Travel & travel technology news.

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Regulators may lift ban on using cell phones in flight. Some airlines and phone companies hope regulators will eventually permit in-flight cell phone calls. The Federal Aviation Administration now bans the use of mobile phones in flight. Critics of lifting the ban say using phones in-flight would diminish the comfort of other travelers. May 24, 2006

Airlines, GDS firms keep new contract details private. Three large carriers recently signed agreements with global distribution systems. The carriers and GDS firms have not revealed the agreements' details, so it is unclear which travel agencies and corporations get what inventory. May 23, 2006

Online sales projected to jump 20%. Online sales are expected to climb 20% this year to $211 billion, according to a recent study. Travel is expected to lead the way with more than $70 billion in sales. May 23, 2006

AC BidCo

In-flight broadband auction nears close. A small Colorado firm was the apparent winner in an auction of national airwaves that could lead to less expensive in-flight broadband. AC BidCo is the last contender remaining for the larger of the two bands for sale. May 26, 2006

Amadeus

Amadeus said that travel agencies connected to the GDS now have access to all Copa Airlines fares, including Web fares. May 25, 2006

Farelogix

Farelogix signed a distribution agreement to provide a direct connection to American Airlines content via the Farelogix FLX Platform. As part of the agreement, American also will be implementing the Farelogix Distribution Manager. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. May 25, 2006

Galileo International

Galileo International is offering comprehensive hotel accommodation during the Germany 2006 World Cup using sister company Gullivers Travel Associates. GTA has secured rooms in all cities where matches are being played, allowing fans to book via their Galileo-equipped travel agency. As well as host cities, agents also have access to a large number of rooms in nearby centers close to stadiums where the teams are playing. May 26, 2006

Sabre Airline Solutions 

Sabre Airline Solutions said Ariana Afghan Airlines chose the SabreSonic Passenger Solutions for its reservations, e-ticketing and Web bookings. May 26, 2006

Sabre Airline Solutions

Sabre Airline Solutions and Penauille Servisair signed an agreement under which the ground handling company will implement the Sabre Streamline Resource Management Suite. It initially will cover passenger and ramp handling services throughout Penauille Servisair's network. May 22, 2006

SkyWest Airlines

SkyWest renewed its multiyear deal with ARINC for data link services, including GlobaLink/VHF service enhanced with high-capacity VDL Mode2 protocol. May 23, 2006