Commercial air transportation has long since lost its luster as the sophisticated, intelligent way to move around the nation or across the globe, yet that reality has little to do with aviation's controversial impact on the environment. Flying has largely deteriorated into an affordable ordeal, made bearable only by the allure of the destination, or the family, friends, and business associates at the other end. Cheap air travel is a paradox that is seemingly becoming more politically incorrect by the day. Its detractors are not lacking for ammunition, and aviation's unique environmental issues only make matters worse.