Airline travelers get the message: Take the train

By Jane Nix
CNN.com Travel Editor

Crowded ticket counters were a common site at airports this summer as United Airlines canceled thousands of flights.

(CNN) -- Labor troubles, bad weather, flight delays, safety issues, grumpy passengers and griping government officials all contributed to some rough times for U.S. airlines in the year 2000.

Problems peaked in June and July, as record flight delays stranded thousands of travelers. The problems were particularly severe for United Airlines, which blamed bad weather and a labor dispute with pilots for the cancellation of thousands of flights.

Later in the year, as the Christmas holiday loomed, Delta Air Lines was forced to cancel hundreds of flights due to a labor dispute with its pilots that reduced cockpit crew availability.

Airline and government officials also sought ways to cut down on the number of near collisions occurring on airport runways, including rule changes for pilots and development of more high-tech equipment.

Amid those controversies, several airlines discussed mergers, stirring concern in Washington that diminished competition would lead to poorer service and higher prices.

In addition to the proposed merger of giants United and US Airways, American and Northwest airlines were considering joining forces, and Delta expressed interest in Continental.

As some travel costs increased, due in part to higher gas prices, new Web sites blossomed, each offering the promise of better airfare bargains.

One potential startup, Orbitz, drew criticism from competitors and others who worried it might show unfair favoritism to its founding airlines -- American, Continental, Delta, Northwest and United. Orbitz denied the charges and plans to launch next summer.

While airlines struggled to keep the customers satisfied, American train travel appeared to enjoy a renaissance.

Amtrak reported monthly ticket revenue hit a record of $107 million in July, and ridership surpassed 2 million -- the highest in 10 years.

Amtrak's new Acela bullet train also set off on its maiden voyage in November, traveling at a top speed of 150 mph.