AMR, US Airways Say Evaluating Potential Merger
American Airlines parent AMR Corp and US Airways Group Inc said on Friday the carriers have to evaluate a potential merger, according to Reuters.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/08/31/us-amr-usairways-idUSBRE87U0LV20120831

Virgin Australia CEO Declares 'Game On' in Battle with Qantas
According to the Australian Business Traveller, Virgin Australia is launching the second phase of its three-year "Game Change" transformation from the low-cost Virgin Blue to a full-service Qantas competitor – and the new war cry is "Game on."
http://www.ausbt.com.au/virgin-australia-ceo-declares-game-on-in-battle-with-qantas

Four Seasons Opens Three New Hotels in China
Four Seasons continues to expand its presence in China with three openings in 2012, including its first hotels in Guangzhou and Beijing, and a second location in Shanghai.
http://goo.gl/eSxUi

American Makes Codeshare Agreement with Iberia Express
American Airlines said Thursday that it has expanded its codeshare agreement with Iberia to include Iberia Express, which will facilitate American bookings to European connections via Madrid, the Dallas Business Journal reports.
http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2012/08/30/american-makes-codeshare-agreement.html

Doubletree by Hilton Opens First Hotel in Iowa
DoubleTree by Hilton has announced the opening of the newly renovated, upscale, full-service 100-room DoubleTree by Hilton Des Moines Airport, formerly a Radisson, hotel interactive.com reports.
http://www.hotelinteractive.com/article.aspx?articleid=26433

Air France to Launch Regional Hub
Air France group will combine the operations of three of its subsidiary and partner airlines into a single French regional hub as part of its restructuring and cost-cutting plan, Air Transport World reports.
http://atwonline.com/airline-finance-data/news/air-france-launch-regional-hub-cost-cutting-plan-0831

Aerolineas Argentinas Joins Skyteam
Aerolineas is the first South American airline to join Skyteam, and will add 40 new destinations to the alliance’s network, Business Traveller reports. The carrier is based in Buenos Aires and serves European cities including Barcelona, Madrid and Rome.
http://www.businesstraveller.com/news/aerolineas-argentinas-joins-skyteam

Higher Fees for Foreign Business Trips? Bank on it
The Business Journals reports that despite political focus on America's ability to compete in foreign markets, overseas business travel is one of the costliest and most-annoying stretches of life on the road.
http://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/blog/seat2B/2012/08/bank-fees-for-foreign-transactions.html

Seven Innovations in Air Travel
The latest wave of air travel technology recognizes that not all travelers are the same and aims to streamline the air passenger experience, reports the BBC.
http://www.bbc.com/travel/blog/20120830-seven-innovations-in-air-travel

Amtrak Virginia Service to Norfolk to Launch Dec. 12
Northeast regional service extension to and from Norfolk, Va., will begin Dec. 12 — 10 months earlier than originally projected, according to Progressive Railroading.
http://www.progressiverailroading.com/amtrak/news/Amtrak-Virginia-service-to-Norfolk-to-launch-Dec-12--32275

Why it's Important to Read the Fine Print Before You Book a Hotel Room
Fox news reports that new fees and novel freebies continue to pop up on hotel bills. Knowing what's included — and what you're willing to pay for — can make a big difference when it comes time to settle the bill.
http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2012/08/31/why-it-important-to-read-fine-print-before-book-hotel-room/

For International Travelers, the 'Money Illusion' Can Cost Plenty
A few hundred rupees here, a few thousand yen there and pretty soon you’re talking real money — especially if you’re an American traveling overseas and miscalculating the actual cost of the things you buy, reports NBC News.
http://travelkit.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/31/13573916-for-international-travelers-the-money-illusion-can-cost-plenty?lite