It isn't unusual for travelers to wonder if there is precedent for the current chaos on the runways.

Here's a look at how a merger may affect frequent fliers, followed by comments from management and representatives for the flight attendants and the pilots (for those like me that want to better understand why labor favors a merger).

In better times, ordinary Americans could have fun thinking through their work options with the help of the best-seller What Color is Your Parachute? These days, their parachute is gray or black -- and made of lead.

When you see airline crews walking across the terminal with their suitcase on wheels, just know that they are also carrying another kind of baggage.