated to alert Americans to continuing security concerns in Saudi Arabia.  This Travel Warning supersedes that of August 13, 2003.  The Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to Saudi Arabia. Americans are reminded of the potential for further terrorist actions against U.S. citizens abroad, including in the Persian Gulf region.

The U.S. Government continues to receive indications of terrorist threats aimed at American and Western interests, including the targeting of transportation and civil aviation.  There is credible information that terrorists have targeted Western aviation interests in Saudi Arabia.

American citizens in Saudi Arabia should remain vigilant, particularly in public places.  U.S. citizens who travel to, or remain in, Saudi Arabia despite this Travel Warning should register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh or at the Consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran and enroll in the warden system (emergency alert network) in order to obtain updated information on travel and security in Saudi Arabia.

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 ]. U.S. travelers can also get up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S. or Canada or on a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328.

U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Saudi Arabia, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, and Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement at:(NOV4)

According to British Airways Chairman Colin Marshall, the supersonic airliner Concorde, due to retire from the skies on today, may yet live on as a flying piece of history for use in air shows and fly-pasts.

The airline said on the eve of the sleek plane's last commercial flight across the Atlantic that the chances of being able to keep just one jet airworthy were slim, but it was pursuing the possibility in talks with its manufacturer.(OCT26)

Canada's National Post is reporting that the Canadian federal government will put almost CAD $700 million into Via Rail improvements over the next five years,  The money will go to buy new locomotives and rail cars, improve rail lines in the Quebec City-Windsor corridor and refurbish train stations. Coupled with a CAD $400 million contribution in April 2000, this represents the largest cash infusion for passenger rail service in Canadian history.(OCT26)

Delta Air Lines has announced it will provide complimentary audio and video entertainment in all cabins beginning November 1, 2003. The change will eliminate the $5 in-flight entertainment fee in economy class. Customers may enjoy onboard audio and video entertainment by bringing their own headsets or purchasing headsets in-flight for $2.

Customers who purchase headsets may keep them for use on future flights and with personal audio devices.  Customers in first class, BusinessElite and international economy will continue to receive complimentary headsets.(OCT26)


Delta Air Lines has announced convenient options for high-quality branded foods, now available for purchase on select flights. Delta is implementing its program by teaming up with the leading fast-casual restaurant in the Southeast, Atlanta Bread Company, and caterer Gate Gourmet International. In flight menus also include snack favorites from Nabisco, Frito Lay, DEAN & DELUCA and M&M Mars. Food is available for purchase in coach class on 44 Delta flights. By March 2004, Delta expects to have food available for purchase on all flights that offer meals in coach within the continental United States.

Delta is implementing its food sales program following successful testing, which began on select flights in mid-July. More than two-thirds of passengers surveyed rated the food "very good or excellent," and more than 60 percent indicated they were "very likely or likely" to purchase the products on future flights. Delta will continue to evaluate customer satisfaction and refine food options and sales procedures, as needed.

From fruit plates to brownie buttercup cheesecake, Delta's menu will include a variety of food options to satisfy most dietary preferences. Prices range from $2 to $10 for items. Atlanta Bread Company menus include exclusive a la carte items such as the turkey jack bagel with shaved roasted turkey, pepper jack cheese and cream cheese; and the Tuscan trio sandwich. Other menu items include the breakfast panini with shaved smoked turkey and cheddar cheese; market veggie chopped salad; and challah twist turkey Sandwich.

Delta is evaluating other options for providing customers services and choices they value, including food sales in the gatehouse area and in Crown Room Clubs.(OCT13)

US Airways announced that it has expanded its onboard cellular phone use policy to allow customers to use their phones sooner after landing.

Effective immediately, customers now can turn on and use cellular phones, two-way pagers and PDAs onboard US Airways while taxiing to the gate, once advised by the flight crew.

No changes to the pre-departure cell phone usage policy have been made. US Airways customers still can use cellular phones and other approved electronic devices until the aircraft door is closed.

US Airways' new wireless communication onboard use policy applies to all US Airways and US Airways Shuttle flights systemwide. The revised policy does not apply to US Airways Express flights at this time, pending completion of further testing. Cell phone use while an aircraft is in flight still is prohibited per Federal Communications Commission rules.(OCT13)

American Airlines said it would recall 390 furloughed flight attendants.  Although some of the recalled employees are needed for seasonal capacity over the holiday period, the event is the first significant recall since the carrier's dark financial days earlier this year.(OCT13)

The European Parliament has asked the EU executive to immediately stop what it describes as an illegal transfer of airline passenger data to the United States, giving it two months to solve the issue or face action in Europe's top court.

