Airlines Cut Costs To Offset Fuel Prices

AP:

Several major airlines outlined plans Tuesday to slow their growth and cut costs to deal with higher fuel prices and the prospect of an economic slowdown that could hurt air travel.

Executives for some carriers also said they are actively planning for airline mergers, although they were careful not to discuss specific combinations.

"We are not standing around waiting for consolidation to happen. We're interested in that," said Jake Brace, the chief financial officer of United Airlines.

Read the whole story: AP

Comments

[thegreatgiginthesky]

10:16 AM on 12/06/2007

Airline Cost Cuts -

1. Passengers will need to supply their own barf bags.

2. Passengers will now have a choice of soda or chips (not both).

3. Limit one bathroom break for every 5 hours

4. International flights will have no movie - to expensive to rent.

5. Passengers will be charged a fee of $5 for a pillow and blanket

6. $10 for every meal.

7. $5 to store carry on baggage in the overhead bin

8. Disabled persons will have to pay to get assistance from the flight crew.

9. No co-pilot since he really was just a luxury

10. Passengers will have to bring their own parachutes in case the plane goes down.

[CologneCitizen]

07:19 AM on 12/05/2007

In the 70s and 80s flying in the USA used to be good. Now it is more like a cattle transport. From Europe to the US, British Airways is not bad. Avoid Lufthansa if possible, narrow seats, rude service, old fashioned in-flight entertainment and arrogant attitude.

[sparkandy]

05:36 AM on 12/05/2007

They'll just lay off a bunch of people. Like one flight attendant for a whole Trip 7 coach class. Then they'll lay off gate agents, so if you have to check something inside you'll have to stand in line two hours instead of just one. Then they'll go after ramp workers, so you'll get to sit on the plane longer before take off - and remember OUT from the gate means on time - not OFF the runway. Then they'll finally go after the mechanics, who after all, make the most money. The one thing they'll never cut is their profits.

[RGKahn]

10:47 PM on 12/04/2007

Another way to cut costs is to discontinue serving any beverages/snacks on the flight. It must cost a fortune to give each passenger a half of a can of soda and a bag of peanuts that has 1.5 ounces of peanuts or a package of cookies that has two cookies in it. Maybe they can add seats and make the 8 inches between the front of your seat and the back of the seat in front of you even closer. They do give you your own 6 oz of water bottle though.

[nomoredead]

08:08 PM on 12/04/2007

I always hate to hear about airlines cutting cost. The first thing I think of is maintenance. I will gladly pay a little extra.

[Stretchumall]

06:42 PM on 12/04/2007

Remember when airliners had those...Floatation devices? and fuel guages?
Bwahahahahahah!