Airlines ponder how far they can push travelers: "This is worse than 9-11"

[Contrary1]

Here's something to add to that elusive legacy, Junior.

"DALLAS - Higher fares and new fees are irritating air travelers, but airlines still can't raise money or cut flights fast enough to cover ever-higher fuel prices.

In the view of airline executives and analysts, the industry is facing its toughest challenge yet, with little prospect that carriers can return to profits anytime soon.

Even though most of the big airline companies have large cash stockpiles, analysts suggest they could burn through their cash and go bankrupt by early next year. Already, several smaller airlines have filed for bankruptcy protection or simply shut down in recent months.

"This is worse than 9-11," said Ray Neidl, an analyst with Calyon Securities. After the 2001 terror attacks, "at least you knew passengers were coming back. Oil at $130 is unsolvable."

More: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24780104/

[XOKCowboy]

1. Flying as we know it is coming to an end..

Fuel costs are too high. I'm going to do my best to keep my Frequent Flier status to keep the hassles to a minimum but who knows how long that will last?

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

2. Maybe they'll bring back the days of the Zeppelin

while the rest of us on the ground are riding bicycles or horses.

[napi21]

3. Well, I can tell you, American has the WRONG IDEA! Their decision

to charge $15 for the FIRST checked bag is flat out stupid! Everyone knows fuel prices are out of sight, and what they should have done is to add a fuel charge to their ticket price. THAT at least could be adjusted up or down based upon the price of fuel. All they're doing with this checked bag charge is pissing off their customers and driving them to other carriers!

[Art_from_Ark]

10. I don't know about domestic flights, but

on flights from Japan they already have a fuel surcharge which, the last time I checked, was about $200. Could be more by now.

[soothsayer]

11. But other carriers will join them (airlines always 'price fix'). So won't matter.

[Wizard777]

4. Bush is going to turn us into a third world country.

[Selatius]

5. Then people will simply have to travel Amtrak or the interstate instead.

There is little any individual could do except adopt a different way of travel to get to the destination.

[shanti]

6. just like third world countries

the playing field is being leveled quickly, too quickly.

[libnnc]

7. when they've squeezed all they can out of customers

they'll start cutting corners in other areas

:scared:

[Contrary1]

8. Hell, they are buying parts from China...no corners left to cut.

http://www.boeing.com/companyoffices/aboutus/boechina.html

[libnnc]

9. proper mechanics? can't afford 'em!

Properly trained pilots with enough hours under their belts to fly safely? Too expensive! (Already seeing that)

[Sen. Walter Sobchak]

12. as somebody in something of a long distance relationship...

and spending virtually all my time working on a project in Canada this really hurts - just this week I found out that my work at the home office is being shuffled around so my free rides home will be greatly reduced. And a big FUCK YOU to Delta for making my Skymiles almost impossible to use for anything but magazine subscriptions.

Just booked a trip home for next week - $1260 with a full $235 of that being various made up charges and fees. A year ago the same trip cost $600 to $800.