<FONT SIZE="+3"><B>Inside Track</B>
<B>Continental to Buy USAir Shuttle?</B>
A top airline executive said Continental is close to nabbing the USAir Shuttle, which was recently freed of a management contract with USAir. However, the Shuttle, owned by a consortium of banks, is USAir's to buy first if it wants, and top industry sources said that USAir will do anything to hang on to it.
<B>A Proposal For Unused E-Tix</B>
Some travel managers are throwing around a concept called "bill-at-use," in which companies would not be charged for air travel until the travelers actually board the plane-similar to the way hotel reservations work. Corporations would be assessed a penalty for unused reservations, but such a program would alleviate concerns about unused tickets, particularly electronic ones (<I>BTN</I>, Oct. 28). Some are suggesting that travel managers trade their acceptance of e-ticketing for this service, but one airline queried about the idea said it's unworkable because of the risk of unused inventory. No such programs are now known to be in place.
<B>Alliance To Fly Over First Obstacle</B>
As U.S.-U.K. aviation talks get under way again this week, U.K. reports indicate that the American Airlines-British Airways alliance's first regulatory hurdle-the U.K. Department of Trade and Industry-could be jumped early this month, as DTI chief Ian Lang is expected to approve the alliance with some conditions. However, DTI is not the only, nor the highest, hurdle the alliance will have to clear.
<B>IATA Assessing Fuel Surcharge</B>
The International Air Transport Association will hold an emergency meeting on Nov. 13 to address the issue of rising fuel costs. Airlines in Europe and Canada have added surcharges to airfares to cover the expenses, which are at a six-year high, and domestic carriers are considering doing the same if the market will bear it.
<B>Ritz Bit</B>
On the brink of a growth spurt, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co. plans to double its portfolio to 60 hotels within five years. "We haven't hit our stride yet," said new vice president of sales and marketing Jim Schultenover. "We have to become a more global organization." Backed by Marriott's development team, the luxury chain will debut properties in Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Osaka and San Juan by next year.
<B>Accountants Test-Pilot Online Bookings</B>
Coopers & Lybrand, the New York-based Big Six accounting firm, this month will begin beta testing United's online booking system, United Corporate Connection. The hardware has been installed, and travel management director Jim Lennon said the company was firming up the list of 50 beta testers in three cities last week. Following a successful deal in which Coopers & Lybrand delivered market shares of 80 to 85 percent to preferred carriers United and Virgin Atlantic on its $2 million-volume London-U.S. route, the firm seems to be tightening up compliance in general.
<B>Investors' Incentives</B>
Making it easier than ever to rack up points redeemable for airline tickets, hotels, car rentals or merchandise, American Express Financial Direct is launching Investment Rewards, a frequent user program for its investors. Customers will earn one point for every $10 invested through Financial Direct, which offers mutual funds, money market accounts, brokerage services and an online investing service. Points are redeemable on Continental Airlines, Hilton Hotels, ITT Sheraton, Hertz, The Golf Academy at Hilton Head Island, Sea Pines, and The Sharper Image.