In the decades after airline deregulation took hold in the United States, planes went from 50% to 80% full. More planes in the sky also created a very congested air traffic system. As other world markets deregulate their airline industries, the problem will continue to worsen. Two key initiatives, one in the United States and one in Europe, are meant to deal with congested skies. But, will there be enough motivation and money to see them implemented?

The European Union has approved the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by imposing a buy and trade system for airlines taking off and landing at EU airports. The ruling will include non-European carriers. This has most airlines up in arms, warning that higher fares may result.

Your comfort on an aircraft can depend on numerous factors: the type and location of your seat, how full your flight is, the cabin class you're in, and the persons seated next to and around you. Since any one of these factors has the potential to become an annoyance, how do you keep the peace in your mind and around your limited space?

IAPA members share the sentiments of just about every frustrated traveler increasingly suffering through extensive flight delays. Enough is enough.

Debate has been raging for some time over the effects on the planet of carbon emissions, and what we should do to prevent the global warming they are believed to cause. Aviation is under the spot light because it is perceived as both a major polluter, and a sector that doesn't pay it's share of taxes – taxes that arguably could be used to offset these emissions. Add to this the exponential growth in leisure air travel driven by the advent of low cost carriers, and many feel that it is time the airlines paid their environmental dues.