DOT doubles compensation available for bumped fliers

Starting in May 2008, new DOT rules affecting air travel take effect. A summary of the changes includes:

• Travelers forced onto another flight that takes them to their domestic destination more than two hours after their original arrival time will be paid the full price of their fare up to $800.
• If bumped passengers arrive less than two hours after their original arrival time, the new compensation limit for domestic flights is $400, according to the new rule.
  
• The arrival time limit is four hours for international flights.

The new bumped fliers rule also applies to more planes, covering most aircraft that carry more than 30 passengers instead of 60.

The agency also announced several initiatives Wednesday intended to decrease air travel delays, including a plan to reroute planes through Canadian air space to avoid summer storms.

More Travel Tips discussions.

Safe travels!

-Tom

Travel Tips: Northwest and Delta Airlines Merger

The jury is still out on the benefits of the Northwest and Delta merger. It may bode well for the two airlines and it may just as likely bode ill for employees (namely, job cuts) and consumers (namely, higher fares industry-wide) . Many stories are appearing discussing the pros and cons. See more below. In any case, be sure you understand what will happen to your miles, privileges and the like.

From NPR

From The Enquirer of Cincinnati

From SmartMoney

Best Tartines in Paris and Other Culinary Travel Delights

The Best Tartines in Paris ~ Bon Appétit Editor's Blog at Epicurious.com

Ever on the lookout for new culinary experiences and gastronomique delights, these tartines, or open-faced sandwiches, are a special treat to enjoy the next time you travel to Paris, France.

Here are some other culinary discussions to assist in planning your next culinary travel itinerary!

Chocolate & Zucchini Blog - Clotilde Dusoulier
Chocolate & Zucchini is a blog written by Clotilde Dusoulier, a Parisian woman who lives in Montmartre and shares her passion for all things food-related -- thoughts, recipes, musings, cookbook acquisitions, quirky products, nifty tools, restaurant experiences, ideas, and inspirations.

Ms. Dusoulier's new book, Edible Adventures in Paris, is available on Amazon.com

Living the Sweet Life in Paris - David Lebovitz

David received much of his training at Alice Waters' world-famous restaurant Chez Panisse in Berkeley, California. He spent over twelve years in the pastry department. David was named one of the "Top Five Pastry Chefs in the Bay Area" by the San Francisco Chronicle, and he's received critical acclaim in such publications as Bon Appétit, Chocolatier, Cooking Light, Food and Wine, Gourmet, Condé Nast Traveler, Cook's Illustrated, Newsweek, the New York Times, People, Saveur, Sunset and USA Today. David has appeared on both local and national television programs on PBS, the Discovery Channel and NBC's Today Show.

His culinary education includes learning the art of chocolate at Callebaut College in Belgium and advanced coursework in baking and the art of confectionery at the renowned Ecole Lenôtre in Paris.

David's books can be found on Amazon.com

A Foodie in Paris
Written by a Parisian woman obsessed with good food and hidden treasures in Paris, this is an excellent resource for a French culinary travel planning.

Orangette by Molly Wizenberg
Molly is an award-winning blogger, featuring the food and lore of her travels.