More delays, fewer complaints

Flight delays are increasing on major U.S. airlines, but fewer travelers are complaining. The Department of Transportation said 68.9 percent of domestic flights arrived within 14 minutes of schedule in December, compared with 76.6 percent a year earlier. Associated Press

Cost to airlines of a checked bag: $2

When airlines began charging for checked bags in 2008, they blamed the high cost of jet fuel for the move. But how much does it actually cost an airline in jet fuel to transport your suitcase? About $2 and maybe less, a Detroit Free Press analysis shows. That means the airline is charging you more than 12 times its cost when it makes you pay a $25 baggage fee. The Free Press extrapolated the cost from information in a recent American Airlines news release.

Detroit Free Press

Travel trend

Airlines take green steps

The next time you get a drink on a United Airlines flight, you may notice a new cup in your hand. In an effort to become more eco-friendly, United is replacing its foam cups with recyclable plastic cups. United is not the only airline thinking about air travel's environmental effect. Southwest Airlines has converted diesel-burning ramps, belt-loaders and other equipment to electric power and installed plane seats and interiors made with recyclable material. Delta Air Lines recycles some of its waste and donates money generated to Habitat for Humanity, the homebuilding nonprofit. American Airlines has replaced heavy flight manuals and maps with electronic tablets to reduce the weight of its planes. Airline travel is responsible for about 2 percent of the planet's carbon emissions, or about 250 million tons of carbon dioxide each year. That tonnage is expected to grow with the demand for travel rising over the next decade, according to several studies.Los Angeles Times

Deal of the week

Last year, U.S. airlines made $2.5 billion in baggage fees in the first three quarters.

Camp in at Chicago Hiltons

Three downtown Chicago Hilton properties have created Chillcation packages that make it easier to embrace the wonders of winter. Through April 20, expect reduced or free parking, restaurant deals, complimentary in-room Wi-Fi as well as access to hotel fitness clubs and pools. You'll stay toasty thanks to Chillcation mugs with endless refills of coffee or hot chocolate. Hilton's Palmer House offers a Camp-In option that enables youngsters to snooze inside a tent placed over a queen-size bed. Sleeping bags, flashlights, a knapsack full of games and fireside treats complete the picture. More info: www.chillcation.com.McClatchy News service

On the web

App helps you track flights

The Flight+ app, available for iPhone and iPad for $3.99, shares real-time updates for every flight in every airport in the world. It also includes relevant data such as airlines, airports and airplanes. You can look up a flight without its number and get instant information about its arrival/departure and gate/terminal status, and you can also set alerts for real-time flight information. Track the flight's progress on a map or send updates to your phone, e-mail inbox and more. There's a lot of airline, airport and seat-map info at your fingertips, but it's the flight board and advanced notice of delays and changes that makes this a valuable app.Chicago Tribune