8.26.2008

Fasten WHAT seat belts?

In order to save fuel costs, Air Canada's 'Jazz' carrier is removing life vests from its aircraft. Apparently, Transport Canada regulations stipulate only one means of flotation is required for flights within 50 nautical miles (about 90 km) from shore, so this page is advising my readers to hang on tight to those seat cushions, because you never know when the Great Lakes, Hudson, Bay, or the Georgia Strait might suddenly be jumping up at you.

This announcement follows similar measures by the airline to reduce the amount of weight being carried on its flights, such as the removal of 270 crew members. This page can only assume that these would have been the heavier among Air Canada Jazz personnel. As airlines dispense with everything from onboard entertainment systems to safety equipment to staff, what will the future of air travel look like?

For those of you scoring at home, Wayne and Shuster called it years ago.

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