Passengers Showing Disgust At Fees By Staying Home?

Several US domestic airlines have announced capacity cuts to be implemented in September, but passengers aren't waiting.

The Air Transport Association tells The Associated Press its expects a drop in Labor Day Holiday air travel of nearly 7 percent from last year. This year's official holiday period is August 27 through September 3.

ATA predicts international air travel will be up slightly... but not enough to counter a drop in the much larger domestic market, where travelers have been battered all summer with new fees and increased fares blamed on fuel prices.

ATA President James May observed Monday, "Economic uncertainty and the heavy hit from sky-high energy prices mean that many vacation and business travelers are choosing to stay closer to home, if they go at all."

The airlines also report passenger traffic was down substantially during June and July, compared to the same months last year.

In addition to its usual advisories to check in from home by computer ahead of time, arrive early at the airport and be aware of TSA security rules when packing, ATA adds a new warning this Labor Day...

Check your airline's Web site for any new fees -- such as checked bag charges -- to avoid a costly surprise at check-in.

FMI: www.airlines.org