Florida Airport Guide

Cuban athlete goes missing in Florida

2008-05-13T11:21:00.002+02:00

The Cuban national judo team returned home Monday without one of its stars, whose weekend disappearance fuelled speculation that she is defecting.

Yurisel Laborde has twice been world champion and a 2004 Olympic bronze medallist and has not been seen since disappearing after competing in the Pan American Judo Championships and was not with the team when they left Miami International Airport.

More flights from Houston to Sarasota Airport in Florida

2008-05-13T11:18:00.001+02:00

Continental Airlines is doubling its daily nonstop flights to and from Houston at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport in Florida starting on 1st July 2008.

Continental will increase its flights between Houston and the Florida airport from once to twice daily in response to a strong and growing market demand in Texas and the West.

Special car hire rates at Florida Airports

2008-05-13T11:15:00.003+02:00

National Car Rental is offering a range of weekly rental promotional deals from a number of US Airports including Fort Lauderdale International Airport, Fort Myers and Panama City Airport in Florida.

The least expensive weekly rentals start at only $144 for the entire period when the client can expect to receive either an economy class or compact car for this price. It is also possible to enjoy preferential rates over the weekend.

Huge repair bill for car hire garage at Fort Lauderdale Airport

2008-05-13T11:09:00.002+02:00

Since it opened three years ago the rental car garage at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport has had a number of flooding and mould problems resulting in major repairs now being necessary.

Car rental agencies have had only limited use of their offices in the $247 million garage which allowed them to consolidate operations under one roof at Fort Lauderdalwe Airport, but the quick-turnaround area where drivers return cars on the first floor has remained open despite the problems.

Airport officials, contractors and architects last week reached a settlement to share the $1.7 million needed to pay for repairs and to stop the problem happening again pumps will be stalled to divert flood water.

New screening for airport workers

2008-05-13T11:06:00.001+02:00

The Transportation Security Administration has started a 90 day test of enhanced methods for screening employees who work at seven US airports including Denver International, Logan International Airport in Boston, Kansas City International and Jacksonville International in Florida.

The three month pilot programme will evaluate the current biometric access-control process which uses fingerprints to verify an employee's identity. TSA also will increase the random physical screening of employees.

End of Allegiant flights from Wichita to Orlando

2008-05-13T11:00:00.002+02:00

Allegiant Air has announced the end of its service from Wichita to Orlando Airport in Florida. The last day of operation will be on 7th July 2008.

The service has been operating since 22nd May 2007 and the cancelling of the service is mainly due to escalating fuel costs.

US airlines charge to take second bag on flights

2008-05-07T09:59:00.003+02:00

Most US carriers began charging $25 this week for coach passengers who want to check a second bag on domestic flights — instead of allowing two checked bags for free. Six US airlines also are raising the cost of checking a third bag to $100. There are exceptions for first and business-class passengers and for those with certain types of mileage rewards. And some airlines will waive the fee for international travel
Each bag must weigh less than 50 pounds, and its dimensions (length plus width plus depth) must be less than 62 inches.

Southwest is the only major US carrier to allow travelers to continue to check two pieces of luggage without charge, but the cost for checking a third bag is now $25.

It is not uncommon to see passengers at US airport terminals trying to magically transform three carry-on bags into one. But it's not easy with a golf bag or skis!

Where are Americans travelling to ths summer?

2008-05-07T09:51:00.002+02:00

With less money to spend almost two thirds of Americans are planning to stay in the US with almost half visiting family and friends, according to a joint survey by AOL Travel and Zogby International. The survey also said that more than half of Americans have some sort of cost-savings plan and booked their summer travel on the Internet.

Record high oil prices are threatening to ground millions of travellers and airline executives and aviation analysts say that only fare increases and cutbacks in flights will enable the industry to cover a 2008 jet fuel bill that could be 44% higher than last year's. By this time next year there could be 20% fewer seats available if airlines respond to oil prices in excess of $100 a barrel by cutting as many flights as some are predicting.

Sarasota Brandenton Airport offers incentives to international airlines

2008-05-06T11:19:00.004+02:00

Sarasota Brandenton Airport in Florida has announced a plan to attract intercontinental carriers by offering $100,000 in marketing incentives, along with a six-figure waiver of customs costs and other items, to the first overseas airline that schedules weekly flights to SRQ.

