United slowdown may cause delays

A United Airlines flight slowdown may cause extra delays for many University students trying to fly home for Thanksgiving break today. Angered by United's rejection of a buyout offer that would have given workers a majority ownership of United's parent company, UAL Corporation of Chicago, the machinists union asked its members to tighten security and rigorously obey safety regulations. While industry analysts have speculated that the union has emphasized safety in an attempt to create the slowdown, the union has denied these charges. In the wake of delays and cancellations caused by an American Airlines' flight attendant strike, which came to a close Monday, University students with tickets on United flights expressed their anxiety this week after hearing of another possible slowdown. College and Wharton sophomore David Magid is scheduled to meet his younger sister tomorrow at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. If his flight is delayed, he may not arrive on time to meet her. "I really need to get to Chicago," he said. "I'm actually meeting my sister at the airport and if we don't coincide then she might be left stranded in the airport and she's only 12 [years old]. "I'm sure they have valid reasons [for the slowdown]," he added. "But around Thanksgiving it affects too many people." Magid's flight is scheduled to take off at 8 a.m., but due to the slowdown, he said he will arrive at Philadelphia's airport at 6 a.m. to make sure he gets home. College senior Stacia Troester may also face delays today, on her way to Dubuque, Iowa, via Chicago. If the first leg of her flight is delayed, she may have trouble getting home. "United said a slowdown won't affect their flight schedule," she said. "But if the flight is late, I would miss my connection." Troester said she was trying to remain optimistic yesterday as she contemplated her flight alternatives. "I don't agree with the union's philosophy," she said, "but if it's causing greater adherence to safety policy, then it benefits me as a passenger."