Traveler’s Notes . . .

American Airlines and US Airways this weekend became the first major U.S. airlines to link their frequent-flier programs. So American’s customers can now claim mileage awards from US Airways and vice versa. As yet, customers cannot pool mileage from both accounts to get bigger awards, however. United and Delta plan to start a similar alliance Sept. 1. . . . The Carnival Ecstasy will be out of service until Sept. 11 following a widely publicized onboard fire July 20, Carnival said last week. Fourteen cruises are affected. The ship is in Newport News, Va., undergoing repairs. . . . The landmark Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C., becomes the Swissotel Washington--The Watergate on Tuesday; it was formerly managed by Forte & Meridien Hotels.