For the third consecutive year, Boeing hosted an Airline CEO Panel during the NBTA convention. For the second year, Fran Gallagher and I were guests of Boeing and enjoyed front-row seats during the one-hour question and answer. And, once again, the panel was informative and fast paced while providing a few chuckles. The panel is moderated by travel journalist Peter Greenberg. The participating CEOs were Gary C. Kelly of Southwest Airlines and Larry Kellner of Continental Airlines. The format is 45 minutes of questions from Greenberg, with answers from both CEOs. Then, the floor is opened to questions from the audience. The attendance at this year’s panel was standing room only. The proposed Passenger Bill of Rights was discussed at great length, especially in light of a recent Continental tarmac delay. Kellner was quick to acknowledge that Continental was accountable for the situation, but stressed the importance of safety in those situations. Often the safest solution is not the easiest decision, as safety first can mean lengthy delays and disgruntled passengers. Along the same lines, the CEOs both mentioned that due to limited flights, passengers often opt to wait out long flight delays rather than see flights canceled. With fuller flights and reduced capacities, canceled flights can mean days of waiting until passengers can be rebooked. Kellner and Kelly both agreed that when passengers are faced with the question of dealing with a lengthy delay or having a flight canceled, they overwhelmingly choose the delay. Both CEOs acknowledged that, while things are not getting any better, they also are not getting any worse. The outlook looks brighter as it appears airlines may have seen the worst of it. Gary Kelly continued to promise Southwest would not charge baggage fees. Both also discussed the current state of business travel. All in all, the CEO panel is a rare glimpse into the lives of airlines’ top executives. It is informative, attempts to answer some of the tough questions and is always interesting. –Kimberly Krol, eFlyer editor, circulation and public relations executive