The current state of the airline industry Options

[Hartmann]

Things are getting really ugly, really quick.

United has reduced capacity, is cutting staff, and is killing of their low-cost carrier TED.
US Airways has not fulfilled its order for two planes that could fly their new route to China, so they'll lose the route and they're reducing capacity.
The Delta/Northwest Merger isn't complete yet, so who knows the outcome.
Continental announced this morning that they are reducing capacity and cutting some staffing.
ExpressJet (who Continental employs to fly their little jets) is on the verge of Ch11.
Southwest has raised fares considerably.
JetBlue has cut a number of routes.
AA is nickel and diming customers to make up the costs.


yikes.

[Mommy]

I travel really lightly, even when going somewhere for like a week. I used to LOVE only taking a carry-on bag because it was convenient, and I didn't have to wait at baggage claim to pick it up. The last year or two, though, ever since the liquids ban, I only take my purse on the plane. It's way too inconvenient to pack to get through security. It really sucks. I mean, waiting at baggage claim adds about an extra 20 minutes to travel time for me. I don't know why, but my bag is always like the last one off the plane. Maybe it has something to do with the time that I show up at the airport. I know El Paso's airport really well so I usually show up less than 45 minutes before my flight, unless it's a holiday. It really sucks that I am moving so far from my parents in August just for the simple fact that I can't chose to drive (or at least I would be insane to chose that drive...23 hours) home for the holidays. I'm forced into flying when I want to see them. Ever since Christmas, I have done nothing but drive because I hate air travel so much now.