LUFTHANSA CANCELS SOME LONG-HAUL FLIGHTS DUE TO STRIKE DELTA DOUBLES FEE FOR SECOND CHECKED BAG Delta is increasing its fee to check a second bag for domestic travel from $25 to $50, effective for ticket purchases on and after July 31 for travel on or after August 5. Delta said the fee increase “is essential to generate the necessary revenues to offset record fuel costs.” Unlike American, US Airways, United and Northwest, Delta is not charging for a first checked bag. All international travelers can continue to check two bags for free. First-class passengers, international travelers and elite members of Delta’s frequent-flyer program will still be allowed to check two bags for free on domestic flights. First-class and elite travelers can check up to three bags at no charge on international flights, but a third bag will cost international coach passengers $150. Starting August 5, items that are 63 to 80 inches long, including athletic equipment such as skis, will cost $175 to check on all flights, up from $150. Delta is also increasing charges for heavy baggage. A bag that weighs 51 to 70 pounds will cost $90 for domestic travel and $150 for international travel, up from $80 for both domestic and international. A bag that weighs 71 to 100 pounds will cost $175 for domestic travel and $300 for international, up from $150. HOW TECHNOLOGY CAN HELP AVIATION GO GREEN The airline industry is seen by many as one of the main culprits when it comes to carbon and greenhouse gas emissions -- and therefore climate change. However, with oil prices doubling worldwide in the last year the incentive for the aviation industry to reduce its fuel output is now as much driven by hard economic realities as environmental factors. The search is on to find ways of reducing planes' reliance on fossil fuels and according to the CEO of Lufthansa, Wolfgang Mayrhuber, there is only one area that will provide the answer in the long run: "technology, technology and again technology." Within the airline industry itself many are putting their faith in biofuel as a viable alternative to petroleum fuels. So-called first generation biofuel is made from organic materials -- often food crops -- that are broken down to produce oil or alcohol fuel like ethanol. Other airlines are looking away from the land for the solution. Boeing has joined energy giants such as Chevron Corp. and Royal Dutch Shell in supporting research in to the use of algae. It is still only at its early stages but scientists believe algae could potentially produce much higher yields than other biofuel with the added advantage that it would not take up valuable farmland. Mayrhuber told CNN he would like to see the rules governing the flight paths planes are allowed to travel along relaxed to allow aircraft to choose the most energy efficient routes. According to Mayrhuber, if planes were allowed to travel unrestricted across Europe it would reduce carbon emissions from aviation on the continent by 12% overnight.E-NEWSLETTER READERS SHARE OPINIONS ON FREQUENT FLYER MILES
OVATION CLUB E-NEWSLETTER WEEKLY SURVEY! The Ovation Club E-Newsletter Weekly Survey gives you the opportunity to weigh in by voting your opinion on hot topics in business travel. You can also post comments online on the topic of the week. Question of the Week: Question of the Week: Have rising travel costs affected your company's travel policy? How so?To cast your vote go to: https://ovationtravel.com/enewssurvey/
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