Need a recap of some of the week’s most interesting travel stories? Read up on your days off.

• Cloud Travel: Exploring the Experience of Flying First Class Overseas - An in-depth look at the differences between the service and the experience in First Class on international flights as opposed to coach. Guess which one comes off sounding like more fun?
• Brave New Traveler: The Mysterious Origins of the Travel Bug - Ever get that uncontrollable urge to travel? You’re not the only one. Read this worldwide view of that unmistakeable feeling known as The Travel Bug.
• The Cranky Flier: Allegiant Plans Its Big Expansion - Allegiant expands. Phoenix rejoices!
• Southern Byways: Reviewing… Space Mountain - It’s perhaps the most famous roller coaster in the world, and it might be the perfect ride for kids, adults, and anyone who dislikes light. Get a step-by-step breakdown of what makes Space Mountain so popular.

Have a great weekend!

More woes for Northwest and some insight into traveling with the iPhone are just two of the great reads for today:

• Gadling: Who Buys This Stuff? - If you fly hungry, you might just find the urge to purchase these food related items from SkyMall. Come on, can you ever pay too much for a double chocolate fountain? (Visit Team Sugar to find more SkyMall food treats.)
• Jaunted: Malaysia Airlines Staff Heart All Passengers - Customer service is alive and well on Malaysia Airlines!
• Global Nerdy: iPhone + Travel = Expensive - Thinking of leaving that old heavy laptop behind in favor of the iPhone next time you travel? Read this first. You might change your mind.
• MSNBC: Northwest hit with more cancellations - In a continued attempt to get on track, Northwest Airlines grounded over 100 flights yesterday, and they were well on their way to do the same today. The union continues to say there aren’t enough pilots on hand, and the airline continues to try to lure back pilots who are on furlough.
• BBC: Brazil air crash runway re-opened - The runway that was the site of Brazil’s worst aviation disaster has reopened. Until changes are made to the surface of the runway, landings will be restricted when there are inclement condiditons.

Here are a few good travel stories to check out over the weekend:

• Wired: New X Plane Flies at Calif. Air Base: Light-weight, fuel efficient X plane passes first test. Is it the future of flying or just another UFO spotting waiting to happen?
• Freakonomics Blog: What an Honor, and it Only Costs $3,995 - Want to get interviewed on in-flight radio? Shell out a few grand and you might just get your chance.
• Consumerist: American Airlines Fined - American Airlines could be fined appx. $231,000 for dangerous working conditions at O’Hare.
• MSNBC: Mom pleads not guilty to hitting kids on plane - The saga continues for the woman accused of verbally and physically assaulting her children on a plane. She plead not guilty, but still remains in jail awaiting her court date.

Traveling with children, a new airline, and the power of ebay all made travel news today:

• The Perrin Post: Seeking Kid-Friendly Resort - What do you do when your romantic getaway plans suddenly become family vacation plans? Get some good advice on kid-friendly resorts.
• New York Times: Kids on the Plane? Maybe I’ll Have That Drink - Speaking of kids; A flight attendant recounts her woes of mashed up Cheerios and crayon-scarred tray tables. Don’t worry, she blames the parents.
• sydneysided: Hooray for choice! - While Virgin America is dominating the headlines, Virgin Blue has announced a new airline (V Australia) that will offer flights to the U.S.
• Metro: Superjumbo seats auctioned on ebay - Seats on the maiden voyage of Singapore Air’s Airbus 380 superjumbo are being auctioned on ebay to benefit three charities. It sounds like a really good idea, but you still have to watch out for that guy who always swoops in at the last second to outbid you.
• My Fox Dallas: American Airlines Pilot Penalized for Sticker on Plane - An American Airlines pilot is suspended without pay for 30 days after placing a sticker that was critical of executive bonuses on the exterior of a plane. Yep. There’s no better way to please a union than by docking one of its members about $12,000 for taking a shot at upper management.

Missed out on the travel/airline news today? Take a few minutes to catch up.

