Travel Roundup: Delta Cuts Flights, Houston's Family Lanes, Aloft in China and More

Delta reduces flights by 12 percent in Cincinnati — Delta Air Lines will drop about 27 daily flights in Cincinnati, or about 12 percent, in 2009, but a spokeswoman said the airline remains committed to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Spokeswoman Susan Elliott said the airline has no intention of leaving the airport or surrendering it as a hub. [Source: Business Courier]

Houston to offer “family lanes” in airport — Yet another pilot program, this time at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, tests security “family lanes,” or lanes designated for families with a jumble of baby formula, baby strollers, medicine and the like, which may roll out nationwide. The new program lets families move slowly through lanes, while designating other lanes for “casual” and “expert” travelers, meaning infrequent or frequent travelers.[Source: Houston Chronicle]

 Starwood launches Aloft Beijing – Starwood Hotel & Resorts Worldwide announced the opening of its  186-room, Aloft Beijing, Haidian, the first of the Aloftbrand opened outside North America. Aloft Beijing, Haidian is  located in the Zhongguancun Science Park and surrounded by high-tech businesses, research centers and leading universities. The new hotel is owned by the Yong Tai Real Estate Group (Beijing) Co. [Source: Starwood Hotel & Resorts]

Bag fees rise at AirTran — Not to be outdone by Delta Air Lines, Orlando-based AirTran Airways announced it will begin charging $15 for the first checked bag starting Dec. 5. Those who booked before Nov. 11 will not be charged. The airline already charges $25 for a second-checked bag and $50 for each additional checked bag. Business-class travelers and other “elite” flyers are exempt from the first two checked bag fees. “We need all the revenue we can get,” said AirTran spokesman Tad Hutcheson. “It has been a challenging year for the airline business.” [Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution]