saving fuel
 

Why haven't they been doing this all along.

May 2, 2008 -- Drivers have long known slowing down on the highway means getting better gas mileage. Now airlines are trying it, too - adding a few minutes to flights to save millions on fuel.

Southwest Airlines started extending each flight 1 to 3 minutes about two months ago, and projects it will save $42 million in fuel this year.

"What we're doing is flying at a more consistent speed to save fuel," said Megan McCarthy, a United Airlines spokeswoman.

Airlines would save a lot more if they were towed to and from the runway as oppose to taxiing.