The research company Skytrax has released the results of its annual airline quality survey. Asian carriers typically are found at the top of the quality lists so this year was no surprise. But, the perennial favorite Singapore Airlines slipped one notch to number two. Who was number one?

The "monster monopoly" warning that Virgin Atlantic chief Sir Richard Branson had issued in opposition to the British Airways-American Airlines joint venture proposal seems to be falling on deaf ears. The airlines expect to clear the final hurdle – European regulators – this month, clearing the way for the realization of a 14-year effort.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced plans to bump up the cost to airlines for bumping passengers on overbooked flights. The proposals also include greater transparency in pricing and fees as well as tweaks to the recently-enacted tarmac delay limits. The actions are encouraging for airline passengers, so how are the airlines reacting?

An Australian court has ruled that airlines are liable to pay commissions to travel agents on fuel surcharges that date as far back as 2004. This affects not only Australian carrier Qantas, but other international carriers that operate flights out of that nation. Will the added costs mean higher fares?

A survey conducted by the U.S. consumer publication Consumer Reports reveals the 12 top grievances among flyers in the U.S. Topping the list is checked baggage charges, fees, and rude staff. Do you agree with the rest?

A European Union court has declared that the frustration and pain of losing one's luggage is not enough to force an airline to pay more than the established compensation limits. The maximum price for your lost or damaged luggage, including your emotional grief, stands at €1,134.71.

The airline industry has faced one of the worse economic downturns in its history. Though signs are pointing to a slow recovery, two sure-fire methods for sustainability keep coming up in conversations with airlines – consolidation and new sources of revenue. They both cost passengers more money and are largely disliked by travelers. But with fee revenue now in the billions of dollars, what's not to like ... if you're an airline?

Airline executives make it a point to stress that business decisions such as add-on fees are made with the passenger's benefit in mind. If you ever had any doubt whether such fees would last, the smiles of some executives at an aviation conference in March seemed to give the answer.

The idea of paying to use the lavatory in an airplane has been the punch line of many jokes about airline fees. "What are they going to do, start charging to use the toilet?" Why, yes.

The overhead compartment has been a place to stow your "normal" carry-on items and, space permitting, an additional laptop case or jacket or duty free items. With airlines fees for checked baggage causing a surge in the sizes and numbers of carry-on items, some flyers have grumbled that airlines instead should charge for the bags on board, not the ones in the cargo hold. Be careful what you wish for.