Source: CNN -- A four-day strike by the pilots' union of Lufthansa threatens one of the world's largest airlines and may disrupt travel on more than two dozen partner airlines on Monday.

Lufthansa and the pilot's union, Vereinigung Cockpit, are holding talks this weekend as a last ditch effort to avoid the strike. More than 4,000 pilots are expected to walk off the job at midnight Monday (6 p.m. Sunday ET) through Thursday over protracted contract negotiations centering around pay and job security.

The industrial action starts the same day that British Airways cabin staff are expected to announce the outcome of its strike vote. And on Wednesday in Greece, a mass public and private sector strike is being planned to protest the government's austerity plan.

Lufthansa has already canceled two-thirds of its scheduled flights Monday to Thursday ahead of the strike.

Company officials admitted it would have a "heavy influence" on its international operations, which includes flights to 80 countries worldwide.

In 2008, Lufthansa was the number two international carrier by passengers with 42.2 million, according to the International Air Transport Association.

The threatened walkout comes as the airline industry is digging out of the worst one-year drop-off in flights, according to IATA.

In 2009, revenues dropped nearly 15 percent worldwide after generating a record $535 billion the previous year. Passenger travel fell a record 3.5 percent and freight fell more than 10 percent, according to IATA figures.

Lufthansa officials said at a news conference Thursday it would cost the airline about $33 million a day.

Many of Lufthansa's pilots have been working without a contract since March and more than 90 percent of the union's members voted to strike, said Jorg Handwerg, a pilot and representative for the union.

The union sought a 6.4 percent pay increase. The union is also concerned with the airline's recent buying spree of small regional carriers, such as BMI and Austrian Airlines which, it says, is cannibalizing flights away from union-flown routes.

"We fly less hours and have less potential for (performance-related bonuses)," Handwerg said. "We want to have the opportunity to grow, but instead it shrinks."

In a statement, Lufthansa said: "In addition to demands on job security, however, the union also insisted on a greater say on fundamental entrepreneurial issues, equating to intervention in business management at the airline. That demand cannot be accepted."

The airline is allowing passengers to rebook flights for tickets purchased before February 18 and plans to give German domestic passengers rail vouchers.

But one Lufthansa passenger said she is having trouble reaching a compromise with the airline.

"I spent several hours on the phone with Lufthansa to try and figure out what I can do, but now I've been told that I can't even get a refund," said Ruth Winblad, who is supposed to fly Monday from Gothenburg, Sweden, to Rome, Italy.

Lufthansa is one of the largest carriers on Star Alliance, a network of 26 airlines that share ticketing and routes for international travel. Travelers on Star Alliance flights are advised to check their tickets for Lufthansa flights and contact their carrier about any potential changes, said Markus Ruediger, Star Alliance spokesman.

Star Alliance member airlines are: Adria, Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Blue 1, BMI, Brussels Airlines, Continental Airlines, Croatia Airlines, Egypt Air, Lot Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Spanair, Swiss, Tap Portugal, Thai Airlines, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines and U.S. Airways.

Partner airlines are preparing for the potential strike.

"Some of our codeshare flights with Lufthansa may be affected during the period of the strike. We are in contact with Lufthansa and will be informed of the affected flights as soon as details are made available," said Nicholas Ionides, Singapore Airlines spokesman.

"Should there be customers traveling on affected Lufthansa-operated codeshare flights, they will be contacted and re-accommodated on the best next available schedule."

If you are affected please go to Skytours Travel Forum for News

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The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has launched a new website to help consumers compare and complain about airline service.

The website (http://airconsumer.dot.gov), allows travelers to file complaints to the DOT, compare historical on-time and baggage mishandling records of airlines and get helpful tips about air travel. The site also contains a compendium of information on government rules and guidance on subjects such as baggage, fare advertising, refunds, overbooking, disability and flight delays.

