Due to Hurricane Wilma, Annual Benefits Enrollment has been extended until 11:59 p.m. Friday, November 4.  Continental and Continental Micronesia flight attendants need to enroll in benefits for the 2006 calendar year by going directly to the “Your Benefits Resources” Web site at http://resources.hewitt.com/continental or by clicking on the link at www.coair.com. 

Delta Air Lines hopes to rebuild its fleet around simple, fuel-efficient planes. Over the years, Delta has added 14 types of jets to its fleet. Now the airline plans to center its fleet on the 737 for short-haul flights, the 757 and 767 for longer domestic routes and some international routes, and the 777 for intercontinental flights. 

Airlines' shift to international routes could drive fares lower, some observers say. American Airlines Chief Executive Officer Gerard Arpey said he is concerned about some of the international expansion plans and said some additions may not turn out to be profitable. American is among the carriers planning to boost international capacity. Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines have announced similar plans. Increasing competition on trans-Atlantic routes has lowered prices on some fares, and start-ups Eos and MAXjet have launched daily flights between New York and London. British Airways recently announced a sale. 

Ticket prices to the Caribbean are expected to drop this winter as airlines expand service and add more routes. Continental, as well as United Airlines and Delta Air Lines are among the large carriers adding flights. Low-fare airlines including Spirit Airlines, and JetBlue Airways will also expand in the region. 

American Airlines is making more changes to its labor force to help reduce costs. The airline recently said that in December it will reduce the number of flight attendants on certain flights. That could lead to layoffs. Pilots are also preparing for another round of concessions which will center on work rules. 

Fares for business travelers are still at relatively low levels. The average one-way business fare has dropped 36% over the last three years. Competition from low-cost carriers has kept prices low, but analysts say fares will probably increase next year. 

Northwest Airlines may outsource some flight attendant positions on international routes. The airline, now operating under bankruptcy court protection, has proposed staffing some international flights with "regional flight attendants" who are not members of the union representing its flight attendants. The airline is trying to negotiate new contracts with its labor unions. The carrier also wants to outsource pilot and ground-worker positions.  The airline has replaced nearly all of its striking mechanics, according to the company. The airline hired new workers, and some members of the union returned to the airline. Union officials say the strike will continue indefinitely and will not be affected by the replacement workers. 

We would like to encourage all members to attend your Local Lodge business meeting. Each base must have a quorum to conduct business. The following is a schedule for upcoming meetings:  

: Tuesday, November 8, 3:00 p.m. at the Wyndam Hotel.

Cleveland: Thursday, November 10, 4:00 pm at 669 North Rocky River Drive;