• NY Times : Somewhere in the Skies, Fish Ceviche Is Being Served - If you’re flying First Class or Business Class on certain airlines you could be enjoying fine dining at 30,000 ft. If you’re flying coach, you’re just longing for the days when they gave you the chicken or beef option.
• Style Treaty: Travel 2007 - Tired of over stuffing your checked baggage or having your toothpaste and shampoo thrown away at security because of the liquid regulations? Well, it’s not just over here. One fearless traveler from across the Pond teaches you how to get the most out of sample sizes.
• The Happy Hotelier: Qbic Amsterdam - The Qbic hotel opened in Amsterdam. It’s like the capsule hotel’s quasi-futuristic, slightly roomier European cousin. They say it’s hip and efficient, which often means it has oddly shaped furniture and is small.
• The Consumerist: Northwest Airlines Loves Canceling Flights - Beleaguered Northwest Airlines cancels more flights. If any other type of business shut its doors this often wouldn’t that pretty much be it for them?
• MSNBC: Brazilian airline diverts, cancels 90 flights - Do to continuing safety concerns following last week’s crash, TAM airlines diverted or canceled 90 flights at Sao Paulo’s main airport.

Here are some of the top travel stories from today and this past weekend:

• Gadling: Tickets to Outerspace Increase Astronomically - Tickets to the Space Station skyrocket (sorry) from $20M to $25M. Meanwhile, Richard Branson’s basically giving away suborbital space travel for a mere $200,000.
• Travel Rants: Mobile Calls on Flights Cause Air Rage - Cell phones might be allowed on certain planes. I don’t want to be a spoil sport or anything, but there actually was an age when you couldn’t be reached anywhere at any time, and the world managed to keep turning.
• The Cranky Flier: United Goes Fully Flat in Business Class - United unveils plans for ultra-comfortable, stretch-out-till-your-heart’s-content seats in business class. Can the Virgin America waterbed be far behind?
• BBC: Tourists stranded as jet grounded - Travelers end up stranded for three days in the Canary Islands when a holiday firm’s only plane is grounded. What are the chances the boss will believe you when you give her the old I can’t come into work because I’m stranded on a distant island routine?
• MSNBC: Mom accused of hitting kids on flight - A mother of two is subdued after reportedly physically and verbally assaulting her children repeatedly on a plane. The outburst could cost her hundreds of thousands of dollars and some serious jail time.

Weekend downtime? Catch up on some interesting travel and airline industry stories.

• That’s Fit: Stress-free travel - Tips on what to pack to enjoy stress-free travel. And no, decent customer service from the airlines won’t fit in your carry-on bag.
• boing boing: TSA head calls lighter ban “security theater” - The TSA will once again allow some types of lighters on planes. Lighters are back, matches never went away. Flames make me a little nervous, but I’ll be fine as long as I have my trusty 4 oz. bottle of water. Oh…right.
• The Chicago Traveler: Pooch Chicago - Man’s best friend enjoys fine dining, massages, milk baths, and plasma TVs in a Chicago luxury dog hotel. I know there’s a joke in there somewhere, but I’m too consumed with jealousy to find it.
• Online Travel Review: Stowaway in Airplane Wheel Dies - A man dies while hiding in the wheel well of a flight from Taiwan to San Francisco. Oddly, this type of thing happens more than you might think.
• BBC: Brazil jet thrust reverser off - The investigation into the crash of the TAM airliner that crashed in Brazil on Tuesday continues. Officials now believe a thrust reverser on the plane had been mistakenly deactivated during maintenance check.

Here are some interesting travel stories you might have missed today:

• A Somewhat Interesting Blog: The airlines will lose your suitcases - After last week’s news of British Airways losing a Cricket trophy, it’s reported that their lost-luggage numbers are higher than the norm. That’s BA; striving to be above average in everything.
• MSNBC: Live by the Code…of Cordiality - While others worry about a Passengers’ Bill of Rights, one writer calls for passengers to be more polite to each other. It’s a good cause, but I’m pretty sure the guy in front of me is going to keep reclining his seat back all the way just as I’m putting my drink down on the tray table.
• Ambient Thoughts: How tech changes travel - Advances in technology have completely changed the way people prepare for travel. Does seeing the highest mountain peaks on Google Earth before you ever get there take some of the adventure out of the journey? Probably not. The peaks are still really, really high. But it does make you wonder if in a few years there will be such a thing as a hidden getaway.
• The Consumerist: Drunk Nick Nolte - Actor and legendary mug shot Nick Nolte got drunk and started rolling around on the floor during a delay at an airport. There’s really nothing I can add to that. Check out the pictures at The Consumerist.
• Aviation Watch: Airlines worried about ETS-proposal - European airlines speak out against the EU’s plan to include aviation in its emission trading scheme, suggesting that it will have a huge impact on the airline industry.
• BBC: Calls for Brazil airport to close - An update on the investigation surrounding the crash of a Brazilian airliner on Tuesday. Officials are calling for the airport to be shut down until the runways are renovated.

