Eight of America’s pet-friendly airlines today announced the launch of a new travelprogram that will put an end to the ongoing problem of travelers andtheir pets being bumped from flights because the pet carrier does notmeet the airline requirements.

Theairlines — American Airlines, Midwest Airlines, Continental, Delta,Northwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines — havepartnered with The Sherpa Pet Group, the originators of the in-cabinpet carrier bag to launch the Guaranteed On-Board (GOB) Program, a petcarrier insurance program that will guarantee members fullreimbursement of the cost of their air ticket and their pet’s travel expenses if they are ever refused permission to fly.

Two of the airines participating in the program, American Airlines and Delta,have gone as far to put their logo on pre-approved bags to ensure thatcustomers loyal to those airlines will never encounter a problem.  Inaddition, American Airlines has designed it’s own bags to meet itsspecifications to ensure that they fit properly under their seats.

These are the in-cabin carrier sizes approved for the GOB Program:

- Small – 16 in long x 10in wide x 8.5in in height – suitable for pets up to 8 lbs
- Medium – 18in long x 11in wide x 10.5in in height suitable for pets up to 16 lbs
- Large – 20in long x 11.75in W x 11.5in in height suitable for pets up to 22 lbs

Here's some more travel news you can use:

*  In an effort to make your air travel experience more comfortable, the Associated Press has published "8 Essential Tips for Your Next Flight".  (Note: Tracking the price of your flight could make you more comfortable financially, but that tip is not listed within this article.)

*  Travel writer, Christopher Elliott, outlines 5 strategies for avoiding a hotel billing error. Believe it or not, your hotel could confuse you with another guest who happens to share the same name.  Just ask Dave Howell.

*  Hilton Hotels announced today that it's changing its name to Hilton Worldwide. Thenews follows the hotel operator's recent relocation to McLean, Va.,from Beverly Hills, Calif. The company said the name change betterreflects its global reach.  Hilton'sportfolio of 10 brands includes more than 3,300 hotels in 77 countries.The company will open more than 300 hotels this year.

*  Smashburger is looking to expand into seven U.S. airports by next year – including Dallas-Ft.Worth (DFW), Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Washington Ronald Regan National (DCA).  Can't say I've ever had a Smashburger, but I have family in Minnesota and I hear good things.