Travel News Roundup, September 2, 2008

Gustav Hurts Airlines’ Labor Day Business Transport Crisis in Thailand During Protests Rape Victim Lobbies For Cruise Ship Safety Law US Airways: Abandoning Passengers ‘Is Not a Compensation Issue’ China Planning ‘World’s Fastest Train’ from Beijing to Shanghai GUSTAV HURTS AIRLINES’ LABOR DAY BUSINESS - USA Today Though Hurricane Gustav turned out not to be as bad as predicted, it caused the cancellation of more than 135 flights into and out of the Gulf coast, dealing a significant blow to air carriers’ bottom lines. AirTran, Continental, Delta, and Southwest airlines all canceled flights headed to and from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama airports, and either issued refunds or rescheduled passengers on other flights. Many waived the customary change fees. The cancellations will hit the industry hard, as many airlines are already struggling financially and the Labor Day weekend is a time when flights are norm...