US Airways Executives Discuss Fees, Amenities
US Airways CEO Doug Parker and President Scott Kirby laid out their desire to merge with American Airlines during a meeting Wednesday with USA TODAY's Editorial Board. They also addressed consumer issues, such as baggage fees and cabin amenities, in a question-and-answer session.
http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/travel/story/2012-07-11/US-Airways-executives-discuss-fees-amenities/56156030/1

JetBlue Airways Announces 23rd Caribbean Destination – Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands
JetBlue Airways announced its intent to serve Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands, the largest destination in the British Overseas Territory's archipelago.
http://goo.gl/ZTzpD

Embassy Suites Washington D.C. Completes $7.5 Million Renovation
The 384-suite Embassy Suites Washington D.C. Convention Center has recently completed a $7.5 million renovation of its guest rooms and public space. Located at 900 10th St. NW between K St and New York Ave, the hotel is six miles from the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
http://embassysuitesmediacenter.com/index.cfm/newsroom/detail/8110

MTA Metro-North Railroad to Test Smartphone Ticketing
According to Mass Transit, MTA Metro-North Railroad will begin testing a smartphone app that will let people buy their train tickets anywhere, anytime and never have to hold a piece of paper.
http://goo.gl/UQ3tf

airberlin to Begin Direct Flights Service from Berlin to Chicago
airberlin is continuing its expansion to the USA: from March 23, 2013 the airline will start operating direct flights from Berlin to Chicago, making it the first company ever to provide a connection between the German capital and the state of Illinois.
http://www.airberlin.com/en-US/site/pressnews_dr.php?ID=4029

NYC Taxi Commission Approves First Fare Increase since 2006
Bloomberg reports that New York City's Taxi and Limousine Commission approved a 17 percent fare increase for yellow cabs, giving drivers their first raise since 2006.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-07-12/new-york-taxi-commission-approves-first-fare-increase-since-2006.html

Boeing and United Airlines Announce $14.7bn Deal
The BBC reports that Boeing has announced an "historic" order from United Airlines for 150 Boeing 737s, in a deal worth up to $14.7bn. The order comprises 100 of the new Boeing 737 Max 9 planes and 50 Next Generation 737-900ER aircraft.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-18819167

Frontier's New In-flight Menu Now with 100% more 'Made in Colorado'
Frontier Airlines is proud to be from Colorado and has added locally produced items to its menu, according to Jaunted.
http://goo.gl/NFyFD

Berlin's Hotel Adlon: Rooms with the Best View of the Brandenburg Gate
Forbes checks in at the Hotel Adlon and offers an inside look at its deep roots to the city and German history.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/garywalther/2012/07/11/berlins-hotel-adlon-rooms-with-the-best-view-of-the-brandenburg-gate-2/

View from 35,000 Feet: Why we Love Window Seats
Boarding a plane may be a mess, the carry-on bags out of control and your fellow passengers behaving badly. But ah, the thrill of the window seat. Msnbc examines our preference for the best seat in the house.
http://overheadbin.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/11/12688351-view-from-35000-feet-why-we-love-window-seats?lite

Hotels with Museum-worthy Art Galleries
From intimate collections to large-scale galleries, many hotels play host to some excellent exhibitions with works by legends like Andy Warhol, Alison Shotz, and Henri Matisse, as well as up-and-coming local artists, Fox News reports.
http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2012/07/12/hotels-with-museum-worthy-art-galleries-photos/

How the Airlines Score on Timeliness
Tribune Newspapers reports on the on-time arrival rates and "mishandled" luggage incidents for the leading airlines.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/takingoff/ct-taking-off-airline-timeliness-late-20120711,0,6492624.story