"'One can assume NWA would cut some flights that aren't producing as much revenue. Memphis could lose a few flights, but I think the cuts would be proportionate to the whole operation.' Northwest has 230 flights out of Memphis.

'NWA, in particular, would do well to avoid alienating customers in Memphis, who have been loyal clients,' said Joel Widzer, travel consultant and author.

'Loyal US Airways customers were upset when they abruptly pulled out or reduced many flights in the Florida markets,' he said. 'It prompted many Floridians to avoid USAir at all costs. Northwest will most likely not make any drastic changes.'

He expects NWA and Delta will emerge stronger and more efficient.

'Bankruptcy allows them to restructure in a way that reduces their costs and help them focus.'"

Traffic is normal for now, with hopes that NWA will take a page from USAir
from The Commercial Appeal; Memphis, TN
by Jane Roberts
September 16, 2005

"What has happened in the past with frequent flier miles on airlines that filed for bankruptcy protection?

'Passengers who accumulated miles with larges airlines such as United Airlines and U.S. Airways did not lose them,' said Joel Widzer, a travel consultant and Author of The Penny Pincher's Passport To Luxury Travel. 'Also, when American Airlines acquired TWA, American allowed TWA miles to be used for 18 months. Passengers will notice few if any changes in the near future,' said Joel Widzer, a travel author who contributes to “The Daily� at Tripso.com. 'I have about 600,000 miles in my Delta account and I am not worried at all about losing them,' said Widzer."

Experts Answer Questions about Future Travel Plans
from The Tampa Tribune
September 15, 2005