FINALLY AN AIRLINE SAFETY BILL
Not that I'm rushing to get on a plane just yet, but the airlines will now have to make some significant changes in the way the run their safety operations. However, there is a lot of phasing-in (electronic baggage screening before 2003) and phasing out (no federal workers required after three years) of the new regulations. There will be a $2.50 security surcharge added to each leg of the flight to cover the costs. Now what I've been wondering is, what would happen if one airline were to propose say a $15 surcharge per ticket and invest it all in better security? Wouldn't their business go up tremendously?

And in related news, the guy who caused Atlanta to evacuate one of its terminals Friday, will not face federal charges. He faces only disorderly conduct, with penalties topping out with a $1,000 fine and a year in jail.

A New York Times computer analysis found that airlines have cut passenger capacity by a third at big airports, but it hasn't been a big hassle for most travelers yet, because fewer people have been traveling. The impact, the Times reports, "will be felt when travel revives. Then, airlines facing less competition at their major hubs may find it easier to raise fares and may feel less pressure to improve the poor service that was a focus of lawmakers' and consumers' concern a year or two ago."

And one to file in the "poor timing" category, United mechanics are preparing to go on strike.
- posted by Amy @ 11/20/2001 12:12:00 PM