Big airlines drew less fire in 2002

Passenger complaints against the 10 largest U.S. airlines fell by nearly 43% last year, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported last week.

Overall, Southwest had the fewest complaints per 100,000 passengers, United the most -- five times Southwest’s rate.

The 10 also logged, on average, fewer flight delays, mishandled-baggage complaints and bumped passengers in 2002 versus 2001.

Fewer flights and better weather helped the airlines’ overall performance, said David Smallen, spokesman for the DOT’s statistics bureau.

New Web site offers air fares and more

Mouse-clickers got a new place to book travel when the Internet site www.cheapseats.com made its debut Jan. 28. Launched by OneTravel.com, it claims to have a large bank of international air fares and -- as other Web travel sellers also claim -- to have the lowest prices. Its display is similar to that of the airline-owned travel seller www.orbitz.com. The site also sells hotel rooms, car rentals, cruises and vacation packages.

A fast boat to kayaking off California

A Santa Barbara tour operator has begun offering kayaking trips to the largest cave in Channel Islands National Park.

Adventours Outdoor Excursions uses the Condor Express catamaran. It can make the trip from Santa Barbara to the Painted Cave area on Santa Cruz Island in about 40 minutes, said Joe Coito, Adventours president. The cave is about 65 feet high, from waterline to ceiling, and hundreds of yards deep, he added.

Coito’s half-day trip focuses on Painted Cave. Trips are scheduled once a month if enough people sign up. The next is Feb. 22. It is $195 per person, including kayak rental and guides. (805) 899-2929, www.adventours.com.

U.S. cautions travelers to four countries

The U.S. State Department last week warned against travel to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia and advised caution in Munich, Germany, and Mexico’s Chiapas state.

Regarding Kuwait, it cited recent attacks on Americans. For Saudi Arabia, it cited “the potential for further terrorist actions” in the Mideast. In Munich, it noted that large demonstrations were expected at a security conference through today. In Chiapas, it reported “disturbing incidents” of threats and violence against foreigners. For updates, call (888) 407-4747 or visit www.travel.state.gov.

Mexican resorts cited for poor water quality

Mexico City

Water quality off 16 Mexican beach resorts does not meet federal standards for recreational use, according to a report issued by the Mexican government last week.

Among areas with high pollution levels from garbage, sewage or industrial emissions are Acapulco, Ensenada, Puerto Vallarta and Zihuatanejo, it said. Cancun, which sits on more open waters, was not mentioned in the report. Authorities said the most common health problem from the pollution is gastrointestinal illness among swimmers.

Many resort areas say they cannot make the large investments in infrastructure needed to solve the problem.

-- Associated Press

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