President George W. Bush had his eyes on the sky Thursday as he introduced a plan to ease air travel congestion.
From Wednesday, Nov. 21 through Sunday, Nov. 25, the president will open up military air space from Florida to Maine for commercial use. That air space will create a "Thanksgiving express lane" that Bush hopes will make holiday travel easier on the country.
"Business as usual is not good enough for American travelers," the president said in announcing the plan.
To further ensure flights would depart and arrive on time, Bush placed a moratorium on the Federal Aviation Administration's nonessential projects. On the commercial end, he called on airlines to add staff, planes and kiosks for the busy holiday travel season.
Furthermore, the president proposed travelers who are bumped from flights or experience heavy delays be compensated by the airlines. The compensation fee, which would provide travelers with up to $800 depending on the situation, could take effect as early as summer 2008.
Related Information:Flight delay information from the FAA