Here are some of this week’s most interesting stories from some of my favorite bloggers and travel sites:

American Wants to Do Better (Really, They Do)

Several weeks ago, I highlighted some of the steps airlines said they would take to improve service and cut down on delays. After what most would agree was a dismal summer for airline performance, it was clear that the airlines finally realized something needed to be done. Well, American is moving forward with many of its proposed new customer service strategies. The Dallas Morning News highlights some of the moves that American is already making:

“The carrier has built an extra five to seven minutes into flight schedules at its busiest hubs and is looking for better ways to identify open seats during the last flights of the night to accommodate stranded passengers.”

Have Pet, Will Travel

It’s time to pack up Fido or Mr. Whiskers and head to the airport for a fun-filled trip. Sadly, it’s not always that simple. Traveling with a pet can be stressful and expensive. Real Travel offers some tips on how to make things easier for you and your loyal furry companions.

Are Overweight Americans Costing the Airlines Money?

The airlines have gotten pretty good about blaming rising costs on just about everything other than their own greed. Fuel surcharges, airport facility fees, environmentalists; you name it, and they’ll blame it. Now, some of the added costs could be attributed to overweight passengers. Jaunted takes a look at how heavier fliers could be costing the airlines millions.

They Handle Our Baggage, But Do We Really Know Them?

We hear a lot from travelers complaining about lost luggage or broken belongings turning up in suit cases, but we never really get the other side of the story. What do the men and women behind the luggage have to say? CNN gets down to it in Confessions of a baggage handler, an interesting look at the life of a baggage handler. Why does luggage get lost? How annoying are passengers? Find all that out and more.

Become a Frequent Flier, Enjoy None of the Benefits

I got the chance to talk to Chris Elliot about a post he was doing for his blog. It sheds some light on the fact that all those frequent flier miles you’ve acrued might not get you what you’re looking for. Our conversation focused mainly on award seats. Read the post on elliott to find out why the airlines might rather fly with an empty business/first class seat than with you in it.

Have a great weekend!