The data were requested by the U.S. as part of the ongoing effort to identify potential terrorists before they enter the U.S.(OCT13)


The latest development in the ongoing dispute between US Airways and its Pittsburgh hub, where the carrier accounts for 80% of flights, is that US Airways has agreed to maintain its flight schedule at the airport until next September.  The airline's leases expire January 4, 2004(OCT13)


According to Forbes, "The lodging industry is moving from a deeply pessimistic stage to a cautiously optimistic phase."  This equates to higher room rates, particularly for busienss travelers.(OCT13)


The Ford's Theatre Society and the Department of Interior, National Park Service, have announced the reopening of Ford's Theatre and the Lincoln Museum following a multifaceted, two-year, $2.5 million renovation project.

Ford's Theatre closed from June 2 - November 24, 2002, and from June 3 - September 29, 2003, for major renovations. The construction project included the installation of new heating, cooling and ventilation, fire detection and suppression, theatrical lighting and sound systems. A new production booth as well as public address and detection alarm systems were installed and the theatre increased seating capacity for visitors with disabilities.

Ford's Theatre opened its new 2003-2004 season with John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath," now on stage through November 15.

The popular Lincoln Museum, which closed in June 2002, reopens with a refurbished setting and restored and stabilized exhibits concerning the life and presidency of President Abraham Lincoln, to whom the museum pays homage. In addition, the museum now features a tribute to the late Frankie Hewitt, the founder of the Ford's Theatre Society.(OCT13)

U.S. Departments of State, Homeland Security Reach Agreement on Visa Oversight Rules

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell and Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge have signed a Memorandum of Understanding signaling their commitment to work cooperatively to create and maintain an effective, efficient visa process that safeguards the United States. The document describes the respective roles and responsibilities of the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security in order to secure America's borders from external threats while ensuring that these borders remain open to legitimate travel and commerce.

This change was called for in section 428 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, and will take effect with the publication of the Memorandum of Understanding in the Federal Register. The document was developed through a cooperative interagency process, and ensures that a cooperative and consultative process is in place for visa adjudication and issuance.

Under this agreement, the State Department will continue to manage the visa process and the foreign policy of the United States. The Department of Homeland Security will establish and review visa policy and ensure that homeland security requirements are fully reflected in the visa process.

Department of Homeland Security officers are already stationed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as required by the Homeland Security Act. At the discretion of Secretary Ridge, additional Department of Homeland Security officers will be posted overseas at U.S. Embassies and Consulates to perform functions specified in the Memorandum of Understanding. The Department of Homeland Security, working in consultation with the Department of State, will identify these locations.

As Department of State employees, consular officers and staff who currently work on visa matters will continue to receive direction from the Secretary of State. Consular officers will retain the responsibility for visa adjudication and issuance.

Department of Homeland Security officers assigned overseas will provide expert advice to consular officers regarding security threats relating to the adjudication of visa applications or classes of applications, review visa applications, and conduct investigations involving visa matters in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding.

The Department of Homeland Security will have final decision-making responsibilities over policy areas that include classification, admissibility and documentation; place of visa application; discontinuing granting visas to nationals of a country not accepting aliens; personal appearance; visa validity periods and multiple entry visas; the Visa Waiver Program; notices of visa denials; and processing of persons from state sponsors of terrorism.(OCT8)

Reuters is reporting that, in the latest round of transatlantic air talks between the US and the EU scheduled to start tomorrow, the Unites States is willing to discuss all aspects of aviation rules with the European Union and will not try to restrict the agenda of transatlantic talks.  The State Department said the main US aim was to extend its liberal "open skies" airline routing system to the whole EU, but it was open to at least discuss tougher issues such as letting EU carriers fly on domestic US routes.(OCT8)

Cunard Line's flagship Queen Mary 2, the first Atlantic liner to be built for over 30 years, returned from the sea for the first time today having completed her sea trials with flying colors. The largest, longest, tallest, widest, and at - $780-million - the most expensive passenger liner ever built underwent four days of rigorous testing of her power, maneuverability and vibration levels off the Brittany coast. The successful trials put QM2 on schedule for her January 12 Maiden Voyage from Southampton, England, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

QM2 will offer 15 transatlantic crossings in her inaugural year as she takes over the role currently operated by her sister ship, Queen Elizabeth 2, as Cunard's transatlantic liner.  A special highlight of the QM2's inaugural schedule will be its maiden eastbound crossing from New York on April 25 as both Queen Mary 2 and QE2 will sail in tandem. This day will be the first time two Cunard Queens have been berthed in the port together since March 1940.(OCT8)

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman

WORLDWIDE CAUTION
September 26, 2003

This supersedes the Worldwide Caution dated September 10, 2003. It is being issued to remind U.S. citizens of the continuing threat that they may be a target of terrorist actions, even after the anniversary date of the September 11 attacks, and to add the potential for threats to maritime interests. This Worldwide Caution expires on February 25, 2004.

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. 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 other geographic locations could be venues for the next round of attacks. 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 maritime interests, 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 abroad 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.(OCT8)

Admiral James M. Loy, Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), has announced that the TSA has awarded reimbursement grants totaling $100 million to 58 domestic air carriers for the direct cost of reinforcing cockpit doors.(OCT 8)


Page Two

Home Page