Delta's New LaGuardia Swap Makes American Vulnerable
Bloomberg News reports that as Delta is about to take over about half of the flight slots at LaGuardia Airport due to its agreement with US Airways, American Airlines finds itself in a vulnerable position.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-18/delta-air-s-new-york-laguardia-swap-makes-american-vulnerable-.html

Air France Black Box Recovered
Reuters reports that both black boxes from Air France 447 that crashed in the Atlantic have been recovered from the bottom of the ocean and are intact, but it will take several weeks to analyze the data.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/17/uk-france-brazil-crash-idUSLNE74F04K20110517

Marriott Named to Manage Three Hotels in Saudi Arabia
Marriott International has been named to operate three hotels in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Scheduled to open in 2014 are the JW Marriott Makkah, the Makkah Marriott and the Courtyard by Marriott Makkah.
http://news.marriott.com/2011/05/marriott-international-named-to-manage-3-hotels-in-makkah-saudi-arabia.html

US Airways Focused on Making Brazil Work
Though the carrier is still working out some remaining details, it is expected to still launch service to Sao Paulo, Brazil later this year, reports USA Today.
http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/post/2011/05/us-airways-were-focused-on-making-brazil-work/170588/1

Westin Debuts in South America
Starwood Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of its first Westin hotel in South America the 301-room Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center in Peru.
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=78669&p=irol-newsArticle_print&ID=1564687&highlight=

United and Continental Create a More Consistent Customer Experience
United Continental Holdings, Inc. today unveiled a series of changes to provide a more consistent travel experience for customers. The changes will roll out at airports over the next several months.
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=85779&p=irol-newsArticle_Print&ID=1564958&highlight

Hilton HHonors Announces 'Great Getaway' Promotion
The loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide announced its latest promotion: The Great Getaway. Guests can save up to 40% on stays between May 27 and September 5, 2011, at any of the participating hotels.
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=88577&p=irol-newsArticleOther&ID=1564183&highlight=

Radisson Blu Comes to Istanbul
The Rezidor Hotel Group has announced the Radisson Blu Golden Horn Hotel, Istanbul. The new property featuring 133 guest rooms is scheduled to open in early 2013.
http://www.investor.rezidor.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=205430&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1564398&highlight=

DOT Delays Airline Fee Disclosure Proposal
Business Travel News reports that the U.S. Department of Transportation does not expect to publicly reveal before January 2012 a new proposal on airlines' disclosure of optional service fees through global distribution systems.
http://www.businesstravelnews.com/Business-Travel/Airline-News/Articles/DOT-Delays-Airline-Fee-Disclosure-Proposal-To-2012/

Virgin Pilots Call Strike Ballot
Virgin Atlantic is facing the threat of a pilots' strike over the summer because of a long-running pay dispute, according to The Telegraph.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/8516685/Virgin-pilots-call-strike-ballot.html

Qantas Revamps Frequent Flyer Scheme
Qantas is adding a new "Platinum One" tier for its most loyal members, and is increasing bonus points for premium economy, business and first passengers, as well as bonus status points for Silver and Gold members, according to the Business Traveller.
http://www.businesstraveller.com/news/qantas-revamps-frequent-flyer-scheme

PATA Establishes Rapid Recovery Task Force
The Pacific Asia Travel Association is establishing a Rapid Recovery Task Force that will address post-crisis recovery strategies in the face of natural, economic or political upheaval across countries, the Travel Press reports.
http://www.travelpress.com/PHP/news.php?sid=13690

Earn Travel Perks by Checking in With Starwood
Frommer's reports that Starwood Hotels has teamed up with foursquare to offer extra bonuses to members of its Preferred Guest program from May through July,
http://www.frommers.com/trip_ideas/family/article.cfm?ideaID=FAMILY&articleID=7304

Tax-Free Shopping Surprises
Travel + Leisure magazine reports on the growing number of countries outside of Europe that offer rebate programs for non-resident shoppers.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42904116/ns/travel-travel_tips/