Hodes Calls on Obama to Ease Holiday Travel Delays

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November 23, 2009 -- Concord, NH -- Congressman Paul Hodes is calling on President Obama to ease holiday air travel delays by allowing commercial planes to travel in military airspace. The Federal Aviation Administration has opened up these "holiday express lanes" in recent years, and the move has proved effective in reducing the number of late arrivals.

"As Granite Staters prepare to travel across the country to visit their friends and family for the holidays, we must do everything we can to prevent unnecessary delays," said Congressman Paul Hodes. "Allowing commercial flights to use military airspace increases on-time arrivals, saves fuel, and decreases the time that families will have to spend in long lines and crowded airports. Especially in light of recent computer glitches that caused delays in the Granite State, I strongly urge the President to open this airspace and provide relief for folks traveling to and from New Hampshire."

The letter to President Obama, sent Friday, notes that, "over 20 percent of flights from January 2009-September 2009 were delayed. If the number of delays is increased during the busy holiday time continues, many travelers will lose valuable time off with their families, friends and loved ones. In 2007, these "Holiday Express Lanes" allowed some East Coast flights to trim more than 100 miles off their trips, while 4,800 flights used California military airspace saving 96,000 miles."

The full text of the letter is below:

Dear President Obama:

As the holiday season draws near, I am writing to encourage you to help ease congestion during the holiday travel season by allowing commercial aircraft to temporarily use military airspace.

In recent years, parts of military airspace have been opened up for commercial use during the busy holiday travel season. This temporary use has helped ease delays during the peak travel season. Americans have many things to consider while traveling, and a delayed or cancelled flight due to lack of airspace shouldn’t have to be one of them.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), over 20 percent of flights from January 2009-September 2009 were delayed. If the number of delays is increased during the busy holiday time continues, many travelers will lose valuable time off with their families, friends and loved ones.

In 2007, these "Holiday Express Lanes" allowed some East Coast flights to trim more than 100 miles off their trips, while 4,800 flights used California military airspace saving 96,000 miles.

In light of the November 19, 2009, computer glitches that occurred at the Federal Aviation Administration’s computer centers that affected New Hampshire flights, it is important that we do everything possible to make sure that travelers get to their destinations on time.

Opening these military airspaces will help ensure that we have a safe and efficient holiday travel season. I encourage you to reopen this airspace during the 2009 holiday season to ensure all travelers have a safe and easy trip. Thank you for your consideration of this request.

CC: Secretary of Transportation

FAA Administrator

Source: Congressman Paul Hodes