Upgraded: Unemployment
Unsure if you’re keeping your job, but want to book a vacation? British carrier FlyBe is “offering to refund the cost of a holiday if it has to be cancelled because someone in the group is made redundant.” (Love the euphemistic “made redundant.”) If you book in January 2009, for travel before October 24, you can cancel your trip if you show evidence of losing your job. But only if you were employed two or more years at the same place. Points for creativity!

Upgraded: Biofuels
Air New Zealand tested the use of biofuels last week. This week, it’s Continental’s turn to burn a mix of jet fuel, algae, and jatropha weed extract. (Perhaps it should be renamed jetropha weed, har har har.) Anyway, Japan Air Lines is next in line. Flights testing these experimental fuels are unmanned, so don’t worry about what’s in the tanks on your next flight.

Downgraded: Sitting near the restroom
I would not have wanted to be a passenger (or a flight attendant… or a cleaning person…) on this flight to Houston. The headline: “Man Covered In Feces Attacks Flight Attendant.”

Upgraded: Airport welcomes
Improv Everywhere went to JFK to welcome a random person whom they didn’t know back. What a lovely — if somewhat disconcerting — way to arrive! Thanks to FD and Victor for sending this along!