![]() ![]() They should be focused on passenger safety all the time - without exception.”įollowing Southwest Airlines' inspection deficiencies, acting FAA Administrator Robert A. “It shouldn't take uninspected planes loaded with passengers to get the FAA and the airlines focused on safety. Lautenberg, D-N.J., a member of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, said Wednesday. “The complacent attitude we've seen from President Bush's FAA has led to many problems across the aviation industry - from unsafe runways and major flight delays to an insufficient number of safety inspectors and trained air traffic controllers,” Sen. Unlike some other lines’ bundles, American says it continues to offer all three options when low-fare seats sell out as increments to whatever is the lowest available fare at the time.The FAA is seeking a record $10.2 million civil penalty from Southwest after the carrier continued to fly nearly 50 planes after it told regulators it had missed the required inspections.įAA feels the heat The FAA, meanwhile, has recently come under fire. And, for many, the mileage bonus and same-day change (the regular fee is $75) are worth yet another extra $20. ![]() Last week, the most tight-fisted traveler I know chose American over US Airways to take advantage of the Choice Essential option. One checked bag adds $40 to a round-trip domestic trip and the change fee is $200 for a domestic ticket. Choice Plus, at $80 extra, adds a 50 percent mileage bonus, no-fee, same-day flight change, and same-day standby for a domestic flight.Ĭlearly, these bundles are priced to be attractive.Choice Essential, at $68 extra round-trip, adds one no-charge checked bag, no fee to exchange the ticket and apply its value toward another ticket, and priority boarding.Choice, a bare-bones bottom economy fare.On any domestic fare search, American’s website automatically displays three economy-class fare options: For now, here’s what you need to know.īy far the best current example of bundling is on American Airlines. So far, there’s more talk than action, but you can expect the practice to grow. Industry mavens these days are talking a lot about airline “bundling” of fares and fees. Perkins' travel expertise has led to frequent television appearances, including ABC's "Good Morning America" and "This Week with David Brinkley," "The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather," CNN, and numerous local TV and radio stations.īefore editing Consumer Reports Travel Letter, Perkins spent 25 years in travel research and consulting with assignments ranging from national tourism development strategies to the design of computer-based tourism models.īorn in Evanston, Illinois, Perkins lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife. He has also written for Business Traveller magazine (London). Perkins was founding editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, one of the country's most influential travel publications, from which he retired in 1998. Perkins' advice for business travelers is featured on, a website devoted to helping small business and self-employed professional travelers find the best value for their travel dollars. He was also the co-author of the annual "Best Travel Deals" series from Consumers Union. He is the author of "Online Travel" (2000) and "Business Travel: When It's Your Money" (2004), the first step-by-step guide specifically written for small business and self-employed professional travelers. A nationally recognized reporter, writer, and consumer advocate, Ed Perkins focuses on how travelers can find the best deals and avoid scams. ![]()
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