Notable Airline, Hotel and Travel News: September 12, 2013

A brief sampling of industry news that caught my attention today:

United Airlines plans to launch nonstop service from Chicago to Edinburgh, Scotland beginning in May 2014. A Boeing 757 will serve the less-than-daily route.
So this is why I couldn’t access Twitter earlier today: United was reportedly selling airfares for $5-$10 on Thursday. Damn… I missed out!
A judge has approved American Airlines’ bankruptcy reorganization plan to merge with US Airways, though the companies must still resolve the lawsuit with the DOJ.
The TSA is planning to adopt a three-tiered system for airport security, with “expedited, standard or enhanced” levels. The new process will match Secure Flight data with information from the FBI’s watch list.
Starwood Hotels opened its Element Vaughan Southwest property near Toronto featuring 152 rooms, HeavenlyÂ® beds and spa-inspired bathrooms with “rain showers.” A pedal-powered ribbon cutting ceremony lit the eco-conscious hotel’s exterior signage.
Element Vaughan Southwest opening (Photo: Business Wire)
Hilton Hotels are going public. Hilton Worldwide Holdings plans to raise $1.25 billion from an IPO of its common stock.
Thirteen flights in July exceeded the three-hour tarmac rule according the the U.S. DOT. Twelve of them occurred at New York’s LaGuardia Airport when a Southwest Airlines jet’s landing gear collapsed.

â€“ Follow Darren Booth on Twitter, @FrequentlyFlyin, for more airline, hotel and travel industry news, reviews and opinions.

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Notable Airline, Hotel and Travel News: September 11, 2013