Home Equity Refinance Purchase

Capital One: Credit Cards, Auto Finance, Loans, and Savings Accounts Credit Cards Auto Loans Savings Home Loans Healthcare Finance Personal Loans Insurance Small Business Credit Cards Rewards Account Auto Savings Line of Credit Contact Us Help Site Map Credit Cards Auto Loans Savings Home Loans Healthcare Finance Personal Loans Insurance Small Business Credit Cards No Hassle Miles Cards Other Rewards Products Auto Savings Line of Credit New? Register here Login Requirements • Beware of fraudulent e-mails • Capital One Bowl and Mascot Challenge Credit Cards Mail Offers Personal Small Business Auto Loans and Insurance New/Used Refinance Insurance Savings High Yield Savings CDs Money Markets Home Loans Home Equity Refinance Purchase Small Business Credit Cards Loans Line of Credit Other Loans Personal Loans Healthcare Finance Auto Loans Blank Check ® auto loans Rates as low as 5.39% No money down Learn More Auto Loans as low as 5.39% APR 30-36 Mo What’s my mortgage payment? Loan Amount: $ Interest Rate: % Loan Term: 30 20 15 Years Other Calculators About Capital One | Investors | Press | Careers | Education | Capital One does not provide, endorse, nor guarantee and is not liable for third party products, services, educational tools, or other information available through this site. Read additional disclosures . Site Map | Privacy | Security | Terms and Conditions Capital One Bank, Capital One, F.S.B., members FDIC. ©2005 Capital One Services, Inc. Capital One is a federally registered service mark. All rights reserved. Blank Check ® is a registered trademark of Capital One Services, Inc. Equal Housing Lender Credit Cards | Auto Loans | Savings | Home Loans | Insurance | Healthcare Finance | Personal Loans | Small Business

home equity options line

Countrywide - Home Equity home equity home owners guide home loan glossary equity credit line process home ownership tips home equity options line of credit options quick approval options rates & costs home equity calculator loan advisor apply now call us: 1-800-825-4549 1-800-825-4549 contact us | site map | log in CFC home | about us | investor relations | business partners Countrywide offers both home equity loans and lines of credit. To decide which is best for your needs: Have our interactive Loan Advisor suggest a loan for you See home equity line of credit vs. home equity loan. View our equity loans for those with less than perfect credit offered by Countrywide Home Loans' Full Spectrum Lending Division . Quick help for selecting the equity loan program for you: For a list of features on any of these loans, just click the name of the loan program. Loan Program Reason to Choose It Key Feature Home Equity Loan You want the entire loan balance at once and a fixed rate. Principal and interest payment remains the same over the life of the loan. Home Equity Line of Credit You want to be able to borrow money as you need it up to the credit limit. Low start rate, then variable monthly rate based on outstanding balance. Combining Home Equity Loans or Lines of Credit With First Mortgages You want to: Use it for a down payment Avoid paying mortgage insurance Avoid jumbo (non-conforming) home loan pricing Can provide additional tax advantages (ask your tax advisor) and is available on most loan programs. Super Streamline Home Equity Line of Credit You recently took out a home loan with Countrywide and may want to: Consolidate credit cards Decorate your new home Prepare for future needs Same Home Equity Line of Credit benefits. Skip most of the paperwork and have the cash you need in no time at all if your job and financial situation haven't changed significantly since we closed your recent loan. Some restrictions apply. 125% Equity Loan For borrowers with better credit who have a need for funds in excess of available home equity Loan amounts up to 125% of the value of the home See HELOC Terms Summary for important terms on our most popular home equity lines. service guarantees | why choose Countrywide? | loan status | find a branch | current customers | home loans | log in loans en espaol | Countrywide's Full Spectrum Lending Division | we house america | banking | insurance | investments your accounts | contact us | site map | careers | about us | investor relations | privacy & security | licenses & registrations Equal Housing Lender. © 2005 Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. Trade/service marks are the property of Countrywide Financial Corp., and/or its subsidiaries. *UpFront Approval is subject to satisfactory appraisal and title review and no change in financial condition. If the rate is not locked or rate protection expires, any rate increase may lower the loan amount for which the borrower has pre-qualified. Some products may not be available in all states. Refinancing or taking out a home equity loan or line of credit may increase the total number of monthly payments and the total amount paid when comparing to your current situation. State Licensing . Privacy & Security.

