Clear Holiday Travel Skies; Storms Ahead

Sept. 2, 2007 — -- Though lines are long and planes are full, few problems have been reported at the nation's airports this Labor Day weekend, thanks in part to clear skies.

But as the busy summer travel season draws to a close, few are giving the airlines high marks. Cancellations doubled this summer compared to the same period last year, and nearly a third of all flights arrived late, the result of terrible weather, an outdated air traffic control system, near-record passenger volume, and inflexible airlines.

"We've got the airlines trying to do everything on the cheap," said ABC News aviation consultant John Nance. "They have too few people trying to do too much for too many passengers."

Motorists have had a rough ride, as well, with gas prices hitting record levels early in the summer before eventually moderating. Though gas is cheaper this weekend compared to this time last year, AAA estimates about 100,000 fewer drivers are hitting the roads compared to last Labor Day.

"I think a lot of people decided to sit this one out and hang out in the backyard," said AAA spokesman Mike Pina.

Lower volume is also expected at airports after this weekend, though analysts say the chronic delays and cancellations are here to stay unless significant changes are made.

The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed implementing a new high-tech air traffic control system that would use satellites to track planes, but the FAA and Congress are locked in a battle over funding.

"They don't have the right equipment, and for the average passenger this means that if we don't get involved nationally it is going to continue to deteriorate," said Nance.

But even if the money is approved, the new air traffic control system is still at least five years away. In the meantime, pack a good book.

"Next summer is going to look like a hellacious summer compared to this one," said FAA Administrator Marion Blakey.

Adding to concerns, the industry is losing many of its best and most-experienced controllers because the FAA and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association has been unable to agree on a new contract. In the past year, the number of controllers opting for early retirement has soared beyond the agency's forecasts, reducing the force to its lowest level in a decade, according to the union.