Every day the skies are getting less friendly for the airlines… and passengers.

Recently, American Airlines began charging $15 for the first checked bag, $25 for the second. Many analysts are saying to expect more surcharges from other carriers soon.

And now there’s a new report from Congress that flight delays are costing the airlines, and passengers, billions of dollars.

How long are we waiting for flights? Overall it’s a staggering number. Last year Americans wasted a total of 320 million hours waiting for their plane.

“20 percent of total flying time is spent waiting on delays… 20 percent.
It’s no wonder the airlines are constantly figuring out new ways to nickle and dime passengers like paying for checked in baggage.” Sen Charles Schumer (D) New York

In 2007 a staggering 320 million passenger hours were lost thanks to delays. Delays cost the airlines 19 billion dollars last year. By one estimate 740 million gallons of fuel were wasted idling on the tarmac or flying in holding patterns.

With rising fuel costs are likely to bring on more surcharges, the news for passengers isn’t likely to improve.

Just as American Airlines cut its fleet by 50 planes, other airlines will soon be mothballing planes too.
It is expected that seat capacity will drop by up to 20 %

“We’ve laid a lot of aircraft down in the desert. Were’ going to continue to do more.” James May, President Air Transport Association.

All that adds up to fewer flights, fuller planes and less convenience for travelers.