Vacation plans hit 30-year low

That’s among the “undercard” items in the latest roundup of economic indicators, but one that should get more attention.

The percentage of respondents to a survey who said they plan to take a vacation in the next six months hit a 30-year low. Why does it deserve the additional attention?

Vacation travel is one of the bigger drivers of the summertime economy, first of all.

Second, airline industry woes. Airlines are already dealing with soaring fuel prices, plus the Federal Aviation Administration’s recent, belated crackdown on safety inspections. Throw in a weak air travel season, and airlines are going to be hurting this summer.