Northwest Calls Off Hundreds of Flights

Updated from June 25

Northwest (NWA Quote) has cancelled more than 500 flights over the past four days, apparently because of crew shortages.

The cancellations could be a precursor to problems that will plague travelers throughout the summer if airline pilots -- frustrated by reduced compensation and increased work hours -- are unwilling or unable to volunteer to fly beyond their normal scheduled hours.

According to FlightStats.com, Northwest called off 453 flights from Friday through Sunday. Another 173 flights were taken off the schedule Monday. Minnesota-based Northwest operates about 1,400 daily departures. ...