A World With $200-A-Barrel Oil?
While Airlines Win, We Lose
Beehived Diva Does Battle On Behalf of Airlines
Spirit Airlines Defies Cuban Embargo
Fake Speed Bumps, Real Fines
A WORLD WITH $200-A-BARREL OIL? – Los Angeles Times
It’s the top news story for many Americans: the sudden and steep rise of oil prices. But, it may be more than the fuel pump that the oil prices affect. From the cost of oil-based products, such as crayons, to fewer flights from Los Angeles, to sardine-packed buses and subways during rush hour, rising oil prices are significantly influencing our day-to-day living. With every one-cent rise in the price of gas costing American consumers about $1 billion a year, big changes are afoot as the price of oil keeps rising. However, there are some possible upsides, such as the potential boom of alternative-fuel cars, public transit and local tourism. .
Link: Los Angeles Times
WHILE AIRLINES WIN, WE LOSE – BusinessWeek
As the cost of fuel continues to hit us, it pounds harder and harder on the airline industry. Critics predict that, while today’s consumer is already paying massive amounts for airfare, the regular price of airfare may boost up again, to save the handicapped industry. Last year, airline customers paid a whopping $18 billion in ambiguous taxes and fees, such as the Passenger Facility Charge, which can cost up to $4.50 per flight segment, likely to increase even more as the year closes. These unfair hikes are causing some to seriously consider passenger protection rights and other laws to help the average Joe from even more inflated fees.
Link: BusinessWeek
BEEHIVED DIVA FIGHTING FOR THE LITTLE PEOPLE – The New York Times
The commercial airline industry is battling its competitor with a blonde beehive – a fictional big-haired spokeswoman named Edna, who has been chiding the business aviation industry for not paying their share of air traffic costs. However, business aviation leaders are saying that commercial airlines are just trying to compete with them since their sales have risen in the last year, while the public image of the commercial industry continues to deteriorate. In reality, most business aircraft users are not fat-cat jets, but small and mid-sized companies with propeller planes or turboprops. But, it seems that this isn’t enough to stop Edna from continuing to criticize business aviation and inviting consumers to do the same.
Link: The New York Times
SPIRIT AIRLINES DEFIES CUBAN EMBARGO – Gadling.com
Spirit Airlines has just been fined $100,000 for violating the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba. Apparently, the Florida-based airline company has been paying the Cuban government to use its airspace for flights over the Caribbean. Even though the airline company is denying they ever knew of the trade embargo laws, Spirit Airlines is still going to pay the courts’ hefty dues.
Link: Gadling
FAKE SPEED BUMPS, REAL FINES – CNN
Some state official are trying to crack down on speeding in their streets by placing fake speed bumps on the road. Costing only a fraction of real speed bumps, these optical illusions are designed to encourage drivers to be more cautious, especially in areas with many pedestrians. The fake bumps come with police officers in the area, ready to pounce on the next speed racer. The plan initially was tested in Phoenix, followed by Philadelphia.
Link: CNN
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