2008 Supplemental Updates - Airline mergers and proposed airport surcharges to control congestion

Airline mergers could mean big changes for travelers

Travelers might face higher fares and a decline in customer service if large airlines consolidate, Scott McCartney writes. He notes that although carriers could better survive high oil prices and economic downturns by merging, passengers historically have suffered from the business changes that accompany them -- confusion at airports, late flights, lost luggage and new frequent flier rules, for example. The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) (1/15) http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120036196748790123.html

Airlines oppose new DOT policy allowing airports to vary rates

Policy changes proposed by the Department of Transportation would allow airports to charge airlines higher runway fees during peak hours. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said the policy changes are aimed at reducing delays and congestion, but airlines said they will instead result in higher fares for passengers and will not solve delay and congestion problems. The new policy is "nothing more than congestion pricing disguised as an airport fee. Unfortunately, that does nothing to fix the primary cause of delays, our nation's increasingly antiquated air traffic control system," ATA President and CEO James C. May said. Newsday (Long Island, N.Y.) (1/14) , NY1 (New York City) (1/14) , Associated Press (1/14) , The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) (1/15) , The New York Times (1/15) , Reuters (1/15) , Aviation Daily (1/15)