The U.S. has 503 airports, each serves at least 2,500 passengers a year.
China has added about 40 airports in the last decade alone, bringing its total to 166. The top eight airports commanded about half of all passenger traffic.
The top three -- Beijing,
Guangzhou and
Shanghai's Pudong -- handled half of all cargo traffic.
Under new federal rules that go into effect in March 2010, airlines must provide adequate food and potable water for passengers within two hours of an aircraft being delayed on the tarmac.
Airlines have to get aircrafts in the air within three hours, or allow the passengers off. The new rules apply to U.S. airlines and domestic flights. The new regulations authorize fines of as much as $27,500 per passenger for violations.
Starting June 1, 2009, adult U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the
Caribbean (17 nations) to have the U.S. Passport Book, U.S. Passport Card, or other document approved by the
Department of Homeland Security. This is the second phase of
the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.
The fee for tourist visa (L Visa) issued to a U.S. citizen, who comes to China for sightseeing or visiting family members or friends or for other personal affairs,
is $130 while the fee for citizens of other countries is $30. And it seems increasingly likely that China does not welcome American people visiting its country.
In 2008, there were 79.3 million people visiting
France, while 58 million and 57.3 million people visited the
United States and
Spain, respectively. The next lines are
China (53 million),
Italy (42.7 million), and
United Kingdom (30.2 million).
AirTran passengers are permitted one carry-on bag and one personal item. The first checked bag costs $15; a second is $25, a third $50.
Alaska Airlines
charges each passenger $15 for the first bag and $25 for a second bag for
bags checked at the airport for travel within the Continental U.S. or between
the Continental U.S. and Alaska. The third bag incurs a $50 fee.
American Airlines charges each passenger $25 for the first bag and $35 for a
second bag for bags checked at the airport for travel within the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It charges $100 per piece for the 3rd, 4th and 5th checked bags and $200 per piece
for the 6th checked bag and any additional pieces.
Continental Airlines charges each passenger $25 for the first bag and $35 for a
second bag for bags checked at the airport for travel within the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Online payments are discounted $2-$3.
Delta Airlines charges each passenger $25 for the first bag and $35 for a
second bag for bags checked at the airport for travel within the U.S. Online payments are discounted $2-$3.
Hawaiian Airlines charges each passenger $25 for the first bag and $35 for a
second bag for bags checked at the airport for travel within the Continental U.S. or between the Continental U.S. and Hawaii. Online payments are discounted $2-$3.
JetBlue passengers are allowed to carry one bag (without charge). The second checked bag requires a $30 fee. The third bag incurs a $50 fee.
Southwest Airlines allows two free checked bags per customer. The 3rd through 9th bags will incur a charge of $50 per piece
Spirit Airlines charges each passenger $25 ($19 online) for the first bag and $25 for a
second bag if space is available for travel within the U.S. Spirit does not guarantee it has space for the second checked bag.
United Airlines charges each passenger $25 for the first bag and $35 for the
second bag for bags checked at the airport for travel within the U.S. Oversize bags (beyond 50 lbs) incur a fee of $175, and overweight bags are assessed $125.