The airport currently has no overseas carriers but feel this is an ideal time to lure one there with the dollar's exchange rate hovering at nearly $1.60 to one Euro, which means that foreign tourists' money will go further.

Southwest Fort Myers Airport handles over one million passengers in March

2008-05-06T11:03:00.002+02:00

For the third time since it opened the Southwest Fort Myers Florida International Airport logged more than a million passengers through its doors in March.

The traffic leader for the month was AirTran with 144,393 passengers traveling to and from Fort Myers, and the top five airlines were JetBlue (119,328), Delta (112,346), Northwest (95,442) and US Airways (94,457).

Continental Airlines to stop flying to Daytona Beach

2008-05-06T10:58:00.002+02:00

Continental Airlines will no longer provide services to Daytona Beach Airport in Florida from September 2008.

They currently operate one daily flight, a Saturday round-trip flight to Newark, New Jersey and a seasonal Saturday flight to Cleveland.

Continental cites poor financial performance and the high cost of fuel incurring losses which make it unviable for them to maintain the service.

They have provided service to the area since 1988 and airport officials are trying to convince the longtime carrier to stay.

New customs welcome package for travellers to USA

2008-04-29T09:52:00.005+02:00

Miami International Airport, Orlando and Orlando Sanford Airports and Fort Lauderdale Airport are among 20 airports across the country where US Customs and Border Protection will improve the process of clearing and welcoming overseas travellers to the United States.

The programme includes a new video, currently available in Spanish, French, German and English, that helps travellers through the customs and immigration process; a "Welcome to the US" brochure and a variety of new bilingual directional signs. In the future, these airports will also be equipped with more video monitors.

Customs said it selected airports with the largest number of foreign visitors annually for the new programme. They include Honolulu, New York, Miami International, Los Angeles, Newark, Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Orlando, Detroit, Boston, Las Vegas, Seattle, Philadelphia, San Juan, Fort Lauderdale and Sanford Florida.

FUNDING GRANTED FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO SARASOTA AIPORT

2008-04-29T09:47:00.002+02:00

The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded a total of nearly $3 million for construction and planning at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport in Florida and Wauchula Municipal Airport.

The Sarasota-Manatee Airport Authority has been awarded $2,711,379 for construction of a service road and taxiway, runway lighting and works to improve drainage.

TIGHTENING OF LICENCING RULES FOR PALM BEACH TAXI DRIVERS

2008-04-29T09:07:00.004+02:00

A new law is about to be launched in Palm Beach County that drivers of taxicabs and limousines have to pass tests of English proficiency and local geography as part of a revised ordinance that also imposes restrictions on who can drive and what condition the vehicles must be kept.

County officials say the aim is to make rides safer and to cut fraud in the taxi business. The measure was tentatively approved by commissioners on Tuesday and is expected to be finalized next month.

No one convicted of a crime within the past five years or ever convicted of violent sex attacks could be eligible for a vehicle-for-hire identification badge, which is a requirement to own or drive taxicabs and limos.

Only driver's who have held a licence for at least three years will be allowed to get behind the wheel of a cab or limo.

There will also be new criteria for the condition and age of the vehicles, with most taxis required to be no older than seven years. Taxis operating at Palm Beach International Airport can be no older than five years. The vehicle-age requirement will not come into force until until 2010, but most of the other new rules will be enforced by this summer.

Passenger travel increase at Orlando Airport

2008-04-22T10:14:00.002+02:00

Passenger traffic at Orlando International Airport rose again in February despite worries that the slumping economy will reduce travel.

The number of passengers at OIA jumped nearly 11% in February from the same month a year ago to almost 3.1 million travelers.

This is due largely to the air services started last autumn by Lufthansa and Aer Lingus. The airport could also be benefitting from the falling US dollar, which makes American holidays more affordable for international travellers.

American Airlines parent company lose $328 million so far this year

2008-04-22T10:08:00.003+02:00

The parent company of American Airlines lost $328 million in the first quarter of 2008 as they paid $665 million more for fuel than in the first quarter of 2007. They plan to cut flying by 1.5% this year to save on flights that are not profitable at current fuel costs.

Previously they had expected to increase flying by 0.2% this year. American controls more than 60% of the passenger traffic at Miami International Airport and has also announced a hiring freeze for management and support workers.

Delta Airlines merger at Panama City to create world's biggest airline

2008-04-22T10:04:00.001+02:00

Two of Panama City’s three air carriers are part of a merger that will create the world's biggest airline. Delta are to buy Northwest Airlines, and it is estimated that the new company will be valued at more than $17 billion dollars.

