Originally Posted by
USMCFLYR
Can someone explain to a person who doesn't know much about the -121 world how bidding for departure slots will ease the congestion at the 3 major NYC airports? I mean if there are X number of departures per hour under the current system and under this new plan they offer the same number of slots but airlines are able to bid for certain times - how does that alleviate congestion? It was reported that delays from those 3 particular airports are responsible for up to 60% of the delays nation wise!
USMCFLYR
Under a system of slots, the airport and FAA determine how many take-offs and landings they can handle an hour and that is the number of slots. At an airport without slots, any airline is free to operate as many flights as they want. If for example, three different airlines want a 3 pm departure, they can schedule it. Obviously, only one can take off at 3 pm, the other two will be a few minutes late, but that has the tendency to make everything late. Under a slot, all three airlines bid for the 3 pm slot and the winner gets the 3pm, the other two cannot operate their flight.
Clear as mud.