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LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 12: A couple hugs at the Alaska Airlines terminal at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) as the airline plans to cut capacity and slash jobs on September 12, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. Under pressure from skyrocketing fuel costs, a softening economy, and increased competition, the air carrier will cut capacity by 8 percent this winter and slash about 10 percent of its 10,000 employees including pilots, flight attendants, aircraft technicians, and reservations, customer service and ramp agents. In addition, low-demand flights on Saturdays and holidays and seasonal service on three Mexico routes are facing cuts, and flights on major routes will be reduced by about one round trip per day. Alaska has recently converted its fleet to all fuel-efficient Boeing 737 jets and is increasing fees and charges.
