As gas prices continue to soar, some airlines have taken the unusual approach of increasing flight times by flying slower. Airlines have advised that the change is minimal and the longer flight time is absorbed into the extra time already built in for taxiing and traffic delays. However, the savings is in the millions for airlines. For instance, Southwest Airlines reports it will save $42 million in fuel this year by extending each flight by one to three minutes. 

However, do not expect to see the savings trickle down to the consumers. Airlines have already reported that they will be increasing fares, adding a fuel surcharge and charging a fee for the checking in of second bags. 

Read the full story at The New York Times

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