[Travelandtourism] FYI!

[Don Gillmore]

Spirit Airlines' backlash grows. Hugo Martin, Tribune Newspapers. Ever since Spirit Airlines Inc. announced that it would add a fee of up to $45 per carry-on bag, the airline's chief executive, Ben Baldanza, has been trying to quell the resulting outrage. But seven U.S. senators have fought back by supporting legislation to tax all airline revenue collected from such charges. Baldanza said the senators and most of the media are looking at the fees the wrong way. He noted that passengers can bring a carry-on bag for free as long as it fits under the seat. Anything bigger will cost $45, reduced to $30 if paid online. The fee takes effect Aug. 1. Antiterror cell phones  The Department of Homeland Security is teaming up with high-tech firms to develop a cell phone that could thwart terrorist attacks. The department's science and technology arm is spearheading a plan to give phones the ability to sniff out dangerous chemicals. If successful, the phones could help detect chemical attacks at airports and train stations, the agency said. As they are envisioned, the phones would sound an alarm if they sensed a noxious gas such as chlorine. But if the phone detected something more deadly, such as sarin gas, it could send a message directly to authorities, pinpointing the location of the gas . Pilot depression  Pilots who take antidepressants used to be banned from flying planes. But Federal Aviation Administration rules that took effect last month allow pilots to fly if they have been satisfactorily treated with selected drugs for at least 12 months. FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt announced the new policy, saying, "We need to change the culture and remove the stigma associated with depression. The agency had established the ban for fear the drugs would make pilots drowsy. Some studies say 10 percent of all adults in the U.S. take antidepressants..