Get caught up on the airline and travel news you may have missed:

• Gadling: Ultra Cheap Airfares May be a Thing of the Past in Europe - Gone may be the days of the 1p or free rides on discount European airlines. Well, they never really existed, but now carriers might have to admit to the fact that Free and ¤60 really aren’t the same thing.
• BBC: Ryanair’s green claims criticised - Speaking of discount European airlines, Ryanair put out an ad that downplayed commercial aviation’s effect on the environment and possibly used misleading numbers to back up its claims. The public complained, and the ad will no longer be run.
• Forbes: Back-in-Time Trips - Time Travel might still be out of our grasp, but Forbes is showing off some vacation spots that make you feel like you’re in another age.
• The Airline Hub: Southwest Airlines 2nd Quarter Results Slump - Southwest reports 2nd Quarter losses, and they have begun to offer buyout packages to some of their employees. It’s nothing new in the airline industry, but many thought Southwest could avoid the fate of other carriers.
• Washington Post: All 155 Feared Dead in Brazil Jet Crash - A plane crash in Brazil is believed to have killed close to 200 people. The plane landed during the rain on a runway that is said to be too short and often too slick. In fact, a judge banned certain aircraft from using the runway earlier this year, but his ruling was overturned in an appeals court. An investigation is underway, and I will keep you informed as I learn more.

Today’s travel news covers everything from Senate hearings to perfect destinations. Here are a few of the most interesting stories of the lot.

• The Consumerist: Woman Sues Spirit Airlines in Small Claims Court and Wins - Spirit Airlines stranded a passenger and refused to rebook her canceled flights. The passenger sued the airline and won. Is it a one-time deal or will thousands of angry travelers follow suit?
• MSNBC: FAA chief should get the ax, senator says - Senators call for the head of the head of the FAA. In response, the FAA calls for Congress to shell out billions of dollars for air traffic control upgrades. Isn’t it nice when two governmental agencies can get together and really talk things out?
• Gadling: What’s an Exit Row Seat Worth? - Virgin offers exit row seats for an extra $75. Many see that as a small price to pay for guaranteed leg room.
• Travel and Leisure: World’s Best - “Travel and Leisure” lists the World’s Best Cities. Once again, bias is shown towards stunning scenery, incredible food, and rich cultural history.
• The FAA Follies: Welcome to the 21st Century - This is an older story, but if you haven’t seen Seven Hours on the Tarmac you have to watch it. Sadly, I’m pretty sure a sequel will be out soon.
• Marketing Vox: In-Flight WiFi Being Mulled Over by Southwest - Rumors are circulating that Southwest may offer in-flight WiFi. Will perks like this determine which airlines can keep up? (Find more on the subject at Endgadget.)
• WPR - On a personal note, I’ll be talking about airfare, airlines, and whatever else might come up on Larry Meillers Ideas Network show, on WHA (AM) 970 at about 11:45 AM (CDT). It’s a show out of Madison, WI, but anyone can listen by visiting the station’s main page and clicking on Listen Live Online. So tune in, if you have the chance.

Here are some the most intriguing stories coming out of the airline and travel industries today:

• NY Times: Eventful Opening for ‘Capsule Hotel’ at London Airport - A bit of Japan comes to London as the city’s first capsule hotel opens in Gatwick Airport. Stranded passengers, business travelers, and those who fear square footage can now relax in style.
• Budget Travel Online: Containermania - If you caught my recent post, Knit 1 Purl 2, TSA Loves You, you know a little about the absurdity of the TSA’s rules regarding liquids and sharp objects (note: sharp objects are easier to get on board). In order to deal with TSA’s ongoing battle against water, some retailers have created containers specifically designed for use on airplanes.
• Daily Aviator: Travolta gets in the middle of legal dispute - Legal battles over a Florida runway might interfere with actor/pilot John Travolta’s flight plans. Can’t he just strut to his destination?
• Airline Biz: Speaking of Love Field and American Airlines - As Southwest takes advantage of changes in the good old Wright Amendment, American alters its carriers’ schedules out of Love Field.
• The Airline Hub: Passengers Aboard Flight to Australia Exposed to Polio Patient - Following on the heels of the air travel TB scare, a man who flew from Bangkok to Australia is diagnosed with Polio.
• The Perrin Post: Increase Your Comfort in Coach - Get tips on how to make international travel as painless as possible this summer.
• MSNBC: Pilot forgets to lower landing gear - The pilot of a small aircraft forgot to lower his landing gear when landing. Pilot chalks the mistake up to “pilot error.”

