Airline Industry Retrenching

http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2012-05-14/airline-industry-retrenching
Airline Industry Retrenching

High fuel costs and the possibility of more consolidation are reshaping the airline industry. Kojo explores changes in the air and how they'll affect U.S. travelers.

Travelers abhor higher air fares, but experts say they're the only way airlines can stay solvent in this era of expensive oil and steep labor costs. With a possible American Airlines/US Airways merger on the table and Delta Air Lines' decision to buy an oil refinery to combat high fuel costs, Kojo examines changes in the the airline industry and asks what they'll mean for the summer travel season.

Guests

Susan Carey

Reporter, Wall Street Journal

Charles Leocha

Director, Consumer Travel Alliance

Steven Lott

Vice President for Communication, Airlines for America

Comments

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AmandaF wrote:

Kojo,

As a loyal customer of a major airline, I was recently booking a flight to the Los Angeles area, and found one from Dulles through LAX to Palm Springs for $200 less than taking the exact same plane from Dulles to LAX. I called the airline for a rational explanation for why it costs $200 more to take the same plane from Dulles just to LAX, and got nowhere, fast. The call center staff only stated something about routes and flight codes. I wanted two things: 1, an explanation that made sense, and 2, the cheaper fare. I got neither. Thoughts?

Mon, 05/14/2012 - 1:26pm
The Kojo Nnamdi Show is produced by member-supported WAMU 88.5 in Washington DC.