How Do Airline Slots Work?

The slot system is designed to keep takeoffs and landings spaced out so that air traffic controllers can safely manage the flow of aircraft. The system works like this: An airline applies for a slot at a specific time and for a specific day at an airport.

The application is reviewed by the airport authority, which approves or denies the request based on a number of factors, including whether the requested time slot is available and whether the airline has used its slots efficiently in the past.

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If the request is approved, the airline is assigned a slot and must adhere to that schedule. If the airline wants to change its schedule, it must go through the same process of requesting a new slot.

The slot system was first implemented in the late 1940s, and has been modified several times since then. In recent years, the system has come under criticism from airlines and passengers who say it leads to flight delays and cancellations.