London-bound passengers from New York's JFK and Newark could see see fares shoot up, now that the discount carrier Virgin Atlantic is going steady with Delta. (Getty Images) What does Delta Air Lines' 49 percent acquisition of Virgin Atlantic Airways, Ltd. mean to the consumer? Nothing good, I'm afraid. It further concentrates pricing coordination among the few airlines that fly from the United States to London Heathrow. Although the alliance is put forth as offering super customer benefits, the real...

Proof of Noah's Biblical Flood Under the Black Sea (Getty Images) He's the man who found the Titanic in its deep underwater grave. Now, famed ocean archeologist Robert Ballard believes he's uncovered evidence that the story of Noah's Ark and the biblical flood were based on real events. It all starts with a controversial theory that the Black Sea was once a freshwater lake surrounded by land, until it was flooded by a massive amount of water from the Mediterranean...

The new Google Maps application is demonstrated in New York on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012. The world's most popular online mapping system returned late Wednesday with the release of the Google Maps iPhone app. (AP Photo/Karly Domb Sadof) Apple gave millions of iPhone iOS 6 users an early Christmas present: Google Maps are back. The trouble started in the fall, when Apple chucked the popular Google Maps and replaced it with its own mapping program. The complaints began immediately. The...

(Getty Images) Hailing a cab is about to get a lot easier in New York City. Starting February 15, you can use a smartphone app to "e-hail" yellow cabs. It's part of a one-year test program supported by the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). E-hailing cabs is already working in London, and the TLC commissioner says they can't avoid technology that could potentially benefit customers. While proponents say it'll be easier for you to get a cab...

(Getty Images) As civilian space travel becomes a reality, doctors worry that not everyone who can pay for a ticket is healthy enough to head to the final frontier. Since governments have been sending crews to space for years, the possible physical impacts of space travel are well-known. The human body responds differently to gravity in space, which translates into "motion sickness, nausea, sinus congestion or dizziness," S. Marlene Grenon, a vascular surgeon at the University of California,tells NPR. The...

Southwest says it can reduce no-shows and generate more revenue by adding the cancellation fee on restricted tickets. (Getty Images) DALLAS — Southwest Airlines doesn't charge customers to change their flight plans after buying a ticket. But soon they'll pay a fee for not canceling a ticket before the flight. The airline outlined the new policy Friday at an investors' conference in New York. Right now, Southwest lets passengers who don't use their ticket apply the price toward a new...

Stay Comfortable and Rested During Your Flight with These Tips Airplane flight is often the quickest way to get to a destination, although it may not always be the most comfortable. Flying high in the sky at an altitude of 30,000 feet with a plane full of passengers can be quite an experience! Try these tips for staying comfortable and rested during your flight, whether your destination is a couple of hours away or halfway around the world. What to...

There are secrets to getting off a plane looking paparazzi-ready and feeling able to tackle your meetings -- or your "vacation" at the in-laws'. And these tips don't involve paying for first-class tickets (but if they're giving them out, don't pass 'em up!). Here's how to arrive feeling fresh and healthy: Carry a bottle. Don't depend on overtaxed flight attendants and those mini bottles of water to get you the moisture you need to counter dry cabin air. Tuck an...

The holidays are everyone's favorite time to travel. While this can make the experience more harrowing, some simple planning can make your holiday journey more enjoyable: It is easier to get travel and accommodation reservations if you book early. With some airlines and hotels, early booking may even qualify you for a discount.Plan to arrive at the airport or station at least two hours early. The holiday season means everyone is traveling, which means traffic jams and long lines; giving...

Renting a car can enhance the flexibility of any trip, whether it's business or leisure. Here are a few suggestions to help you avoid the frustration and wasted time that sometimes accompanies the process of renting a car. Always ask for the total price of renting a car at the time of reservation. Rental agents usually quote the basic rate when asked. Keep in mind the basic price does not include tax, insurance, gas and other surcharges. Get the total...

From easy-to-use hotel booking tools to smart ways to share and edit your photos, these are the best travel websites and apps out there. (mTrip) Appeared as "Top Travel Apps and Websites" in T+L Magazine As anyone who’s ever tried to wade through page after page of listings in the travel section of Apple’s App Store can attest, the digital landscape for travelers is both excitingly and bewilderingly expansive. In less than 17 years, we’ve gone from being able to...

(Compassionate Eye | Digital Vision | Getty Images) Traveling Internationally? Avoid These Gaffes When Mark Zuckerberg failed to tip for a meal or two in Rome on his honeymoon, it set the media abuzz. Although tipping is not required or expected in Italy, Americans are known to tip. Furthermore, Zuckerberg is known to be worth quite a bit of money, although not as much as he was a few weeks ago.Did Zuckerberg goof by not tipping? That’s hard to say,...