Airlines cut U.S. schedules despite strong demand
By Barbara De Lollis and Barbara Hansen, USA TODAY
Responding largely to high fuel costs, the USA’s six big network airlines continue to trim their U.S. schedules despite strong travel demand.
The six carriers — American (AMR), United (UAUA), Delta (DAL), Continental (CAL), Northhwest (NWA) and US Airways (LCC)— have scheduled 4.4% fewer seats for January than a year earlier, according to a USA TODAY analysis of flight schedules that includes their regional feeder airlines.
To trim capacity, airlines can eliminate routes, fly them less frequently or switch to smaller planes. Whatever the course, travelers face reduced options and fuller flights.