"This updated web site is part of our ongoing effort to improve resources for consumers and ensure that airline passengers are treated fairly when they fly," US.Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said. "We want to make it as easy as possible for consumers to find the information they need to make their air travel experience as smooth and hassle-free as possible."

The website, which is aimed at US citizens but contains some information about international carriers operating in the US, is also available in Spanish.

Website: http://airconsumer.dot.gov

Seymourpowell a London, UK based design and innovation company released details about its newest innovation - the Aircruise, a massive, zero-emissions vertical airship that would be powered by natural energy and targeted at luxury travelers.

Nearly 30 Hospitals and Charities Receive Free Southwest Travel

Southwest Airlines announced that nearly 30 hospitals and charities from across the nation will be participants in its Medical Transportation Grant Program this year. Southwest is proud to announce the Company has increased its giving by 23 percent in 2010, the program's third year. In total, the airline will donate $1.2 million in transportation to 29 medical organizations who then provide tickets to patients and family members in need. The grant list includes 11 hospitals and three medical transportation charities that assist patients nationwide. This year, Southwest has added hospitals in Philadelphia and Denver.
To see a full list of recipients, please visit: www.southwest.com/cares.

"Southwest Airlines cares about our Customers and the Communities we serve," said Linda Rutherford, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Communication and Strategic Outreach. "We are proud to provide much-needed assistance to families in need during a difficult time."

To read an excerpt from a few of the families who received free transportation through a grant in 2009, visit Southwest Airlines Nuts About Southwest blog: www.blogsouthwest.com. To learn about qualifications for travel assistance through the designated organizations, please contact the Social Work, Travel/Concierge Service, or Patient Assistance Department directly at each location, which each have unique guidelines for administration of tickets.
Source: Southwest Airlines

SpaceShipTwo Roll Out

Fighting against the stormy Mojave weather SpaceShipTwo was rolled out today to a spectacular display at Mojave Spaceport

On Monday 7th December Virgin Galactic unveiled SpaceShipTwo to the world at Mojave Spaceport, California. 800 press, future astronauts and VIP guests gathered in the desert for a press conference and to view the roll out of the world's first commercial spaceline.

Sir Richard Branson and Burt Rutan led the press conference, special recognition went to the team at Scaled Composites whose hard work and dedication have made this happen. Governors Bill Richardson and Arnold Schwarzenegger both contributed at the press conference, celebrating this huge milestone and also joining Holly, Richard's daughter in naming the spaceship, VSS Enterprise.

Despite gale force winds and stormy weather, guests gathered on the runway after the press conference to see SpaceShipTwo for the first time. The spaceship was carried down the runway by her mothership, VMS Eve, to a spectacular display of lights, music and snow which only helped increase the anticipation of her arrival and excitement and awe as she appeared before the crowds. 

