Frequent Fliers Squeezed Out

The airlines are expected to increase flights for the busy summer months, but only slightly, an average of about 4.1 percent, according to the Air Transport Association.

And as airlines are cutting flights within the United States, industry observers say the best option to find seats this summer may be internationally. That's where airlines have cut the fewest flights and have actually added flights, especially to destinations within Europe, Asia and South America.

Frequent fliers should also be more flexible in finding flights during the week and using alternative airports, such as Gatwick Airport instead of Heathrow International, when flying into London.

"There's definitely more opportunities internationally than domestically," said John Heimlich, Air Transport Association economist.

Northwest Responds : In the past week, more than 55 BizClass readers copied me on e-mails they sent to Northwest Airlines in response to the carrier's decision to charge $15 fees for exit and aisle seats as part of its latest revenue-enhancing test.

Northwest spokesman Kurt Ebenhoch maintains that during the past few weeks, sales of the seats were running "ahead of expectations and are growing."

That growth seems to be in contrast with many of the e-mails that came into BizClass. In fact, only one agreed with Northwest's move. Henry Pabian of Canton, Ohio, called the charges "insulting." Penny R. Graham of Eau Claire, Wis., called it "ridiculous" and Robert W. Bentley of Port Townsend, Wash., said the charges were "the latest insult to long-time frequent fliers." And Lisa Vignerot of Stafford, Va., said "we passengers have to draw a line in the sand about all this nickel-and-diming."

Many of you e-mailed the airline at northwest.airlines@nwa.com . But it seems Northwest also created a separate account for members of its frequent-flier program. That address was choiceseatcomments@nwa.com . Ebenhoch says both addresses are still being monitored.

Northwest does seem to be responding to its customer e-mails, and many of you forwarded those responses to me. A review of the responses showed that each one was signed and addressed to the travelers by several different Northwest customer-care employees, including Gloria Krammer, Fawn Uhrig and Carl Tast. But several times the body of the response followed a template: "We regret any disappointment with our coach choice paid seat assignment program that we recently began testing" and "to that end, your feedback is appreciated as we examine this new product." But some travelers, such as Ira J. Waldman of Los Angeles, received more personalized responses because they commented on other areas of Northwest's operations, such as its carry-on luggage policies.

So, for those of you who wondered if Northwest was receiving your comments, it seems the airline is. But whether Northwest is listening remains to be seen.