Analyst: NWA pilots deal to help consumers

by Cathy Wurzer, Minnesota Public Radio

Northwest Airlines and its pilots union say they have reached a tentative agreement. The two-year deal would reduce the airline's costs by $300 million a year. Most of the savings would come from changes in pilots' wages, benefits and other contract terms, but salaried and management employees would also see a reduction totaling $35 million a year. Union leaders still have to vote on whether to recommend the proposal to pilots. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer spoke with local travel consultant Terry Trippler about what this means for consumers.