long time no post

And tonight's is going to be kind of a lame-oh. But at least I'm trying.

Here are four interesting aviation stories that have come out in the past few days:

U.S. Acts to Ease Crunch at New York Airports (NY Times)

The gist: Flight cap during peak hours makes for less delays.

Gulf Remains Between US Airways Pilots (TheStreet.com)

The gist: After more than a year of integrating US Airways and America West Airlines, pilot seniority lists are still not integrated. Pilot unions are also separate.

Smoke in Cockpit Sends Plane Back to LA (AP/NY Times)

The gist: A faulty oven sent smoke into the cockpit, which caused the pilots to immediately declare an emergency and head for the shore.

Airline descends to a new low: a death fee (LA Times)

The gist: Daughters plan vacation in Hawaii with mom. Mom dies. Everyone else offers a hassle fee trip refund ... except for Hawaiian Airlines, who charge them a $75 cancellation fee, per ticket (3 of them). Luckily, American Express steps in and refunds the customers money (and likely demands their own refund from Hawaiian).