Looking for something to read on your days off? Here are some of the most interesting travel and airline stories in the news.

• Airline Biz: DFW’s Air Traffic Numbers - DFW’s passenger numbers dropped in May. Is it a sign of the times, or just the never ending rainstorm situated over Dallas this summer?
• MSNBC: Brawl on Russian Plane Forces Return - A brawl on a Russian airline sends passengers back home. It’s not the first altercation on a Russian plane in recent history. Read about the latest and past mid-air throw downs.
• Fly Away Cafe: So You want to be a Flight Attendant? - Get the inside scoop on what it’s really like to be a flight attendant.
• The Airline Blog: Lufthansa economy-class sleeping area? - Comfortable sleep might not just be for First-Class any more.
• Times Online: Heathrow to introduce fingerprint checks - BA will introduce fingerprinting and other biometric measures to keep travelers from avoiding immigration services and to improve overall security.
• Arthur Frommer Online: The mishandling of foreign tourism to the U.S. gets worse - Arthur Frommer explores U.S. government travel policies that might be keeping tourists away from visiting the States.
• Reuters: US investigates near miss in Florida - Safety officials are trying to find out what caused a near collision between two jet liners on a runway in Florida.

Enjoy your weekend.

Get caught up on some of today’s most interesting airline and travel stories:

• Ledger Enquirer: Mother and Baby Kicked Off Plane - A 19 month-old boy and his mom were kicked off a plane because the boy wouldn’t stop talking and the mom wouldn’t give the child baby Benadryl. At least that’s what the mom says. Check out footage of the interview on NBC.
• Coalition for an Airline Passengers’ Bill of Rights - The Coalition for an Airline Passengers’ Bill of Rights continues to pressure Congress to cut the rhetoric and take real action to protect passengers’ rights. A true Passengers’ Bill of Rights could become a reality someday. But Congress cutting the rhetoric? Well, we can dream can’t we?
• Online Travel Review: British Airways Loses Cricket Trophy - Even if you don’t know a wicket from a yorker, you’ll appreciate this story of lost luggage.
• The Airline Hub: Northwest and Southwest Offer PayPal Options - Southwest joins Northwest in providing PayPal option for purchasing tickets. PayPal reports to have appx. 100 million accounts worldwide, but can they have a real impact on the airline industry?
• The Consumerist: Air Traffic Control Blames Errors on Pilots - Are air traffic control mistakes being covered up to make airlines look better on government safety reports?
• Travel Rants: Ryanair Offering Free Flights - Ryanair offers free flights to certain European destinations. Learn what free really means and get tips for flying the discount airline.
• Forbes: World’s Longest Passenger Flights - Forbes offers insight into the longest of the long haul commercial flights. Is 19 hours of Sudoku really enough?
• Seattle PI: Boeing’s Parade of 7-Series Jets - In order to celebrate the rollout of their new 787, Boeing staged a parade of almost all of their 7-series aircraft. Check out the photos. You can also read more on Southwest’s blog.

I get the chance to browse through dozens of stories each day based on emails and some of my favorite news sources and blogs, so I figured it might be interesting to share a few of the ones I found interesting, useful, humorous and many times bizarre that took place in the travel world today:

• The Consumerist: Airport Scales are Often Inaccurate - The airlines may be overcharging you for your baggage. Find out if you’re getting ripped off.
• Key TV: Woman Charged with Assault after ABIA Incident - A 72-year old woman verbally abuses airline staff and physically assaults an officer. Yep. She’s 72.
• The Cranky Flier: Trip Report: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly - Get an insider’s view on the aggravation of delays, overcrowding, and bum TVs.
• Airline Biz: T+L’s ranks best domestic airlines - Check out Travel and Leisure’s rankings for domestic carriers.
• Gadling: Play Airport Screener Online - Step into the shoes of an airport screener. Come on. You know you want to use that wand.
• BootsnAll: Nepal Adventure Trek Trip - Need a change of scenery? Join the folks at BootsnAll on a hike through the Himalayas.
• The Airline Blog: Ryanair to sue EU - European discount carrier, Ryanair, is set to sue the EU.
• Blogging Stocks: Airport back-ups - A look into the growing anger of passengers, falling revenue of airlines, and the dysfunctional parking lot that is JFK.