The Department of Transportation fined Delta Air Lines $2 million for violating federal rules on passengers with disabilities, the agency said on Thursday.Ski resorts " they(TM)re not just for skiers (and snowboarders) anymore. Instead, they(TM)re also attracting people who want to ride ski bikes and snowcats, try curling or ice climbing or hit the zipline or sliding center.

Full storyThe DOT said it had found many violations of the requirements, in 2007 and 2008, to provide assistance to passengers while getting on and off airplanes.The government also found Delta frequently did not respond adequately to disability complaints from passengers.Most of the fine can be used by the airline to improve its service for travelers with disabilities, especially those in wheelchairs. [Read the full article]

The Senate on Thursday approved a two-year, $35 billion blueprint for funding air traffic control services and the next steps for modernizing that system.Ski resorts " they(TM)re not just for skiers (and snowboarders) anymore. Instead, they(TM)re also attracting people who want to ride ski bikes and snowcats, try curling or ice climbing or hit the zipline or sliding center. Full storyLawmakers approved the Federal Aviation Administration bill 87 to eight, throwing the issue over to the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, which is working on its own measure.Senate Democrats brought up the bill, which had bipartisan support and mirrored legislation approved last year, partly as a way to try and bridge a widening partisan divide in Congress. [Read the full article]

The U.S. government has issued a travel alert for India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, advising citizens to retain a high level of vigilance during the coming cricket World Cup.Ski resorts " they(TM)re not just for skiers (and snowboarders) anymore. Instead, they(TM)re also attracting people who want to ride ski bikes and snowcats, try curling or ice climbing or hit the zipline or sliding center. Full storyThe State Department said in statement Thursday it has no specific information of a threat against the event, which runs from Feb. 19 to April 2, but says "large, high-profile events of this nature can be targets for terrorist attacks."It advises U.S. citizens to "maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take appropriate steps to bolster their personal security."Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. [Read the full article]

Flying is rarely seamless. Hoping to hit the Pick Four of a low fare, uninterrupted trip, great service and unscathed luggage is wishful thinking.Ski resorts " they(TM)re not just for skiers (and snowboarders) anymore. Instead, they(TM)re also attracting people who want to ride ski bikes and snowcats, try curling or ice climbing or hit the zipline or sliding center. Full storyAn examination of the government's performance rankings and catalog of passenger complaints may help travelers determine how close their airline might come.First, the good news. Four of the so-called network carriers " United, Continental, American and US Airways " got more passengers to their destinations on time last year than in 2009. Delta slipped slightly after two years of improvement. All of them also lowered their rate of lost or damaged bags. [Read the full article]