The Future of Air Traffic Control

Holiday Surcharge Madness: Its the American way

AMR is the parent company of American Airlines. According to their financial report, AMR incurred a $298 million loss in the 2^nd Quarter of 2008. In comparison, the 2^nd Quarter of 2009 they reported a $319 million loss. In the same report, AMR saved $910 million on fuel costs in the 2^nd Quarter of 2009. You do the math. How can you save $910 million and still incur a greater loss than last year? AMR must be paying a lot of back bills with that money, or they’re being severely mismanaged.

Now American Airlines is charging a $10 holiday surcharge for peak travel days to get back in the green. Initially the $10 surcharge was being tacked on for three peak travel days, Nov. 29, Jan. 2, and Jan 3. Now they’ve added more days: Dec. 19, Dec. 26, Dec 27, and spring break days of Mar. 14, 20, 21, April 11, and May 28. This surcharge was added with no formal announcement, which has some customers accusing the airline of sneaking in hidden fees. If you choose to fly on the above days, fly Southwest. Not only do they have the best safety record, but they are one of the few airlines that aren’t buying into the holiday surcharge madness. Other airlines that have added the surcharge include: United, US Airways, and Delta.

By: Amber Markham, Air Traffic Controller