Travelers could see fewer hassles in the new year

0 Comments | USA TODAY, January, 2007 | by Dan Reed

One thing seems likely for the U.S. airline industry and its customers this year: Delta and Northwest will be key players. Both plan this year to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy as independent airlines. If they succeed, consumers can expect to see pretty much the same thing they saw in 2006. Airlines likely will continue to show restraint in adding capacity.

That, coupled with steadily growing travel demand, could continue the upward pressure on fares. But there's no guarantee that Delta and Northwest will emerge as stand-alone airlines. US Airways, which in November submitted an $8 billion proposal to merge with Delta, has a different plan that could set off a new round of airline consolidation. If US Airways succeeds, that merger and the imitators it spawns could have a...