Airlines slow down flights to save on fuel

[mooneyguy]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24410809

Southwest Airlines started flying slower about two months ago, and projects it will save $42 million in fuel this year by extending each flight by one to three minutes

It's funny how they start getting creative in tough times!
Reminds me of the book, who moved my cheese! When things change, you have to change too sometimes, otherwise you might just get left behind!

[tonyw]

They've been doing this for a while now. It makes sense.

Passengers don't even notice if their flight goes from four hours and 38 minutes to four hours and 52 minutes. And if it means the airline saves some cash, it only makes sense to do it!

[Soul Brotha']

At OH we've been doing this for almost 2 years now. PPAS is what it's called. We fly slow and screw up the ATC all over the East.

"Comair XXX, say speed."
"Umm, we are at .68"
"Comair pick it up to at least .74"

[Minuteman]

But others doubt the change will result in lower fares any more than previous cost cutting, such as eliminating meals or taking away blankets.

"I don't think so," Mann said. "When they took off the mystery meat, did they lower fares?"

150% higher fuel prices from a year ago, many carriers going into bankruptcy, capacity being reduced ... and these dinks still expect lower fares?!?

[tonyw]

Why should it result in lower fares?

There is simply no business that can exist if it consistently sells its product for a price less than it costs to make it.

Airlines shouldn't be charging less.

They should be charging MORE.

And if Joe Twelvepack doesn't like it, then he can drive to Aunt Bessie's for Thanksgiving. And probably pay more and take a hell of a lot longer.

Otherwise, he needs to pay up, take his seat, and accept the fact that there is no such thing as a free lunch.

[PeanuckleCRJ]

Southernjets has been doing this for quite a while.

The difference is maybe 3-4 minutes on a transcon. Tremendous cost savings are also derived from very aggressive single engine taxi and APU usage policies. Don't burn em if you don't need em!

It's funny how the 757 requires the same amount of breakaway power on single and two engines. Why burn the mofo if you're gonna spool it to the same amount anyways?