American Scene

GEORGIA

Continental Airlines to charge for food

ATLANTA | Continental Airlines, which used to boast about giving away free hamburgers and barbecue while rivals passed out tiny bags of pretzels, is changing its tune on food.

Continental plans to launch a food-for-sale program that would mirror what other carriers already are doing.

A spokesman said Monday that the airline, based in Houston, expects a $35 million annual benefit from cost savings and added revenue.

Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, US Airways and United Airlines are among carriers that already charge for food on flights.

Continental passengers on some international routes and on domestic flights longer than six hours and those who sit in first or business class on routes worldwide will continue to get free food. Snacks such as pretzels and nonalcoholic drinks will still be free for all.

MINNESOTA

Pilots who missed airport, FAA reach deal

MINNEAPOLIS | Two Northwest Airlines pilots who overshot the Minneapolis airport have agreed not to fight the revocations of their licenses but could fly again.

Under a settlement released by the Federal Aviation Administration Monday, Timothy Cheney and Richard Cole can apply for new licenses Aug. 29. That’s more than 10 months after they flew an Airbus A320 with 144 passengers about 100 miles past their destination before discovering their mistake.

The pilots told investigators they became distracted as they were working on their laptop computers on a complicated crew scheduling program.

Air Line Pilots Association spokeswoman Linda Shotwell said the union and pilots declined to comment.

NEW JERSEY

Dentist admits to dumping waste

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