1. Continental joins American in Extending Cell Phone Usage Time

2. Accuracy of Baggage Scales Questioned

3. ATA Airfare Sale

4. US Airways Expands Curbside and Kiosk Check-in at Philadelphia International Airport

5. World Health Organization (WHO) Declares SARS Virus Contained in all Affected Countries.

6. Delta Expands New Business Fare Structure

Continental is the second airline to announce a policy revision allowing customers to use their cellular telephones sooner after an aircraft lands at its destination. Under the new policy effective, July 7, cellular phone use is permitted after landing when advised by the flight attendants. Previously, phone use was restricted until the aircraft door opened at the arrival gate. American Airline's was the first to announce changes to their cell phone policy last week expanding their "talk time" prior to departing and landing.

As some airlines reduced their weight allowances for baggage and began charging fees for excess weight, the accuracy of baggage scales has come into question. Weights and measures are traditionally a local matter when it comes to enforcement. However, in many places, no one is policing the airlines except the carrier themselves. The Division of Measurement Standards for the state of California's Department of Food and Agriculture said enforcement does fall under its jurisdiction. The Chicago Department of Aviation and the Illinois Department of Agriculture said scale accuracy is up to the airlines in conjunction with the federal government. However, the U.S. Department of Transportation said there is nothing in its machinery giving it power to monitor scales. (cnn.com)

ATA is offering a Front Row Seat Sale and a Sun Sale. The Front Row Seat Sale is valid for travel July 15 to December 18 and the Sun Sale is valid for travel September 2 to September 30, 2003 when booked by July 14, 2003. Holiday blackout dates, and other rules and restrictions apply. Please contact your World Travel reservationist for additional details.

US Airways has introduced 12 new curbside check-in stations and six new self-service check-in kiosks at Philadelphia International Airport this week, giving customers the ability to check in at 18 new locations. Customers checking baggage at the curbside in Philadelphia will now receive their boarding passes along with their baggage receipts. Philadelphia originating customers without checked baggage will also be able to obtain boarding passes at kiosks on the walkways at Terminals B and C. The six new kiosks are split equally between the B and C walkways, and are located in front of the security checkpoints on the walkway bridges.

There is a huge relief among travelers and the airlines after WHO declared that the SARS virus was contained in all affected countries. Taiwan was the last area to be removed this past weekend from the agency's warning list and the island's biggest carrier, China Airlines, announced plans to restore full capacity on services to Hong Kong by August 1, 2003. Cathay, which suffered a major slump in passenger numbers while SARS was at its height, plans to gradually restore its schedule to around 90 percent by September. Meanwhile corporate travel departments are lifting restrictions to these areas and European and U.S. carriers are also restoring service to these regions.

Delta Air Lines last month expanded a new business fare structure to include nonstop flights between its Salt Lake City hub and 60 markets, including Boston, New York and San Francisco. The move, which Delta said addresses customer requests, follows similar pricing changes posted in March from Atlanta to 40 markets. Delta termed the new Salt Lake City business fare structure "an expansion of a successful strategy" enacted in Atlanta. The carrier would not divulge specific results of the Atlanta fare redesign, saying only that "revenue performance meets and exceeds our expectations." Delta acknowledged the new unrestricted walk-up fares are not necessarily the lowest in a given market but, in such cases, still are "competitive." They were implemented on a long-term basis, though the airline said it could make adjustments as warranted by market conditions and performance. The new fares have limited availability and are subject to certain blackout dates.

 The World Travel Industry Update is sent EXCLUSIVELY to our valued

 clients. 800-341-2014 - Douglassville / 800-874-6700 - Malvern /

 800-291-2424 - Leola