Interesting Ways to Save Fuel
In order to save on fuel, some airlines are going through every idea in the book. Many are retiring old planes that are less fuel efficient (compare an old Chevy van versus a new minivan). Some airlines are actually flying their fleet a few miles per hour slower to a rate that is more gas economical.
However, the most interesting idea is to alleviate overall weight on a plane. Ever see a movie or show where the plane was running out of gas, so the crew had to strip it of everything heavy? Apparently the airlines have seen the light and are using similar tactics. Some ideas are putting less water on planes for bathrooms, removing paint, taking off old drink carts for lighter ones, reducing the number of magazines and newspapers, and even washing planes daily (that dirt and grime only helps slow planes down), or even removing the exterior paint.
Any other ideas to get better mileage?
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:41 am
How about helping reduce the obesity problem? A passenger weighing 150 lbs should not have to pay the same fare as a passenger weighing 200 lbs, etc. Scales could be installed at check-in stations to verify a passenger’s weight that is stated in his/her reservation. Websites & travel agents could inform prospective passengers of the weight requirements that apply to certain fares. This could do away with the stupid surcharge for checked baggage.