Good thing that Heathrow’s airport security was paying attention.

‘Drunk’ United Airlines pilot arrested at London airport

LONDON – A United Airlines pilot was arrested at London’s Heathrow Airport on suspicion of being over the legal alcohol limit, police confirmed on Monday.
The airline said the pilot, 44, was removed from service, adding that it would co-operate with police inquiries and was conducting its own investigation of the incident.

Here is a great opportunity to see Paris though the eyes of locals.

Smiling Parisians show you their city, for free

The city of light has an unfortunate blight: the locals’ reputation for rudeness. That’s why a group of friendly Parisians have banded together to show complete strangers around their Paris, the one not found in travel books — for free. And forget stereotypes of the francais-only French. The Paris Greeters are happy to speak English, or nine other languages of your choosing. These local volunteers are not certified tour guides, but regular folks eager to show off delicacies at their favorite boulangerie, or point out a tranquil park perfect for watching autumn shades fill in the famous skyline.

Here is a good opportunity to save money if you travel by train in the US.

Amtrak offers discount pass to U.S. residents

Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass is now available for purchase in the U.S. Until recently, the pass could only be bought by travelers who lived outside the country. The passes are available for 15, 30 and 45 days of travel. The 15-day pass offers eight segments of travel for $389. The 30-day pass offers 12 segments of travel for $579. The 45-day pass offers 18 segments of travel for $749.

Since this week’s Amateur Traveler will be on Zimbabwe, I found this story interesting. We will be talking about what happened in Zimbabwe.

Iceland for sale on eBay

LONDON (Reuters) - Great scenery and wildlife but financial situation in need of repair - collect in person. Iceland, which is going cap in hand to Russia for a 4 billion euro loan to bail out its failed banks, was offered for sale as a wholesale lot on eBay on Friday. Bidding started at 99 pence but had reached 10 million pounds by mid-morning on Friday.

Zimbabwe tourism fair ends in a “not-so-little” way

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe (eTN) – Hundreds of Zimbabweans joined international travel buyers, sellers and journalists to commemorate the end of this year’s edition of the Sanganai World Travel and Tourism Africa Fair, Zimbabwe’s travel and tourism world exhibition.
Billed as “Africa Tourism Night,” the event was held at the main arena of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds and showcased both local and international talents.

Related items

• Travel News Roundup - September 4, 2008
• Travel News - August 27, 2008
• Travel News Festival - September 10, 2008
• Heathrow Headaches
• Travel News Controversy - Don’t Go There, Suicide Tourism, Sue The Airline, Unqualified Pilot, Refrigerated Beach