2006年VOA标准英语-Airport Security Hassles Benefit Niche Market A

By Mil Arcega
Washington, D.C.
28 August 2006
 
watch Business Travel report

Travel analysts¹ say flying business class is becoming more attractive as heightened airport security makes traveling more of a hassle.   As VOA's Mil Arcega reports business class-only airlines are gaining new customers.

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Airport security lines  
  
Despite long lines, delays and cancellations, airline passengers are paying more to travel.  And they are making do with less.

A security guard calls out: "You cannot take beverages², shampoos, suntan lotion³, creams..."

With new airport security restrictions⁴ in place, some passengers say flying around the world has become more frustrating⁵ and less glamorous⁶.

Due to higher fuel costs and reduced profits, airline analysts say ticket prices are about 10 percent higher than they were last summer.  And with fewer planes flying fewer routes, passengers are looking for alternatives.

 
Maxjet is one of two new airlines catering⁷ to transatlanic travelers
  
Eos is one of two new airlines flying business class-only flights to London.  The airline boasts having only 48 seats on a plane built to hold 220. Maxjet, another fledgling carrier, has three times the legroom as regular coach with 100 seats on a plane built to hold twice as many.

For some passengers, the contrast is striking.

"Night and day.  It's comfortable," says one passenger. Adds another, "There is a lot less stress involved.  They really pay attention to all the small things."

Beds are a distinctive⁸ amenity⁹ for the specially-outfitted airplanes   
  
Eos offers flat bed seats for about $3,000 round trip -- less than half the usual business class fare.  Maxjet is offering the same service for $1,500 dollars. 

Kevin Doyle, senior editor at Conde Nast magazine says there is a reason why both airlines are making money. "I think it has to do with the public's desire for comfort and value.  I think it is that simple."

And travel analysts say established airlines are paying attention. United Airlines, which posted a profit this year, recently withdrew a fare increase on its business class tickets.  And two more airlines have announced their intentions to fly business class-only flights next year.

1 analysts   

分析家，化验员( analyst的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• City analysts forecast huge profits this year. 伦敦金融分析家预测今年的利润非常丰厚。
• I was impressed by the high calibre of the researchers and analysts. 研究人员和分析人员的高素质给我留下了深刻印象。

2 beverages   

n.饮料( beverage的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• laws governing the sale of alcoholic beverages 控制酒类销售的法规
• regulations governing the sale of alcoholic beverages 含酒精饮料的销售管理条例

3 lotion   

n.洗剂

参考例句：

• The lotion should be applied sparingly to the skin.这种洗液应均匀地涂在皮肤上。
• She lubricates her hands with a lotion.她用一种洗剂来滑润她的手。

4 restrictions   

约束( restriction的名词复数 )； 管制； 制约因素； 带限制性的条件（或规则）

参考例句：

• I found the restrictions irksome. 我对那些限制感到很烦。
• a snaggle of restrictions 杂乱无章的种种限制

5 frustrating   

adj.产生挫折的，使人沮丧的，令人泄气的v.使不成功( frustrate的现在分词 )；挫败；使受挫折；令人沮丧

参考例句：

• It's frustrating to have to wait so long. 要等这么长时间，真令人懊恼。
• It was a demeaning and ultimately frustrating experience. 那是一次有失颜面并且令人沮丧至极的经历。 来自《简明英汉词典》

6 glamorous   

adj.富有魅力的；美丽动人的；令人向往的

参考例句：

• The south coast is less glamorous but full of clean and attractive hotels.南海岸魅力稍逊，但却有很多干净漂亮的宾馆。
• It is hard work and not a glamorous job as portrayed by the media.这是份苦差，并非像媒体描绘的那般令人向往。

7 catering   

n. 给养

参考例句：

• Most of our work now involves catering for weddings. 我们现在的工作多半是承办婚宴。
• Who did the catering for your son's wedding? 你儿子的婚宴是由谁承办的？

8 distinctive   

adj.特别的，有特色的，与众不同的

参考例句：

• She has a very distinctive way of walking.她走路的样子与别人很不相同。
• This bird has several distinctive features.这个鸟具有几种突出的特征。

9 amenity   

n.pl.生活福利设施，文娱康乐场所；（不可数）愉快，适意

参考例句：

• The amenity of his manners won him many friends.他和悦的态度替他赢得很多朋友。
• Teachers' good amenity and culture have important educational value.教师良好的礼仪修养具有重要的教育价值。