Dennis Schaal

"Craving for Travel" is geared for a mass audience, and not for people schooled in discussions of segments, surcharges and fare classes. The play undoubtedly fits in well with the messaging of its travel industry sponsors in a light-hearted way, but also celebrates the feats of a now 79-year-old woman entrepreneur, and the behind the scenes challenges that travel agents and travelers at almost every turn.

The new FAA rules on pilot rest could lead to more flight delays and cancellations, but ensuring that pilots in the cockpit aren't nodding off because they are excessively tired is sensible and worth it.

With new, international destinations slated to begin in 2014, Southwest will need this fuel savings and all of the efficiencies it can find.

It was a great year on the stock markets in 2013 for online travel agencies as a whole. Their businesses are increasingly global, and many are benefiting from expansion into developing markets and boosting their hotel products.

Competition in the Chinese online travel market is intense these days, and eLong's transition into the highest tier on Nasdaq is just another signal that the business is maturing.

There's been a lot of press about airports becoming destinations in themselves. But, what about airlines? If Air China's Beijing Duck in first class is as good as the airline promises, and flight attendants can deliver, then the carrier is becoming a way for the passengers up front to experience Chinese culture, as well. Of course, economy passengers will have to settle for rice, noodles and burgers from a bevy of catering companies.

This lawsuit marks the fact that for HomeAway, Airbnb has now crossed a line -- into HomeAway's core resort destination markets. Gone is all the talk about the two companies addressing different markets. The two companies will now play, old-fashioned country hardball.

As a rookie, New York Giants safety only makes around $405,000 per year so he and his girlfriend are looking to pick up a few extra bucks, $9,000 actually, by renting out their rented apartment for Super Bowl week. Quarterback Eli Manning's Hoboken, New Jersey digs aren't on the market for the week, as far as we know.

American Express call center agents were deceiving travelers and others about the benefits of paying off old debt or the bonus points they'd get when enrolling in certain credit card programs. Not surprising for a credit card company, but shameful nonetheless.

Not only did La Quinta file its draft IPO registration statement confidentially with the SEC, the limited service chain issued a press release about it after market hours, a day before Christmas Eve. After the success of the Extended Stay America and Hilton IPOs, Blackstone wants another Christmas present, although Santa wouldn't be arriving this time with another IPO gift until well into 2014.