U.S. Travel Association

Roger Dow, U.S. Travel's president and CEO, recently released a press release on FAA Reauthorization Critical To Create Jobs and Add Billions of Dollars To Our Economy.   He says, "Passage of legislation being considered by the Senate to reauthorize programs for the Federal Aviation Administration is critical to improve the air travel process.   Reducing delays could add $17 billion dollars back into the economy by supporting more than 155,000 jobs in the travel industry, primarily in lodging, food services, amusement, recreation and retail.   The bill will reduce delays and airport congestion by accelerating airport modernization by implementing NEXTGEN air traffic control systems, converting the air traffic control from a ground-based system to one that uses GPS.   The bill also would require airlines to develop contingency plans for delays while passengers are on the aircraft.  Plans must include how the airlines will provide adequate food, water and access to restrooms.  Airlines must also provide passengers with timely and accurate information regarding the flight.   A 2008 travel survey found air travelers avoided 41 million trips from 2007-2008, or slightly more than 100,000 trips per day.  Translating to $26.5 billion loss to the U.S. economy.  "When travel is avoided, we lose more than just an airline ticket, Dow noted, "Hotels lose customers.  Local restaurants lose patrons.  Salesmen lose clients.  And, businesses lose the opportunity to purchase valuable goods and services."