Travel firms respond to events, share news via Twitter

Travelers are turning to Twitter as they travel. And the travel industry has taken notice. Hotels, airlines, airports and other travel companies are joining the Twitter community, too, to pitch services, update travel conditions and respond directly to the individual needs of customers. They're finding the mobile nature of the technology is ideal for talking to travelers. "We consider our Twitter account akin to an information booth," says Morgan Johnston, manager of corporate communication at JetBlue Airways. "Responding to situations after they've happened is a great idea; responding to situations while they're happening is even better."