American Facing $162 Million in FAA Penalties
USA Today reports that the Federal Aviation Administration is seeking a potentially record-breaking fine against American Airlines parent AMR relating to the carrier's maintenance practices.
http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/post/2012/08/american-airlines-fine-faa/819344/1

Hilton Garden Inn Opens in Auburn, NY
Hilton Garden Inn has announced the opening of the 92-room Hilton Garden Inn Auburn, NY, representing an addition to the brand’s growing portfolio of more than 530 hotels worldwide, reports hotel interactive.com.
http://www.hotelinteractive.com/article.aspx?articleid=26162

Hertz Partners with Royal Jordanian
The Hertz Corporation has entered into a new partnership with Royal Jordanian to provide a broad range of worldwide car rental benefits and preferential rates to members of the airline's frequent flyer program, Royal Plus.
http://hertz.mediaroom.com/2012-08-03-Hertz-Partners-With-Royal-Jordanian-To-Give-Frequent-Flyers-Global-Car-Rental-Benefits

SkyWest Settles 50-Seater Placement with Delta
SkyWest plans to add more than three dozen 76-seat aircraft to its Delta Connection service and remove nearly twice that number of 50-seaters as a nod to Delta Air Lines’ push for higher-capacity aircraft among its regional partners, Aviation Week reports.
http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/avd_08_03_2012_p01-01-482925.xml

Oman Air Opens Majan Lounge
Oman Air has opened Majan Lounge on the lower floor of Muscat International Airport's departure terminal, Business Traveller reports. Premium passengers from 17 airlines can access the lounge.
http://www.businesstraveller.com/middle-east/news/oman-air-opens-majan-lounge-in-muscat

Gold Delta Skymiles Card vs. Capital One Venture Rewards
Business Insider gives the rundown on two airline rewards credit cards you can't go wrong with in earning air miles.
http://www.businessinsider.com/gold-delta-skymiles-card-vs-capital-one-venture-rewards-2012-8

Don't Sit by Me! Why Travelers are Antisocial
USA Today examines the don't-invade-my-space tactics that travelers use to maximize their space on public transportation.
http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/dispatches/post/2012/08/dont-sit-by-me-a-study-of-antisocial-traveler-behavior/819045/1

United Airlines Launched MileagePlus Digital Media Store for Members
United Airlines launched its MileagePlus Digital Media Store, a first-of-its-kind in the airline industry, giving MileagePlus members the opportunity to use miles for music tracks, albums and movies.
http://goo.gl/xrWCd

London's Most Charming Small Hotels
Travel and Leisure reveals the small, comfortable retreats within central London that will provide a homelike atmosphere, while you're away from home.
http://todaytravel.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/08/06/13148452-londons-most-charming-small-hotels?lite

TSA Strives to Keep Air Service Safe
Within the past year alone, agents of the Transportation Security Administration detected 1,300 firearms air passengers tried to carry on board at the 450 airports it serves, reports the Register-Herald Reporter.
http://www.register-herald.com/todaysfrontpage/x1962241437/TSA-strives-to-keep-air-service-safe

Cars Stay Free at New Orleans Downtown Marriott at the Convention Center
This summer, New Orleans Downtown Marriott at the Convention Center is offering complimentary valet parking and a low rate for guests wishing to bring a car to New Orleans, PR Newswire reports.
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cars-stay-free-at-new-orleans-downtown-marriott-at-the-convention-center-165159956.html

Free Wi-Fi Catches on With Subway Riders
One month after wireless service was introduced in six New York City subway stations, commuters are happy to have a chance to connect when their trains head underground, according to NBC 4 New York.
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Free-Wi-Fi-MTA-5-Stations-Subway-Riders-165295006.html