The cost of jet fuel is soaring, some reports saying U.S. airlines are paying 30 percent more in the past several weeks. Several airlines have announced cost-cutting steps and most have passed on higher fuel prices in the form of higher ticket prices.

US airlines, facing sharply higher fuel prices this year, have announced a series of cutbacks in service and staffing, in order to reduce costs.  One of the country's largest carriers, Delta Airlines, is offering buyouts to nearly half of its workforce. VOA's Paul Sisco has more on these trying times in the skies.