Consolidating at LAX

American Airlines is the largest carrier at Los Angeles International Airport, and it wants to put a stranglehold on that position. The airline took steps to secure that post last week by moving its operations closer to its merger partner, US Airways. The two carriers previously operated out of Terminals 3 and 4, which are on opposite sides of the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

Airports invest in more tech

If you're a tech-savvy traveler, the future looks bright for you. Some of the biggest airports in the world are planning to invest heavily in technology that will let you check in with a mobile device or on an electronic kiosk and board your plane without checking in with a gate agent, according to a new survey of airlines and airports.

Los Angeles Times

Hotel check-in

Pricey but up close for Macy's Parade

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a New York City tradition since the 1920s and attracts 3.5 million spectators to the city. Guests at several hotels along the route — on Central Park West and South and Avenue of the Americas — will get some particularly good views of this year's event. The Quin hotel, on 57th Street and Avenue of the Americas, has a package that includes a parade-view room and VIP access for two to the balloon-inflating festivities the night before. Prices from $1,249 a night with a three-night minimum. The Mandarin Oriental New York, at Columbus Circle, has an I Love a Parade deal in which the hotel's ballroom, which overlooks the action, will be open and set up with activities like a photo booth and cookie decorating. Prices from $1,125 a night with a two-night minimum. Nonguests can also watch from the lobby lounge if they buy the hotel's buffet breakfast ($68 for adults and $48 for children).

New York Times

Deal of the week

East Coast cruises on special

Blount Small Ship Adventures is offering 20 percent discounts on cruises between Alexandria, Va., and New York or Boston. The eight-night Big Apple to the U.S. Capitol cruise on the Grande Caribe or Grand Mariner now starts at $2,399 per person double (plus $185 port charges), a savings of $600. Depart New York on May 22 or June 2; the reverse itinerary departs on June 1. The 11-night D.C. to Boston cruise, which sails from Alexandria on June 11, now starts at $3,199 (plus $250 port charges), a savings of $800. Book by Dec. 31 at 1-888-618-4770. For more information: www.blount smallshipadventures.com.

** PHOTO MOVED IN ADVANCE AND NOT FOR USE - ONLINE OR IN PRINT - BEFORE NOV. 16, 2014.** FILE — A Hello Kitty float passes near Columbus Circle during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, in New York, Nov. 28, 2013. A stay in one of the hotels along the parade route offers an extraordinary view of the floats, but the rooms don’t come cheap. (Hiroko Masuike/The New York Times)

Washington Post

On the web

App walks you back to the hotel

Nobody to walk you back to your hotel or car after dark? This personal safety app may offer some peace of mind. IWitness, available for iOS and Android, connects to emergency services and records your whereabouts. It is set up to work in 146 countries. International users can select the region, and the app automatically localizes to the emergency equivalent of 911. Arm the iWitness app, and at the touch of a button or the screen, or by shaking the phone, you can call 911. The app also enables you to record a video of your predicament (for five minutes). It costs $2.99 per month, $29.99 per year. Be careful with the 911 feature if you're testing the app. Once it's armed, all it takes is a touch of the screen. Los Angeles Times