11.   Airline executives have been appealing to the White House in an effort to weaken the guidelines, leading some to credit them with the delay.

12.   Airline executives have whined repeatedly about the high cost of better screeners and other security measures.

13.   Airline executives respond to questions about government regulation the way the Scarecrow gave directions to Dorothy after she landed in Oz.

14.   Airline executives said they hoped Congress would provide funding for security.

15.   Airline executives say advance bookings suggest that traffic is still rising.

16.   Airline executives say they are bracing themselves.

17.   Airline executives say they are doing just that.

18.   Airline executives say they have learned from their mistakes, and there is some convincing evidence.

19.   Airline executives should listen to comments like that before their golden goose gets cooked.

20.   Airline executives were coy Friday when asked whether they would be applying for the loans, but analysts and executives said the entire industry might have little choice.