WASHINGTON - Struggling airlines asked Congress for financial help Tuesday, saying security costs imposed after last year's terrorist attacks are hampering their recovery. <br>
<br>
Little more than a year after Congress approved a $15 billion package for the industry, airline executives asked the House Aviation subcommittee to consider tax relief, reimbursement for security costs and an extension of the terrorism insurance policies issued by the government after the Sept. 11 attacks. <br>
<br>
Leo Mullin, chief executive of Delta Air Lines, said about 40 percent of the airline industry's expected seven billion dollars in losses this year could be attributed to security costs. He said that doesn't count passengers who won't fly because of security hassles. <br>
<br>
For Delta, which represents one-sixth of the industry, Mullin said terrorism insurance rose $150 million, new cockpit doors cost $20 million, the loss of seats to federal air marshals cost $35 million and restrictions on cargo cost $90 million. <br>
<br>
Aviation subcommittee members say they were willing to give the airlines some temporary help, but some lawmakers say the industry needed to fix problems it brought upon itself.
