It looks like the Department of Transportation is finally stepping up to do something it should have done years ago. It's just set significant fines for airlines that hold passengers prisoner on board airplanes sitting on the runway.

You really have to wonder why it took so long. The new rules prohibit U.S. airlines (on domestic routes) from keeping a plane on the runway for more than three hours without deplaning passengers. Airlines are required to provide adequate food and drinking water within two hours of the delay, maintain bathrooms, and provide medical attention.

The rules provide steep fines for infractions and go into effect 120 days after publication in the Federal Register.

I admit it. I drink too much coffee. Especially when I'm traveling. It's one of the little things that helps take the sting out of out schlepping my bags through an airport or hotel. Unfortunately, it's not always easy to wheel my bags through the terminal with my laptop bag swinging from my shoulder without spilling my coffee.

Luckily now, I don't have to worry about that. I just came across a pretty nifty little product that solves that problem.

The tugo drink holder is a trim little device that suspends a cup between the upright handles of a rolling bag or suitcase. The small, pliable cup holder simply attaches with little twister-tie-like connections to a bag's upright handles. Cups full of liquid automatically swivel to remain upright when a bag is moved. Presto--a free hand finally for digging out the passport!

Simple, cheap ($9.95!) and effective. What more could a business traveler want?

According to recent reports, the potential strike by British Airways cabin crew over the holidays will not go ahead.

Although the dispute isn't settled, a judge issued an injunction blocking the planned 12-day strike. While that might be bad news for the union, it's good news for travelers in general, and especially travelers who had tickets on British Airways.

If you're a business traveler set to fly on British Airways in the near future, now's the time to rethink those plans.

On December 14, BA's cabin crew union voted in favor of a strike between December 22, 2009 and January 2, 2010. Clearly, not a great time for travelers.

The airline is planning on continuing to operate flights as normal, but at the same time is reworking its flight schedules for the strike period and will be announcing changes as they are decided. BA will be notifying affected customers directly via email or text messaging, using the contact details supplied at the time of booking.

If you're planning on flying BA in the next few weeks, you should probably do a few things. First, make sure your contact details are correct.

Go to the BA website to manage your booking and contact info.

If you have the option, change your travel dates to another period. BA is allowing customers traveling during those times and up to 48 hours on either side the option of rebooking the flight within the next twelve months at no cost.

If your flight is canceled because of the strike you can obtain a refund or rebook your flight.

For more tips in coping with the potential travel impact, read this short LA Times article on dealing with the proposed strike.