AirTran to cut 1 Charleston flight

With fuel costs eating through its operating expenses, AirTran Airways will offer one flight fewer from Charleston International Airport beginning Sept. 4.

The airline axed its fourth flight last year, too, for its lighter winter schedule, but the 2007 change happened around Christmas time. AirTran spokeswoman Cynthia Tinsley-Douglas called the cutback a seasonal procedure that the airline pushed ahead because of fuel prices.

In its second-quarter financial report released last week, AirTran's parent company disclosed a net loss of $13.5 million, despite record travelers and revenue growth. AirTran reported a $42.1 million profit for the same period last year, but fuel accounted for nearly 83 percent more of the company's operating expenses compared with the second quarter of 2007.

A few months ago CEO Robert Fornaro emphasized AirTran's commitment to Charleston at the annual meeting of shareholders held here. Since AirTran launched locally in May 2007, Charleston International has seen 20 percent more passenger traffic and also the nation's fastest drop in ticket prices.

Meanwhile, extra luggage will cost you double on Delta Air Lines.

Taking a second bag on flights within the United States, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico previously cost $25, but for flights booked on or after July 31, that'll be $50, please.

Dream boat

You know that old saying about something being too good to be true?

A postcard offering a free cruise arriving at local homes might bear the Carnival Cruise Lines logo and a photo of the signature "whale tail" smokestack, but don't ignore the fine print:

"This promotion is in no way affiliated with the cruise lines listed," it reads.

One local woman's postcard listed a first-class cruise itinerary with stops in Key West, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. But according to Carnival, the cruise line doesn't offer that itinerary, and doesn't separate passengers by class.

Holly Burgess, a marketing representative who answered the phone at the toll-free number listed on the postcard, said the promotion was through World Vacations, a new travel agency in Myrtle Beach and Spartanburg. Anyone who watches a one-hour to 90-minute slide show about travel will receive a free cruise with Carnival or Royal Caribbean, she said.

Just don't expect first-class travel to Key West, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

Adding on

While some hoteliers are hurting this season, the Holiday Inn Express at 1943 Savannah Highway hopes to add more rooms, "because business has been so good to us," said Terrill Carter, vice president of the inn's owner, Charlestowne Hotels.

Just months ago the property was the scene of a murder-suicide when a Rock Hill woman shot her husband before turning the gun on herself in one of the hotel's rooms.

But now the Holiday Inn hopes to begin a two-year project to add 51 rooms and revamp the lobby, Carter said. Representatives will appear at a city zoning meeting tomorrow.

Carter said Charlestowne Hotels also plans to build a new Holiday Inn Express in Mount Pleasant off U.S. Highway 17 and Wingo Way. Construction will begin on that location in October.

Looking ahead, Carter said, he hopes each of Charlestowne Hotels' 17 properties will be certified as meeting the highest environmental standards set by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system.

Reach Allyson Bird at 937-5594 or abird@postandcourier.com.