Travel news and observations from around the web . . .

Why a Six-Hour Flight Now Takes Seven
Across the airline industry, carriers have been adding minutes to "block times"—the scheduled durations—baking delays into trips so that late flights officially arrive "on-time" and operations run better because flights pull into gates more often on schedule.  Full story from the Wall Street Journal    

National Trust Names Dozen Distinctive Destinations for 2010
With an emphasis on places that blend a well-preserved past and vibrant street life, this year's list is more than charming towns with gallery-lined streets: St. Louis is singled out for its historic neighborhoods, Huntsville, Ala., for its Southern tradition and famed space museum. For the first time, the National Trust will allow travelers to choose their favorite. Full story from USA Today 

50 Most Popular Destinations for February Holidays
We're going into one of the greatest February vacation periods in awhile as Mardi Gras (Feb. 16) follows Valentine's Day (Feb. 14) and Presidents Day (Feb. 15). New Orleans tops the list as it beat out last year's winner, Las Vegas, which came in second. Full story from Travel Agent Central  

Air marshals say service roiled with cronyism, chaos
Despite calls from President Obama to beef up the program designed to provide security aboard U.S. flights, the Federal Air Marshal Service is in disarray, a CNN investigation has found. Full story from CNN  

Olympic security doesn't stop at Canadian border
There are plans to deal with worst-case scenarios during the Games: the detonation of a radioactive "dirty" bomb; an anthrax attack; a crippling blizzard; a mass evacuation from Canada triggered by a public health crisis. Full story from USA Today 

Hotel Fees That Must Die -- and How to Kill Them
How the savvy traveler should handle unwarranted add-ons to the room rate. Full story from the Orlando Sentinel