Abstract: A communication method allows members of an affinity group to obtain up-to-date information concerning the status of other members of the affinity group. Each member of the affinity group is provided with a communication device for communicating with other members. The communication device includes a memory for storing member status information. When the status of one member in the affinity group changes, a status update message is sent from the member whose status has changed to other members of the affinity group. When a status update message is receiving from other members, the status information data contained in the message is used to update the member status information stored in memory.

Abstract: A personal travel assistant for a user includes a wireless communication device adapted to communicate with a base network having flight schedule information relating to a plurality of flights. The travel assistant stores time-based traveler location information, including different time periods and a traveler location associated with each of the time periods. A clock provides the current time for determining a current one of the time periods. A logic unit causes selective communication with the base network to selectively obtain flight schedule information, for example, for a first flight having a flight departure time after the expiration of the current time period, with the current traveler location as originating location, and the traveler next destination as destination location.