link: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1188860050...hs&ru=yahoo
The changes will drive costs higher for airlines. But they reflect a new reality: Late flights, stranded travelers, misconnected luggage and angry customers all have a price, too. And congestion in the skies is likely only to get worse.
"I hate that assumption, but what else can you assume?" said US Airways Group Inc. Chief Executive Douglas Parker.
US Airways decided in July to extend its operating day by 30 minutes, spreading flights out more and making four more aircraft available as spares. The airline added one additional plane to its East Coast shuttle operation, flying the same number of flights with more jets so delays don't affect the schedule as much. US Airways also added workers at its Philadelphia and Charlotte hubs to better handle passenger re-accommodation. The goal is to have agents meet late flights and hand customers new boarding passes, Mr. Parker said.
Air travel deteriorated this summer from a combination of severe weather, especially in June, an aging, overtaxed air-traffic-control system and record-high load factors on flights. When storms broke out, the air-traffic-control system couldn't keep up, and passengers of canceled flights had trouble finding seats since so many tickets had been sold.
only stating opinions
The changes will drive costs higher for airlines. But they reflect a new reality: Late flights, stranded travelers, misconnected luggage and angry customers all have a price, too. And congestion in the skies is likely only to get worse.
"I hate that assumption, but what else can you assume?" said US Airways Group Inc. Chief Executive Douglas Parker.
US Airways decided in July to extend its operating day by 30 minutes, spreading flights out more and making four more aircraft available as spares. The airline added one additional plane to its East Coast shuttle operation, flying the same number of flights with more jets so delays don't affect the schedule as much. US Airways also added workers at its Philadelphia and Charlotte hubs to better handle passenger re-accommodation. The goal is to have agents meet late flights and hand customers new boarding passes, Mr. Parker said.
Air travel deteriorated this summer from a combination of severe weather, especially in June, an aging, overtaxed air-traffic-control system and record-high load factors on flights. When storms broke out, the air-traffic-control system couldn't keep up, and passengers of canceled flights had trouble finding seats since so many tickets had been sold.
only stating opinions
