Airline Industry Bailout Is Not the Ticket

Re “Battered Airlines Seek Immediate Federal Aid,” Sept. 19: The airlines have been the major obstacle to providing additional security. The FAA has made numerous studies making complaints about the security on U.S. airliners and in airports.

Now, to add insult to injury, the airlines want a government bailout due to the terrorist attacks and the bad economy. In the interest of national security, I have no doubt that they will be bailed out. After all, isn’t that what free enterprise is all about?

Mayer Gerson

Northridge

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So, the airlines want a multibillion-dollar bailout. But as I understand it, the airlines (not the government) were responsible for airport security and screening of passengers and their carry-ons at Boston, Dulles and Newark. Through the years, experts (including the FAA’s own inspector general) have pointed out how bad security is at U.S. airports, yet the airlines have stubbornly resisted proposed rules for beefing up security. Yes, the airlines appear to be vital to the nation’s economy; I would describe that as a public trust. Are airline executives being held accountable for their mistakes? Or do they get fat salaries and bonuses as usual? I say, no bailout until there is some kind of true accountability.

Michael Scofield

Anaheim

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As we are considering providing assistance to airlines in financial trouble, I presume that Congress will mandate that any aid is accompanied by a substantial sacrifice on the part of the top executives of these companies. The average salary for major corporate CEOs was $20 million in 2000, and rising. This taxpayer would not be pleased to see such excess in any recipient of corporate welfare.

Ken Lanxner

San Clemente

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No doubt the airlines will hurt for a while. That sort of thing happens in the midst of war. And now they request an immediate cash infusion of billions in tax dollars. They will probably, in the mode of the Chrysler bailout and the massive savings and loan bailout, get it. But this small voice in the wilderness offers a better idea. Suppose the government, as an alternative, spends the money on passengers. Just send us free tickets to the locale of choice and at least two benefits will accrue: Aircraft of virtually all airlines will fly at capacity and the traveling public will be instantly and enormously encouraged to once again fly--all at a cost far less than that involved in a flat-out gift.

Richard G. Berry

Hermosa Beach

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I was disappointed when Vice President Cheney announced that the government is willing to give financial assistance to the airlines (Sept. 17). More government interference will only worsen the situation. When will the government ever realize that constant government meddling and spending leads to socialism and decreases in liberty? A bankruptcy or two will be enough to inspire the airlines to work harder for security than will wads of cash thrown at them from taxpayers’ pockets.

William Le

Huntington Beach