Preparing for the Airport

April 18, 2008— -- Delayed flights, grounded planes, high-fuel prices and shrinking staffs have painted a gloomy picture of today's airline industry. But what specifically does it mean for travelers? Here's what to expect if you're planning a spring or summer trip:

More Delays and Cancellations for Plane Inspections: A widespread FAA maintenance audit is expected to last through June 30 -- meaning the possibility of more flight delays and cancellations for all carriers.

After announcing it would fine Southwest $10.2 million for missed inspections, the FAA launched a sweeping airline audit to ensure others weren't doing the same. Those inspections resulted in American Airlines canceling more than 3,000 flights last week.

More Money If You're Bumped: Starting in May, passengers who are bumped from flights will receive double the current compensation -- up to $800 -- from airlines for their inconvenience, Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said Wednesday. That would apply to travelers on smaller, regional jets that seat 30 people or more as well as those flying on larger planes. If you're bumped, you could receive up to $400 if you're rescheduled to reach your destination within two hours of your original plans. The same goes if you're rerouted to arrive within four hours of your originally scheduled flight for international destinations. If it takes longer than that to get from point A to point B, you could receive up to $800.

Another Westbound Highway in the Sky: Hoping to alleviate westbound delays out of New York, the FAA is opening a second westbound route for planes, Peters also announced.

Flying Around Severe Weather:The government is also announcing measures it hopes will temper delays in severe weather. The transportation secretary announced April 16 that planes in and around New York City would be given more flexibility to use alternative routes in Canadian airspace to dodge summer storms and winds.

Extra Charges for Services That Used to Be Part of Your Ticket Price:Heftier prices across the board are the result of high-fuel prices. To offset their financial troubles, airlines are asking travelers to bear some of that burden.

"Carriers are struggling to stay alive, to make a profit, to have the money to reinvest and upgrade the services they provide their customers, and they're having a very difficult time doing it," David Castelveter, spokesman for the Air Transport Association, said Thursday.

"They want to serve their customers the best they can because they know that when they fail their customers, they lose their customers," he said.

Carrier by carrier, here's how that struggle is playing out:

United charges $25 to check a second bag. The carrier also announced higher ticket prices April 16, tacking on a higher fuel surcharge to travelers' final ticket prices. United Airlines said it would increase fuel surcharges by an additional $10-$20 per roundtrip, which prompted other carriers to follow its lead.

Many have also speculated that if Delta and Northwest merged, a union between United and Continental could be next. That's not happening at the moment.

"The industry has changed dramatically -– both globally and domestically -- and the old paradigms no longer apply," United said in a Tuesday statement. "As the industry evolves, we will take the actions we need to strengthen our global competitiveness, and we will participate in consolidation when and if it is the right choice and provides the right benefits for employees, customers and shareholders."

Delta this week matched United's $10 and $20 surcharge. The carrier also agreed to merge with Northwest April 14, but there are many regulatory hurdles the airlines need to clear before travelers will see a difference at the airports. If and when a merger's official, Delta promises no hub closures, as well as integrated frequent-flier miles to create the largest frequent-flier program in the world.

Delta also hopes the merged airline would mean major improvements for customers. "The combination will accelerate the upgrading of existing international aircraft with lie-flat seats and personal on-demand entertainment," Delta's statement said. The carrier also hopes to provide new seats, new technology to track lost bags and refurbished cabin interiors.

Jet Blue has enacted changes already under way. Starting April 1, Jet Blue began charging extra money for additional legroom, starting at $10. Travelers who pay the price will receive four more inches of legroom in the A320 fleet. The longer the flight, the more you'll pay for the perk. There are six rows with the extra legroom on the planes.

American, too, could be short-staffed. The carrier has a hiring freeze in place for management and support staff. On Wednesday, it announced it was planning to further reduce capacity. American also said it will speed up its plans to replace its MD-80 jets with more-efficient planes. That's because American's parent company reported a $328 million loss in the first quarter of 2008, thanks to record fuel prices. American this week also called for a $20 fee increase.

Northwest joins other airlines in charging passengers $25 each way for a second bag starting May 5. People who used to pay $80 for three or more checked bags will now pay $100. The price for a heavy bag that weighs more than 50 pounds used to be $25, but now it's $50.

The luggage policies apply to people traveling coach in North America. The airline's Silver, Gold and Platinum WorldPerks elite customers, SkyTeam elite customers and passengers booked in full fare classes can still check two bags free of charge. First class customers can continue checking up to three bags at no added cost.

Like Delta customers, Northwest frequent fliers can rest easy as the carriers' merger undergoes regulatory review. The new airline is slated to be called Delta, but Northwest miles will still be good. And like many others, Northwest Airlines announced fee increases this week.

US Airways recently began charging $25 for a second bag. On May 7, you'll also start paying more for aisle and window seats at the front of the plane. Travelers can buy the seats when they check in online. The price depends on where you're going and how long it takes to get there, starting at $5. For the carrier's Dividend Miles Preferred members, however, those seat reservations are free.

The carrier also followed this week's trend of a $20 roundtrip fee increase.

Continental passengers who buy economy-class tickets will also have to pay $25 extra for a second bag, starting on May 5. Continental's premium travelers in economy class, such as Elite OnePass frequent-flier members, do not need to pay the extra charge. Checked bags that are too big or heavy are also subject to an extra fee.

The baggage policy applies if you're headed anywhere within the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. Continental customers traveling in first class and BusinessFirst won't see any change. Like the others, Continental upped by $20 its fee.

Like United, Continental confronted merger speculation with caution. "As we've said repeatedly for more than a year and a half, our preference has been to remain independent as long as the competitive landscape remained the same," Continental said in a Tuesday statement. "However, the landscape is changing. We will review our strategic alternatives and make sure we remain a strong long-term competitor."