Source:http://www.virgingalactic.com/news/

Celebrate 2010 with Fares as Low as $39* - AirTran Airways launched a sale for travel to all the airline's destinations with fares starting as low as $39*. Travelers may purchase these sale fares direct on the airlines web site or at www.Sky-tours.comThese special fares are available for purchase through January 14, 2010, and are good for travel from January 15, 2010, through March 10, 2010, to Florida, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Aruba, Montego Bay, Jamaica, Nassau, Bahamas, and Cancun, Mexico, and January 15, 2010, through May 26, 2010, for all other destinations. Lowest fares are valid for travel Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. Additional sale fares are valid for travel Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Like all AirTran Airways fares, prices included in this sale are available for one-way travel and do not require a roundtrip purchase or an overnight stay. Following is a sample of the one-way sale fares. All fares are valid in either direction: Sample Fares: Off-Peak Peak Akron/Canton - Denver $98 $118 Asheville - Orlando $55 $75 Atlanta - Aruba $129 $149 Atlanta - Montego Bay $109 $129 Atlanta - Nassau $79 $99 Atlanta - Phoenix $119 $139 Atlanta - San Antonio $94 $114 Atlanta - Tampa $79 $99 Atlantic City - Orlando $74 $94 Baltimore/Washington (BWI) - Ft. Lauderdale $74 $94 Baltimore/Washington (BWI) - Los Angeles $124 $144 Baltimore/Washington (BWI) - Montego Bay $129 $149 Baltimore/Washington (BWI) - Nassau $99 $119 Boston - Baltimore/Washington (BWI) $39 $59 Boston - San Juan $105 $125 Charlotte - Tampa $74 $94 Chicago (Midway) - Atlanta $84 $104 Columbus, OH - Ft. Myers $69 $89 Dallas/Ft. Worth - Orlando $74 $94 Dayton - Cancun $86 $106 Dayton - Phoenix $104 $124 Flint - Ft. Lauderdale $94 $114 Indianapolis - Baltimore $64 $84 Indianapolis - Ft. Myers $84 $104 Indianapolis - New York (LaGuardia) $69 $89 Kansas City - Ft. Lauderdale $72 $92 Knoxville - Orlando $49 $69 Memphis - Sarasota $99 $119 Milwaukee - Baltimore/Washington (BWI) $64 $84 Milwaukee - Los Angeles $99 $119 Milwaukee - New York (LaGuardia) $64 $84 Milwaukee - Washington D.C. (Dulles/Reagan National) $74 $94 Minneapolis - Denver $87 $107 Newport News - Las Vegas $109 $129 Orlando - Aruba $109 $129 Orlando - Key West $79 $99 Orlando - Montego Bay $99 $119 Orlando - Nassau $44 $64 Philadelphia - Key West $149 $169 Pittsburgh - Las Vegas $107 $127 Pittsburgh - Tampa $84 $104 Raleigh/Durham - Memphis $94 $114 Richmond - Nassau $99 $119 Rochester - Jacksonville $64 $84 St. Louis - Pensacola $94 $114 Washington DC (Dulles or Reagan National) - Atlanta $84 $104 Washington DC (Dulles or Reagan National) - Orlando $59 $79 To book a flight, visit http://www.sky-tours.com/. *All fares are one-way. All fares are non-refundable and a $75 fee per person applies to any change made after purchase, plus any applicable increase in airfare. Ten-day advance purchase required. Seats are limited, subject to availability, and may not be available on all flights. Tickets must be purchased by January 14, 2010. Sale fares to/from Florida, San Juan, Aruba, Montego Bay, Nassau, and Cancun are valid for travel through March 10, 2010. Sale fares for the rest of the system are valid for travel through May 26, 2010. Lowest sale fares are valid for travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Additional sale fares are available on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. Blackout dates are as follows: Feb 12-13, 2010, February 15, 2010, February 20-21, 2010, April 2-3, 2010, and April 10-11, 2010. Service to/from Omaha, NE begins February 11, 2010. Service to/from Des Moines, IA begins February 11, 2010. Service to/from Montego Bay, Jamaica begins February 11, 2010. Travel between Lexington, KY and Ft. Lauderdale, FL begins February 11, 2010. Travel between Lexington, KY and Orlando, FL begins February 12, 2010. Service on some itineraries may be provided by our partner SkyWest Airlines. A first bag may be checked for a fee of up to $15 per person and a second bag may be checked for a fee of up to $25 per person. Reservations may be obtained or changed through an AirTran Airways Telephone Reservations Center for an additional $15 per person. Fares, routes, and schedules are subject to change without notice. Fares shown do not include Airport Passenger Facility Charges of up to $18. The September 11th security fee of up to $10 is not included. Fares do not include segment taxes of $3.70 per segment. A segment is defined as a takeoff and a landing. Fares to/from Puerto Rico do not include additional government taxes of up to $32.20. Fares to/from Mexico and the Caribbean do not include additional government taxes of up to $100. SOURCE AirTran Airways