Southwest Airlines Making Cuts

Southwest Airlines announced that it will cut 5% of its total capacity. (Cubbie at Flickr Image)"]

The fuel crises is hitting airlines hard. Southwest Airlines announced today that they are among the carriers cutting back. Southwest has been less affected by fuel costs than other carriers because of its fuel hedging strategy, will be cutting 190 flights 3,400-flight daily schedule.

"Systemwide, we typically adjust our flight schedules based on demand," company spokesman Chris Mainz told the Houston Chronicle. "These changes will apply to January through March, when we see some drop-off in travel and traffic."

An airline spokeswoman says its likely some of the flights will be back on the schedule for the busier 2009 seasons.