United, US Airways boost ticket change fee to $200

Published April 25, 2013

Associated Press

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Changing an airline ticket is getting more expensive at US Airways and United Airlines.

Last week United quietly boosted the fee to change a ticket in advance to $200, from $150. A spokesman for United Continental Holdings Inc. says the fee helps cover the cost to the airline when a traveler gives up a reserved seat.

On Wednesday US Airways did the same thing. The website for US Airways Group Inc. also shows that the airline now charges up to $300 to change some international tickets.

The airlines also make travelers pay the higher fare if they switch to a more expensive flight.

Fees for changing tickets and for baggage have become a major source of revenue for the biggest U.S. airlines, although Southwest doesn't charge to change a ticket.

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FIFA head: Boost security after Boston blasts

Published April 16, 2013

Associated Press

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti –  A top FIFA official says the international football organization will be stepping up security for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil as a result of the bombings at the Boston Marathon.

FIFA Secretary-General Jerome Valcke said during a visit to Haiti that the security measures will include secret service agents, police officers, military, and Interpol. He also says a perimeter will be set up around stadiums and a satellite will provide surveillance over the country.

Valcke made the remarks Tuesday at a news conference at the headquarters of the Haitian soccer association. He was part of a FIFA delegation led by FIFA President Sepp Blatter.

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Eyeing the postseason, Blue Jackets boost roster on deadline day, add Gaborik, others

Published April 03, 2013

Associated Press

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  In this Feb. 2, 2013, photo, New York Rangers' Marian Gaborik shoots against the Tampa Bay Lightning during an NHL hockey game in Tampa, Fla. The Rangers have traded Gaborik to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the second trade of star players between the teams within the past year. Gaborik was dealt to the Blue Jackets on Wednesday, April 3, 2013, just before the NHL's afternoon trade deadline, for center Derick Brassard, right wing Derek Dorsett and defenseman John Moore. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)The Associated Press

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  In this March 22, 2013, photo, Columbus Blue Jackets' Derick Brassard carries the puck up ice in front of Calgary Flames' Jiri Hudler during an NHL hockey game in Columbus, Ohio. The Blue Jackets traded Brassard, right wing Derek Dorsett and defenseman John Moore to the New York Rangers for forward Marian Gaborik on Wednesday, April 3, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon)The Associated Press

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COLUMBUS, Ohio –  The Blue Jackets have rarely been in a playoff race since they entered the league in 2000.

So, in this season of surprise for Columbus, they surely wanted to take advantage of their position in the Western Conference.

And so they did just that.

Three-time NHL All-Star Marian Gaborik was the marquee player among four deals Wednesday as improved Blue Jackets treated the trade deadline day as an opportunity to gear up for the postseason.

Gaborik and minor league defensemen Steven Delisle and Blake Partlett were acquired from the New York Rangers for center Derick Brassard, right wing Derek Dorsett, defenseman John Moore and a sixth-round pick in the 2014 draft.

Entering play Wednesday night, Columbus was 11th overall in the West, but just one point out of the eighth and final playoff berth. The Blue Jackets have made the postseason just once in their history.

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