computer check-in The latest carrier to roll out a procedure for flight check-ins via the Internet is Atlanta-based AirTran (www.airtran.com). Through the company's Web site, passengers can now check in from 90 minutes to 24 hours before their flight's scheduled departure, selecting a seat and printing a boarding pass for that day's flights (not for the return flights). They can also print receipts, frequent flyer vouchers and drink coupons from their computers.
site overhaul Cheap Tickets (www.cheaptickets.com), the popular seller of discount airline seats, has renovated its Web site, eliminating a required log-in before performing searches. It also added new features like an enlarged inventory of reduced-rate hotels from Lodging.com; new ITA Software fare-searching technology that returns many more fare options and flight combinations than before; the ability to search by various parameters including schedule, preferred carriers and first/business class fares; and the ability to store personal preference data like home airport, frequent flyer numbers and purchase records.
aa schedules Frequent customers of American Airlines can now go to the company's Web site (www.aa.com) and download the schedules of American, American Eagle and code-share partners. Timetable formats are compatible with Palm OS, Palm VII, Pocket PC, WAP phones and Windows-based laptops and PCs that can store PDF files. Meanwhile, American has upgraded its Web site for BusinessExtrAA (www.businessextraa.com), a program for small companies. Participating firms can enroll online, see all segments flown by employees over two years, request awards and review account balances.
pass pouch Ever wonder where to stick your boarding pass and driver's license or other ID before you run the security gauntlet? You don't have to fumble through your pockets. Easy TravelAir (www.easytravelair.com) sells a security pouch for $14.99 that hangs around your neck. It has separate slots with clear fronts for storing boarding pass and ID, as well as a pocket for credit cards and a zippered pouch for a cell phone.
hot deals Continental Airlines has signed a deal with Travelweb LLC to make the latter's inventory of net-rate-based hotel discounts available through the Continental Web site (www.continental.com), starting in the first quarter of 2003. Travelweb distributes excess room inventory at special prices for its owning companies—Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, Six Continents and Starwood Hotels—and also for other participants including Omni Hotels and Kimpton Boutique Hotels.
travel gear, equipment, accessories, etc.