AMR CEO Says it's Time to Weigh Merger Options
The head of American Airlines says his company has done so much to fix its problems that it can consider potential mergers, and invitations will be going out soon, according to the Associated Press.
http://www.ajc.com/travel/amr-ceo-says-its-1476088.html

Delta Launches Final Phase of LaGuardia Hub
Delta Air Lines Wednesday began flights to 11 new cities from LaGuardia Airport, the final phase of the largest route expansion at the iconic New York City gateway in more than 40 years.
http://goo.gl/lRJvd

New Law Would Block Rental of Recalled Cars
ABC News reports that a new bill to keep rental car companies from renting out recalled vehicles, which pose safety risks, was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/law-block-rental-recalled-cars/story?id=16749802#.T_3xwWjRdhM

DoubleTree by Hilton Opens Downtown Los Angeles Hotel
Hilton Worldwide and Rim Hospitality announced Wednesday the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown, formerly Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens, reports Hotelinteractive.com.
http://www.hotelinteractive.com/article.aspx?articleid=25889

Cash-strapped France may Halt High-speed Train Expansion
France may abandon plans for a major extension of its high-speed train network, one of the most viable if costly symbols of engineering prowess, reports Reuters.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/11/uk-france-trains-idUSLNE86A02620120711

Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour Opens
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour has opened its doors this week, marking the first Sofitel in Auckland and second in New Zealand after Queenstown, Business Traveller reports.
http://www.businesstraveller.com/middle-east/news/sofitel-opens-first-new-zealand-hotel

United Airlines settles Skycaps Lawsuit
According to The Associated Press, United Airlines has settled a lawsuit alleging that companies it contracted to provide skycaps paid them less than minimum wage while not allowing them to keep all of their tips.
http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/story/2012-07-11/United-Airlines-settles-skycaps-lawsuit/56149898/1

Delta Faces Stiff Fines Over Alleged Delayed Repairs
CNN reports that Delta Air Lines faces almost $1 million in fines for allegedly flying two jetliners without making required repairs, including repairs to the chipped nose cone of a Boeing 737, the Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/11/travel/delta-faa-fines/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

Coolest New Airport Terminals
Travel + Leisure magazine features a story on some of the world's best new airport terminals.
http://travelkit.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/11/12444535-coolest-new-airport-terminals?lite

Picking Luggage? Say No to Polka Dots
The Wall Street Journal speaks with HBO Asia's senior vice president for sales and marketing, Jacelyn Kek to discuss the best airline lounges, taxis and methods for keeping fit on the road.
http://blogs.wsj.com/scene/2012/07/10/when-picking-luggage-say-no-to-polka-dots/