I see further cuts, but after SOC. Figure December 2010.

Look at the load factors, maybe another 3% cut, but hopefully by then things will have turned around. FAA says 2.7% growth after 2010. The previous forecast was 4.0% and 4.0% is about what the industry has done in the past.

To get this straight, it's only on your head if you are on the move? Not in the crew van, not in the lobby waiting?

If we are in flight and have to snap a deuce, does that hat go with you?

Hah hah! Only if you have a bald spot to cover!

Bar,

Don't think the FAA has any better clue on this than anyone else. I think we'lre starting to see the impact from the original stimulus last year and folks are starting to spend again.

Of course I'm a glass is half full type and YMMV.:)

And if your not in Atlanta, it stays on that bag while you walk through the terminal. That is why all rollerboards have a built in hat holder.

Seriously?? I've been flying with the airline's for 13 years and I never knew we had a hat holder on our rollerboards. Learn something new every day.

I like the High and Mighty technique of wearing the hat in the cockpit, in the cabin, at home with my lady friend, watching 24 and thinking "yeah, I could be Bauer" all while letting the moisture condense inside my nylon lined skull cap, etc.

However, Cap'n, nothing but nothing screams authority and command like a man wearing his hat to the lav to drop a deuce.

Leave on your bag while walking and risk it it falling off. Left mine in Cairo the other day for that very reason.

You must be young grasshopper. If you turn it sideways, slightly wedge it between the handle, and learn to walk "smoothly", the hat will sit very nicely on top of the rollerboard. There is a reason why those handles were made as wide as they are. With practice, you won't leave it in Cairo. Before I mastered the art, mine fell off, got wedged under the rollerboard, and was drug down VA Ave about 100 yards before I realized I had lost the precious piece of equipment.

Saw an FNWA 757 FO wearing his on the walkaround the other morning in LGA. Much to learn! It's only been 4 years since they've been optional...

We originally were going to end up taxiing in front of them but got delayed... we were going to put our hats on in the cockpit as we taxiied by and have our headsets smooshed over them.

The hat never comes off!