(FOCUS) JEFF HAMIEL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
METROPOLITAN AIRPORTS COMMISSION
Q+A
Project Runway
The Metropolitan Airport Commission’s
Jeff Hamiel works dutifully to keep our airport
running and our travel concerns grounded.
INTERVIEWED BY AMANDA FRETHEIM GATES
IT’S BEEN A FRUSTRATING 18 MONTHS
FOR TRAVELERS. Whether you travel for
business or leisure, the recent changes
to the airline industry affect your schedule, your pocketbook and your mood.
Nearly 50 percent of frequent air travelers
(five or more trips per year) are dissatisfied with the air travel system and more
than 12 million U.S. business trips have
been avoided since May 2007, according to a survey by the Travel Industry
Association. Airlines such as American,
United and US Airways started charging
for checked luggage; in July, Northwest
joined the fray charging $15 for the
first checked bag, increasing the fee for
each subsequent bag. The hometown
airline (which merges with Delta in the
future) also announced in July it would
increase fees for ticket changes, charge
passengers for using frequent flier tickets and reduce its frontline management
personnel by 2,500. >>
