I was reading a note at Online Travel Review about the american airline Northwest’s decision to charge US$ 50 to every employee who wants to participate in the company’s travel program, which used to be a free benefit. Add US$ 50 for every additional member of the employee’s family. While, as Online Travel Review remarks, it’s still a great deal for the airline’s employees, it’s clear how the benefits are increasingly being cut down for companies employees and their families. I don’t know what’s going on with other companies but the pressure to sell the tickets out as well as the stronger competition has pushed companies to find ways to sell the tickets out before departure, which reduces the chances to get a seat for all those who have “stand by tickets”. If you have further information, feel free to leave your comments here.