Travel Roundup: Air France Investigators Probe Airbus A330, Online Agencies Waive Fees Forever, New Border IDs Needed Today and More

Lost Air France Flight 447 causes experts to probe Airbus A330 — Although turbulence during an equatorial storm could have caused Air France Flight 447 to be lost, other causes are still being investigated. Industry investigators are looking into the aircraft, an Airbus A330-200, for any possible clues. Some pilots already dislike the plane’s reliance on computers, citing an example last year when a Qantas A330 dropped 600 feet as the automatic pilot disconnected itself. [Source: The Times (U.K.)]

Online travel agencies waive fees — forever — Online travel agencies are getting rid of booking fees, as each Internet company tries to compete for tourism dollars. Orbitz Worldwide said Monday that it permanently removed airline booking fees on domestic and international flights. Travelocity also said Monday it would continue to waive flight booking fees. The two join Expedia Inc. who began the began the no-booking fee frenzy last week. Although starting as promotions, the waived fees are now becoming industry standard, but some analysts say the waived fees can’t continue. [Source: Reuters]

New ID rules at borders begin today — The new identification rules on U.S. border crossings in Mexico and Canada didn’t seem to disrupt business or travel Monday, so either many stayed home or heeded warnings by government officials of the new rules. The new security rules for both land and sea border crossings, including cruise ship ports of call, require U.S. citizens to show a passport, passport card or enhanced driver’s license to pass through checkpoints.  [Source: Associated Press]

Southwest Airlines unveils new marketing campaign — Southwest Airlines unveiled its new marketing campaign with its new tagline of, “Grab Your Bag. It’s On.”  The campaign, created by GSD&M in Austin, Texas, is supposed to reflect a more sober and economically challenging time for consumers. Previously, advertisements focused on Southwest’s lack of fees by poking fun at other airlines that relied on them. Now, however, Southwest is launching new fees for pets and unaccompanied minors. [Source: Associated Press]