US Government funding crisis- an unexpected bonus for air travellers,- especially Grannies.

The ongoing drama and brinksmanship in the USA and Congress' resultant refusal to increase the public borrowing ceiling has claimed its first victims. The FAA has furloughed 4,000 workers, hopefully none of them to do with keeping aircraft safely in the air.

An unusual windfall bonus for passengers, Andrew Lloyd-Williams informs us, is that airlines are no longer authorised to collect passenger fees. That means the average one-way flight is now $60 cheaper. Until any staff cuts start to ground flights now is the time to take that long delayed trip. Spurred on by these substantial reductions ,this summer weekend could suddenly see thousands of flying grandparents on surprise trips to see their children and grandchildren. En route they are likely to pass these good people travelling in the opposite direction to see them. Oh well, it's the thought,-and saving, -that counts.