Flights and fleets face major cut-backs

Fewer flights predicted for fall.

Airports across the United States are planning substantial cut-backs in flight schedules and routes starting Labor Day -- historically the busiest season for leisure travel.

The airline industry continues to face challenges as jet-fuel prices have climbed 80 percent in the last year [see "Ready for Takeoff," SI, April 2008]. Many carriers have raised ticket prices significantly and are implementing additional fees for services that were once provided, such as charging for baggage and frequent flier awards tickets.

American and United, the United States' two biggest airlines, announced this week that they will cut certain cities out of their current routes, a trend becoming more prevalent in international schedules as well, affecting cities such as London and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Industry analysts estimate a 10 percent overall reduction in flights this year, with greater drops predicted in 2009, the New York Times reports.