Solving Delay Problems at LaGuardia Airport

In a plan to shorten delays at LaGuardia Airport in New York, airline must give up take off and landing rights.

The Department of Transportation would like to auction off flight rights, which are called slots. These are limited to major air service carriers.

It is believed that by reducing access, big airlines will be forced to fly a greater amount of passengers on larger planes and reduce crowding. The auctioning of these slots will shut out smaller carriers due to the restriction of space available.

Transportation Secretary Mary Peters released a statement saying, “This proposal increases choices for passengers and adds competition, which is proven to lower fares. It also cuts delays and funds new aviation capacity projects for the region.”

Others in the industry say the plan is “ridiculous” and will not help at all with the LaGuardia delays.

Jim May, chief executive of the Air Transport Association said, “It is truly mystifying, with the airline industry in a financial meltdown due to overwhelming fuel prices, that DOT decides now is time for a costly economics experiment at LaGuardia.”

The number one complaint from travelers is delays. Last year was the worst; almost thirty percent of flights were canceled or delayed. Peak travel times during the summer are the worst for delays.