The U.S. Travel Association confirmed in a survey what many frustrated fliers already know: The No. 1 airport headache is passengers who pull too many carry-on bags through security and onto flights.That number has skyrocketed in recent years—86 million more bags were carried on in the year than during the same period two years earlier, the Transportation Security Administration estimates.The reason for the carry-on jump is no mystery: All the major domestic airlines now charge to check(托运)even one bag, generally $25. To save money and time at the baggage claim, passengers carry as much as they can on board, with predictable consequences.At security checkpoints, these millions of extra bags, many of them densely packed, mean longer lines. Once past security, the fun continues at boarding. On a typical flight, there’s a fierce fight for scarce overhead bin space, extending the boarding process. Bags that are stuffed under seats make passengers even more uncomfortable.There has got to be a better way. In fact, there is. Here’s what a more sensible system would look like:No fee for the first piece of checked luggage. It would be better if airlines simply raised fares(机票)instead of fees. Limit the carry-on size and charge for large carry-ons. Use templates(标尺)at the security checkpoints to cut off the monster bags that now often escape airline staff’s notice until they’re right at the door of the plane. Tax the airlines’ income from fees the same way that fares are taxed. Currently, the fees are tax free, encouraging airlines to generate income through fees rather than fare increases.We’re sympathetic to the airline industry’s need to make money, but the baggage fees—previously intended to offset rising fuel costs—have become an interruption that slows down the security check, offloads costs onto fliers and makes the boarding process even more unpleasant than it already is.
1.What makes the air travelers most frustrated at the airport?A.The limited overhead bin space for bags.B.The number of bags they carry on board.C.The long line at the baggage claim.D.The extra fee they have to pay for carry-ons.
2. What is the main cause of increasing number of carry-ons?A.The fee for the first piece of checked baggage.B.The tax placed on the fees on the carry-ons.C.The bitter fight for the overhead bin space.D.The complicated boarding process.
3. What does the author mean by saying “the fun continues at boarding”?A.It’s a great pleasure traveling by air.B.There are even more troubles at boarding.C.Passengers often feel relieved after passing security.D.Passengers can relax in comfort once they are on board.
4. What is a predictable advantage to tax luggage fees according to the writer?A.To offset rising fuel costs.B.To keep the air fares from rising.C.To discourage airlines from profiting from fees.D.To stop oversized bags from passing the security.
5. What is the writer’s attitude towards airline industry?A.Critical B.SympatheticC.Approving D.Indifferent
【答案解析】
1.【答案】B。解析：细节题。定位于原文第一段第二句The No. 1 airport headache... through security and onto flights可知令机场头号疼痛的事情是乘客携带过多的行李，故选B。
2.【答案】A。解析：细节推断题。要考你的逆向思维，定位于原文第六段第一行No fee for the first piece of checked luggage可知第一件托运行李不收费，故选A。
3.【答案】B。解析：细节推断题。第四段第三行On a typical flight, there’s a fierce fight for scarce overhead bin space, extending the boarding process与最后一句Bags that are stuffed under seats make passengers even more uncomfortable，可知上了飞机后还有其他的问题出现，故选B。
4.【答案】C。解析：细节推断题。逆向思维，定位与原文第六段最后两句Tax the...fees are tax free, encouraging airlines to generate income through fees rather than fare increases可知这些费用是免税的，鼓励航空公司通过收费而不是增加票价来增加收入，故选C。
5.【答案】A。解析：作者观点题。明显作者带着批判的眼光看原文的问题，故选A。
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