U.S. Travel Association

Roger Dow, U.S. Travel's president and CEO, recently released a press release on FAA Reauthorization Critical To Create Jobs and Add Billions of Dollars To Our Economy.   He says, "Passage of legislation being considered by the Senate to reauthorize programs for the Federal Aviation Administration is critical to improve the air travel process.   Reducing delays could add $17 billion dollars back into the economy by supporting more than 155,000 jobs in the travel industry, primarily in lodging, food services, amusement, recreation and retail.   The bill will reduce delays and airport congestion by accelerating airport modernization by implementing NEXTGEN air traffic control systems, converting the air traffic control from a ground-based system to one that uses GPS.   The bill also would require airlines to develop contingency plans for delays while passengers are on the aircraft.  Plans must include how the airlines will provide adequate food, water and access to restrooms.  Airlines must also provide passengers with timely and accurate information regarding the flight.   A 2008 travel survey found air travelers avoided 41 million trips from 2007-2008, or slightly more than 100,000 trips per day.  Translating to $26.5 billion loss to the U.S. economy.  "When travel is avoided, we lose more than just an airline ticket, Dow noted, "Hotels lose customers.  Local restaurants lose patrons.  Salesmen lose clients.  And, businesses lose the opportunity to purchase valuable goods and services."

JAPAN CRISIS

The spirit of the Japanese people is what keeps this great country together.  They have survived before and they will be survivors once again.  Our hearts go out to all of them during this time.   Kevin and Sue McCarthy

SUE ON CHANNEL 11 TODAY IN ST LOUIS

TRAVEL WARNINGS FOR SPRING BREAKERS IN MEXICO TEXAS DEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY IS URGING SPRING BREAKERS TO AVOID TRAVELING TO MEXICO DUE TO CONTNUED VIOLENCE AND IS REMINDING BOATERS TO STAY ON THE U.S. SIDE OF FALCON LAKE.   BORDER TOWNS TO AVOID ARE NUEVO LEON, CIUDAD JUAREZ.    SAN LUIS POTOSI IN CENTRAL MEXICO AND SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE.   MEXICO SECURITY WARNINGS ALSO INCLUDE GUADLAJARA IN CENTRAL MEXICO.   TRAVEL TIPS:   BE SURE TO HAVE A PASSPORT.   CHECK WITH THE U.S. STATE DEPT. WEBSITE FOR UP-TO-DATE SECURITY WARNINGS.  WWW.TRAVEL.STATE.GOV   KNOW HOW TO CONTACT THE EMBASSY WWW.USEMBASSY-MEXICO.GOV/   U.S.CITIZENS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REGISTER WITH THE MEXICAN EMBASSY THROUGH THE SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) BEFORE THEIR TRIP.      VARIOUS CRIME PROBLEMS ARE ALSO EXISTING IN ACAPULCO.