Comair Wednesday eliminated its popular and inexpensive Weekend Traveler program, giving the traveling public its first taste of the long-term pain caused by a continuing pilot strike.

        The public already has been inconvenienced with the Erlanger-based regional carrier grounded for 39 days through today. In addition, Comair is scratching its 815-flight daily schedule 30 days out as the strike progresses.

DAY 39

Share your air travel experiences as part of the Enquirer's flier panel. Sign up online.

        But other than vague references to possible schedule reductions, this is the first move that directly affects customers if and when the airline resumes operations.

        “The severe financial impact of the prolonged strike just makes it impossible to continue a discount ticket program,” company spokesman Nick Miller said.

        Parent company Delta Air Lines has said the strike was costing about $4 million daily — $156 million through today.

        Those who purchased booklets before noon Wednesday can still use them before their expiration date or get a full refund.

        The union representing the airline's 1,350 pilots and company officials met again Wednesday at National Mediation Board offices in Washington, D.C., but neither side would comment.

        The Weekend Traveler program, created in 1989, was extremely popular. In 2000, the company sold $3 million worth of the discount voucher booklets at $315 apiece. Each includes four one-way vouchers, the equivalent of two round-trip tickets.

        “I'm sorry to see it go. It really made it convenient for us,” said Chris Morris, whose husband commutes weekly to Washington, D.C.

Comair kills weekend deal
Delta gets new day-to-day boss
Bush waits to reform Social Security
Building a Zaring legacy
Land for garage to cost $2M
Liquid Oxydol aimed at Gen X
Big 1st-quarter turnaround at Duramed
Ex-governor goes from best of times to worst
Business Digest
Industry notes: Marketing and advertising
Morning Memo
Tristate Business Summary
What's the Buzz?