Travel Roundup: Alaska Questions Branson's Ownership, Delaware North Loses Asilomar, Virgin America's Unfiltered Wi-Fi and More

Alaska Airlines demands inquiry into Virgin America’s U.S. ownership — Alaska Airlines petitioned the U.S. Department of Transportation raising concerns about whether Virgin America was 75-percent-owned by American citizens, a federal rule for domestic carriers. The petition also inquires about the carrier’s ownership by two hedge funds, Black Canyon Air Partners and Cyrus, who control the business. Alaska states the two hedge funds have allowed shares to be sold to Sir Richard Branson’s London-based Virgin Group. [Source: The Guardian (U.K.)]

Delaware North appeals Asilomar’s ARAMARK decision — Delaware North Companies, the concessionaire managing and operating Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds in Pacific Grove, Calif., filed an appeal with the California Department of Parks and Recreation and the state Attorney General’s office protesting Asilomar’s new 20-year contract awarded to ARAMARK Parks & Destinations. The appeal says the state didn’t correctly evaluate Delaware North’s proposal, it improperly disclosed company information and didn’t provide necessary documents. Delaware North, whose contract expired at the end of 2008, hopes to overturn the contract. [Source: Monterey County Herald]

Virgin to allow “naughty” Web sites — Virgin America unveils its first coast-to-coast flight Thursday offering Aircell’s Gogo Inflight Internet and it won’t filter adult-oriented Web sites. Although some airlines, like Delta Air Lines, use a wireless service, they also have a filter to block offensive material. Virgin America will not block the $12.95 a flight Wi-Fi that will appear on the back of individual seats. A Virgin America spokeswoman said the airlines didn’t see a problem with unfiltered Internet content and that she believed most passengers would behave appropriately. [Source: Boston Herald]

Illinois governor cuts state travel — Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn ordered employees to cut both in-state and out-of-state travel expenses and instead concentrate on teleconferencing, all in an attempt to alleviate the state’s $9 billion budget deficit. The cuts will go into effect immediately at all state agencies. [Source: St. Louis Business Journal]