Hey jetsetters! Starting 2012 your domestic airline tickets may become even more expensive. In 2005, airlines first started charging baggage checking fees that raned anywhere from 15 to 40 dollars. And because most Americans are money conscious, there was a large influx of carry-on bags. Currently we have the same number of x-ray machines at the check point, but a 50% increase of traffic which causes longer lines and less efficient security. Although customer satisfaction is important, the main problem is security. According to homeland security secretary, Janet Napolitano, adding more security staff could cost  250,000 dollars a year. The Department of Homeland Security has proposed an increase from $2.50 to $4 in the passenger security fee, which would raise an estimated 600 million dollars a year. The US Travel Association suggested that airlines follow the example of Jet Blue and include one checked bag in the base ticket price. In addition to security fees, airlines also have to worry about fuel prices. Barrels are at a record high of 147 dollars. So whether you’re trying to fly home for a break, or just escape to Forida for some sun, watch out for those upcoming price hikes.

In February, the House of Representative passed House Resolution 1, also commonly known as H.R. 1. Not yet approved by the Senate, HR1 would eliminate $5.7 billion, nearly 25% of funding for the Federal Pell Grant Program, which is the largest source of federal need-based financial aid in the country for students pursuing college educations. The House Republicans’ budget proposal, would reduce the maximum Pell Grant award by $845 for millions of students and eliminate the college aid program altogether for an estimated 10,000 students nationwide. Already, the average student debt is $23,000, and cutting Pell Grants would only increase that burden. If approved, the bill would have an undesirable effect on America’s already declining education system because an increasing number of students would not be able to afford it. Although a college education is becoming increasingly important, at what price should it come? Evidently at about $200,000. At Cornell, approximately 2,200 students currently receive Pell Grant funding, the most in the Ivy League, according to Thomas Keane, director of financial aid for scholarships and policy analysis. Because the proposed cut would affect financial aid beginning in the 2011-2012 academic year, the University would face $1.76 million worth of cuts in Pell Grants, which may or may not be made up by the University. Moral of the story: get involved, contact your Senators, or start saving up.

As Cornell students look forward to upcoming Spring Break, warm destinations (out of this cold and snow) are popular. After the oil spill last year, Gulf Shores, Alabama are proud to welcome back tourists. BP recently completed a major cleaning operation, scooping up virtually all of the sand on 32 miles of beaches to varying depths and running it through giant mechanical sifters before putting it back in place. The area expects a crowd of more than 250,000 visitors for Spring Break beginning on March 16th. So Cornell, dig out those bathing suits, pack the sunscreen, we’re headed south!