If the deal receives government approval the company will go under Delta's name and will be headquartered in Atlanta.

Learjet incident halts flights to Southwest Fort Myers Airport

2008-04-22T09:58:00.002+02:00

The runway at Southwest Fort Myers Florida International Airport has reopened after a private Learjet landed and its nose gear collapsed. No flights came in or out for about two hours after the jet's nose gear collapsed on landing late Tuesday morning.

The plane was heading to Fort Myers from Canada, and Airport officials say none of the seven people aboard the aircraft were injured in the accident.

Incoming planes that were diverted to other airports around the southern half of the state on Florida.

New routes from London Gatwick to Fort Lauderdale in Miami

2008-04-22T09:53:00.002+02:00

Zoom Airlines are expanding their current routes from Gatwick Airport in London with new services operating twice weekly from May and June this year to Fort Lauderdale Airport in Miami and San Diego in California.

The new routes will mean jobs for cabin crew, pilots and engineers which will be an excellent boost for employment figures in the region.

New places to eat and drink at Miami Airport

2008-04-09T10:18:00.003+02:00

Autogrill Group has extended its contract for retail concessions and food and beverage outlets at Miami International Airport now covering 10 points of sale.

New brands include two Bacardi Mojito bars, a Starbucks Coffee and a Ciao Gourmet Market which offers an assortment of Mediterranean foods.

New shops and cafes at Tampa Airport

2008-04-09T10:07:00.002+02:00

The Autogrill Group has secured a contract for the renewal for its concessions at Tampa International Airport two years in advance of the expiration date. The Group now has dining and retail locations in seven of Florida’s 14 airports.

The renewed contract involves food and beverage and retail services in 58 points of sale at Tampa Airport. They will renovate and re-brand some of the existing locations - 28 food and beverage and 21 retail - and add nine new retail stores. They will introduce international brands including Starbucks Coffee, Burger King, Brioche Dorée, Chili’s Too and Carrabba’s Italian Grill - as well as local labels such as Sam Snead’s Tavern (named after the golfer).

New retail concepts include Harley Davidson, United Colors of Benetton and Fossil.

Workers laid off at Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood International Airport

2008-04-08T14:04:00.002+02:00

Veolia Transportation is laying off 153 people after losing its shuttle contract at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

But it is hoped that many of the jobs will be picked up by the operator taking over the bus service at the end of the month. Limousines of South Florida, awaits final approval from the Broward County Commission.

Flights from Daytona Beach Airport to Europe

2008-04-08T09:48:00.003+02:00

Travellers on both sides of the Atlantic now have more options when booking nonstop flights between the USA and Europe.

Flights out of Daytona Beach International Airport now give faster connections to Europe through Delta Air Lines flights to Atlanta and Continental Airlines flights to Newark, New Jersey. Both airlines now have flights from their US hubs to London.

British Airways is also launching a new trans-Atlantic airline named OpenSkies which will offer 30 economy-class seats on each 82-seat plane, with the rest evenly split between first and business class.

Faster security checks at Tampa Airport

2008-04-07T14:59:00.002+02:00

Getting through security at Tampa International Airport should become faster and less stressful in the coming months with airport officials working to streamline how passengers move through checkpoints at the four airsides.

It could mean moving scanning equipment, changing how passengers queue and positioning more officers where they can direct travellers to move quickly through checkpoints.

Also X-ray machines that give faster, sharper images and identify explosives will be in some Florida airports by July

Sinatra's Villa Maggio near Palm Springs Airport for sale

2008-04-07T14:54:00.002+02:00

Frank Sinatra's desert hideaway Villa Maggio (which he named after the character, Private Angelo Maggio he played in the movie "From Here to Eternity") is on the market at close to $5 million.

The compound sleeps 16-22 people and was built in 1970 stands on on 9 acres above El Paseo in Palm Desert. Fran Sinatra would bring his guests, via his private jet, into Palm Springs airport, and they were then flown up to the villa in his helicopter.

The property has a helicopter pad and a lodge of stone and wood with an attached two-bedroom guesthouse, a detached guesthouse and a pool house with a kitchen.

Other features include nine fireplaces, a movie theatre, refrigerated wine closet, a swimming pool, spa, a tennis/basketball court, his-and-hers saunas, an outside dance floor and parking for 24 cars.