Southwest

For millions of Southwest Airlines passengers, the drinks are on the house. The airline has reached a tentative settlement with passengers who sued Southwest over vouchers for alcoholic drinks that were given to “business select” passengers before Aug. 1, 2010. On that date, Southwest changed its policy, saying that even though the drink vouchers had no expiration date, the airline would only honor them on the date passengers were traveling. In the lawsuit filed in 2011, the plaintiffs, Adam Levitt and Herbert Malone, said the policy change amounts to a breach of contract and made the coupons worthless.

TAFT, Calif. - A 16-year-old was in critical condition Thursday night after a fellow student interrupted a first-period class at Taft Union High School southwest of Bakersfield, confronted him by name and fired a round from a 12-gauge shotgun into his upper body. The assailant, also 16, tried to shoot a second student and missed before a science teacher was able to talk him down, apparently taking the shotgun as the other students fled from the classroom through a door. Police officers arrived after the teacher had disarmed the assailant and took the teenager into custody.

Looking to increase revenue amid tough competition, Southwest Airlines has announced several fee changes, including higher charges for checking a third bag and for failing to cancel a ticket before missing a flight. The Dallas-based airline - the nation's largest passenger carrier - will continue to charge nothing for the first two checked bags and for changing a flight after buying a ticket. The changes, announced Friday during an investors' conference in New York, are expected to help the airline increase revenue from extra fees by $300 million annually.

Looking to increase revenues amid tough competition, Southwest Airlines announced several fee changes Friday, including higher charges for checking a third bag and for failing to cancel a ticket before missing a flight. The Dallas-based airline, the nation's largest passenger carrier, will continue to charge passengers nothing for their first two checked bags and for changing a flight after buying a ticket. Video chat: Airline workers have gripes too The changes, announced Friday during an investors' conference in New York, are expected to help the airline increase revenue from fees by $300 million annually.

Here's a New York deal that can have you there at one of the prettiest times of the year -- or not: From LAX to LaGuardia, a round trip on AirTran or Southwest costs $216, including all taxes and fees, for travel between Jan. 7 and May 15. It is subject to availability (and seats for March are already scarce) and blackout dates. Tickets must be purchased by Thursday. There is no minimum stay; travel must be Mondays through Saturdays. Info : AirTran , (800)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has launched what it calls a comprehensive review of its officers' use of force amid a sharp increase in fatal confrontations along the Southwest border. The initiative, which appears to be the most far-reaching of its kind in recent years, calls for an assessment of current tactics and the participation of an independent outside research center. Mexican government officials, who have condemned the shootings, will also be provided briefings on closed investigations involving force, according to a memorandum prepared for Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and obtained by the Los Angeles Times.

A Southwest Airlines flight from Kansas City to Dallas on Saturday lost cabin pressure, forcing passengers and crew to wear oxygen masks for about 20 minutes until the plane had descended to a safe altitude. No injuries were reported on Flight 3201, which landed safely at Love Field in Dallas, spokeswoman Whitney Eichinger told the Associated Press. The flight, carrying 124 passengers and a crew of five, lost pressure at 35,000 feet. The masks deployed and about 20 minutes later, the craft descended below 10,000 feet.

Philadelphia has had its share of wild weather of late, but it's still a great place to visit even bundled up or huddled under an umbrella. Now Southwest makes it less expensive to see the City of Brotherly Love: $242 round trip, including all taxes and fees, for travel between Nov. 28 and May 31 (although holiday blackouts apply). It is subject to availability, but there is no minimum stay. You can travel any day of the week. Info: Southwest , (800) 435-9792. Source: Airfarewatchdog Follow us on Twitter @latimestravel , like us on Facebook @Los Angeles Times Travel.

Darrell Royal, the legendary Texas coach who led the Longhorns to three national college football titles and 11 Southwest Conference titles in a 20-year tenure that ended in 1976, died Wednesday in Austin after a battle with Alzheimer's disease, the university announced. He was 88. He remained a larger-than-life masthead for Texas football years after he retired and had been a trusted and devoted mentor to current Coach Mack Brown. Royal, some would argue, was also generous to a fault for teaching Alabama Coach Bear Bryant the triple-option "Wishbone" offense that helped the Crimson Tide win three national titles.

AirTran and Southwest are offering a post-Sandy special from LAX to New York's LaGuardia for $254 round-trip, including taxes and fees. The tickets must be purchased by Nov. 15; travel is Mondays-Saturdays through March 6. Conditions include some holiday blackouts. Info: AirTran , (800) 247-8726; Southwest , (800) 435-9792 Source: Airfarewatchdog Follow us on Twitter @latimestravel , like us on Facebook @Los Angeles Times Travel.