American Airlines´ regional unit said on Tuesday that it has given up trying to charge passengers for soft drinks, the boldest yet in the carrier´s bid to get travelers to pay for perks that used to be free. “We didn´t sell a lot and we also got feedback from our customers saying they´d prefer that juices and sodas be complimentary,” said American Eagle spokesman Dave Jackson.

Chicago Transit Authority union workers voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to authorize a strike against the nation´s second-largest transit system over work rules that affect bus drivers´ routes and salaries. No date was set for a walkout. Jack Bayer, financial secretary for Amalgamated Transit Union Local 241, said union president Darrell Jefferson is scheduled to meet with CTA officials Friday to discuss contract issues.

British people would prefer to wake-up to a view of blue skies, sandy beaches and sunshine according to a new survey. So for the first time, a leading hotel chain can now make it happen, even if their guests are staying in London, Liverpool, Birmingham or Glasgow.

After completing its $12 million refurbishment project, Granada´s Spice Island Beach Resort has redefined its non-smoking policy to include all enclosed and confined areas. Starting April 16 2006, the non-smoking policy will include all 64 elegantly-appointed suites and the following designated areas: Oliver´s Restaurant, Sea & Surf Bar and Lounge, Residents´ Lounge, Reception Lobby, Gatsby Boutique and Janissa´s Spa and Fitness Center.

Lufthansa has won another top award for leadership development with the company honored in Orlando, Florida for its innovative collaboration with external learning partners. The jury of the US market research and consulting firm Corporate University Xchange described Lufthansa´s strategic partnership with universities and business schools as “outstanding”.

An Arizona father whose daughter´s cruise ship disappearance went unreported, a Connecticut couple who had nearly $7,000 worth of jewelry stolen while on a cruise and the son of Vietnamese immigrants who mysteriously disappeared from a Caribbean cruise are among a dozen people scheduled to testify at a congressional hearing on Tuesday. This is the second of two hearings Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Connecticut, is co-sponsoring in Washington to address cruise ship safety. FBI and cruise industry officials testified at the first meeting in December. Passengers and their families will have an opportunity to speak at this hearing.