ACTE - News Bites

U.S., Global Airlines Cut Flight Schedules, Reduce Routes
Even as the U.S. Congress is likely to approve the industry bailout plan, American airlines, faced with plummeting passenger rolls and mounting cash crunches, have cut flight schedules substantially. Continental, American, United, Delta, America West and Northwest Airlines have all said they would be cutting service by 20 percent. Continental also said it would end service to 10 cities. Alaska Airlines is reportedly struggling to ramp up to 80 percent to 85 percent of its normally scheduled flights. Only Southwest Airlines has not announced any service changes.

International carriers are making similar cuts. Virgin Atlantic, Aer Lingus and British Airways have announced significant cutbacks in routes and service. And Air France has said that it would take 17 of its 238 aircraft out of service earlier than planned and will cut all spending "not associated with passenger security and comfort," according to an airline spokesperson.

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American Airlines, TWA Cut Meal Service
In a cost-saving effort, American Airlines and its TWA unit will stop serving meals in the main cabin on most U.S. flights, and in first class on domestic flights of two hours and under. The meal changes will include flights to Canada, Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean, as well as dual-class services to Central and South America, United Press International reported. American will continue to provide meals in all cabins of its domestic nonstop two- and three-class transcontinental flights, as well as three-class flights to Europe, Asia and South America. All flights will continue to offer beverage service. Source: UPI

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SIA Imposes "War Surcharge" on Airline Tickets
Singapore Airlines will impose a "war surcharge" on passengers to cover higher insurance costs after the terrorist attacks in the U.S., reports the Worldroom news service. Beginning on Oct. 1, Singapore Airlines will levy a surcharge equivalent to US$1.25 per passenger on all flights to help defray the higher cost of insurance premiums.

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Airlines, Hotel Companies Facilitate Charitable Contributions
Major travel suppliers, including airlines hit hard by the aftermath of the events of September 11, are making significant charitable contributions of their own and are helping members of frequency programs make contributions as well. Six Continents Hotels, whose hotels brands include Inter-Continental, Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn, has already donated $1 million to be split between the American Red Cross and the September 11th Fund, which was established by United Way and The New York Community Trust, to help victims, their families, and communities affected by the terrorist attacks. Six Continents Priority Club Worldwide members can donate program points in increments of 2,500 for every $10 American Red Cross cash donation. For details, visit www.priorityclub.com. Members of Starwood's Preferred Guest program can donate their points to the September 11th Fund as well. Call 1-888-625-4988 to make donations or click on http://www.spg.com. Delta Air Lines' SkyWish program allows SkyMiles members to donate a minimum of 5,000 miles to the American Red Cross, CARE, United Way of America and United Way International. Donations may be made via e-mail at [email protected], by calling 800-325-3999, or by faxing 404-773-1945. Northwest WorldPerks members can donate miles to the American Red Cross; call Northwest AirCares at 1-800-327-2881 for details. United Mileage Plus members can donate miles to either the American Red Cross or the September 11th Fund. Call Mileage Plus Customer Service at 1-800-421-4655.

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