By The Numbers

The Numbers for Friday, October 25: Up in the air

Shea Huffman Oct 25, 2013
10%

The amount that Southwest Airlines has increased its fares over the past year. The U.S. airline industry is expected to earn a whopping $6.5 billion this year, with many attributing profits to increased fares and charges for baggage. Southwest is one of the only major lines that still does not charge for checked bags, but the company’s CEO has hinted that could change if consumers grow accustomed to fees. (Marketplace)

5

The number of years until the extension on a number of copyrighted works will start to expire. 15 years ago this Sunday, President Clinton signed the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act, which extended copyright protection for iconic intellectual properties like Mickey Mouse, Gone With the Wind, and Superman. Media companies like Disney will likely ask for copyright terms, some of which are set at 75 years, to be extended even further, while opponents will argue many works should be in the public domain. (The Washington Post)

$1.1 million

The amount United Airlines was fined by the Department of Transportation for tarmac delays that took place at Chicago-O’Hare International Airport on July 13, 2012. The fines are the largest imposed on an airline since the rule limiting delays took effect in 2010. (Reuters)

There’s a lot happening in the world.  Through it all, Marketplace is here for you. 

You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible. 

Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.