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Bush Outlines Plan to Combat Flight Delays

Military opens airspace to Thanksgiving commercial flights

By Sam Gale Rosen, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 15, 2007 2:03 PM CST

(Newser) – The military will open some of its East Coast airspace to commercial traffic around Thanksgiving, President Bush announced today in a series of measures to cut down on air-travel delays, reports the Chicago Tribune's Swamp blog. “We can do better," Bush said in Washington. "We have an aviation system that can be improved."

Bush outlined several other measures, saying airlines have agreed to provide more staff to speed check-in and boarding. He also proposed new federal regulations to double compensation to passengers experiencing lengthy delays to $800, and so-called "congestion pricing" to allow airlines to charge more for flights during peak hours and to encourage them to spread flights out during the day.

Airline passengers navigate crowded walkways at LaGuardia Airport, Friday, June 8, 2007, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) (Associated Press)

Airline passengers watch for flight delays on the monitors throughout LaGuardia Airport in this June 8, 2007 file photo in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, file) (Associated Press)

Airplanes line the runway at LaGuardia Airport in this June 8, 2007 file photo in New York. U.S. airline delays are at their highest level in at least 13 years, and analysts say fliers can expect more... (Associated Press)

President Bush, left, accompanied by acting Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Robert Sturgell, makes a statement on aviation congestion, Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007, in the Roosevelt Room... (Associated Press)

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Military opens airspace to Thanksgiving commercial flights

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Prez Orders Action to Reduce Flight Delays

Panel will produce plan to cut traffic at Kennedy Airport by end of year

US Caps JFK Flights to Ease Delays

Move designed to keep airports elsewhere on time

Pricey Gratitude: Thanksgiving Costs Soar

Gas, airfare up 20% from a year ago

Holiday Forecast: Fewer Fliers but Packed Flights

With demand lower, airlines are offering fewer seats

Schumer Lands in Hot Water Over 'Bitch' Comment

Flight attendant made him hang up on Harry Reid

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Bush Outlines Plan to Combat Flight Delays

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

FAA • air travel • airline delays • Thanksgiving travel • George W. Bush

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Prez Orders Action to Reduce Flight Delays

Panel will produce plan to cut traffic at Kennedy Airport by end of year

US Caps JFK Flights to Ease Delays

Move designed to keep airports elsewhere on time

Pricey Gratitude: Thanksgiving Costs Soar

Gas, airfare up 20% from a year ago

Holiday Forecast: Fewer Fliers but Packed Flights

With demand lower, airlines are offering fewer seats

Schumer Lands in Hot Water Over 'Bitch' Comment

Flight attendant made him hang up on Harry Reid

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Newser By Users

Community

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