Top 10 air passenger trends and issues for 2008

Airline mergers and more low-fare regional jets, predicts the Air Travelers Association in its assessment of the top ten airline passenger trends and issues for the new year. Here’s the list:

1. The battle with the government over delayed flights versus high fares will continue.

2. The airline system will continue to operate at or near capacity.

3. The start of the next generation air traffic control system (NextGen) will continue to be delayed.

4. There will be more reports of near collisions in the air and on the ground.

5. The battle over the “Passengers’ bill of rights” versus passengers’ rights to get to their destination will continue.

6. Watch for domestic airlines to merge or accept foreign carrier investments.

7. Expect more low fare regional jets in the near future.

8. There will be continued service problems with airlines with labor disputes.

9. The competition between the super-jumbo Airbus A380 versus super-nonstop Boeing 787 will begin in 2009.

10. The battle between residents on the ground over noise and airline passengers in the air will continue.

The Air Travelers Association, founded in 1997, advocates for airline passengers on airline safety, security, savings, and service.