Buy Home

Mortgages, Mortgage Rates and Home Loans by Quicken Loans America's Home Loan Experts SM GO My Quicken Loans Login Great Rates. Expert Advice. Fast Process. Call 800-251-9080 To Get Your Rate   Refinance Refinance Center Learn About Refinancing Refinance Calculators Refinance Loan Options Contact a Refinance Expert Home Purchase Home Purchase Center Learn About Buying a Home Home Purchase Calculators Home Purchase Loan Options Contact a Purchase Expert Home Equity Home Equity Center Learn About Home Equity Home Equity Calculators Home Equity Loan Options Calculators Calculators Refinance Calculators Home Purchase Calculators Home Equity Calculators Contact a Loan Expert Loan Options Loan Options Refinance Loan Options Purchase Loan Options Home Equity Loan Options Contact a Loan Expert Bad Credit Rates Get your loan approved in just minutes over the phone We bring the paperwork to you for signing it's quick and easy! Calculate YOUR potential mortgage payment below. Select Loan Purpose Refinance Purchase Desired Loan Amount: Expected Purchase Price: Choose A State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut District of Columbia Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Current Monthly Payment: Expected Down Payment: Calculate YOUR potential mortgage payment below. Select Loan Purpose     Refinance Purchase Choose A State           Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut District of Columbia Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Desired Loan Amount Current Monthly Payment Expected Purchase Price Expected Down Payment -- Dis-ARM Yourself Now! Lock into a fixed rate today! Quicken Loans' Chairman Dan Gilbert hosts CNBC's "Squawk Box". Read More Start Taking Control of Your Credit! Introducing FreshStart Get approved for your mortgage - even with less-than-perfect credit Get on the path to paying off debt and repairing your credit Consolidate high-interest bills into one low-interest mortgage payment FIND OUT MORE Rates Keep Rising. Get a Fixed Rate Now! The Fed will keep raising interest rates - Get out of your adjustable rate mortgage or home equity line of credit! Lock your rate for 30 years with payment flexibility. Introducing FIND OUT MORE Flexible guidelines to fit your needs! Introducing Advantage1st No doc and full doc options available Cash out and interest-only options Get a low rate on a mortgage that fits your needs FIND OUT MORE Want a low mortgage rate? Call a Quicken Loans Mortgage Banker now to find out how you can get a low mortgage rate and payment flexibility with our SmartArm ® loan. A Quicken Loans Exclusive FIND OUT MORE What's the Difference between Interest Rate and APR? When you get a mortgage, you are charged two different rates--the annual percentage rate (APR) and the interest rate. Understanding the difference between the two rates is important and will help you make an informed decision when shopping for the right lender and the right loan... Read More Archived News Homeowners Can Still Refinance at Low Rates Dec 29, 2005 Despite Decline, Housing Still Strong Dec 28, 2005 More Mortgage News Quicken Loans - We Are Here to Help You! No one makes it easier than the home loan experts at Quicken Loans! We are ready to help you with your new mortgage , refinance , or home equity loan needs — all at great low interest rates. Explore our web site for exclusive home loan options, easy-to-use mortgage calculators , home loan articles, and instant rate quotes on several mortgages. Quicken Loans is America's #1 online mortgage lender. Apply for your mortgage online or talk to a Quicken Loans home loan expert today. Call us now at 800-251-9080. 3,400 home loan experts ready to help you Refinancing | Home Loans | Home Equity Loans | My Quicken Loans Login Mortgage News | Mortgage Rates | Mortgage Calculators | Apply Online About Us | Careers | Contact Us | Feedback | Site Map | Help | Search Security and Privacy | Disclosures and Licenses | Terms of Use © 2000 - 2005 Quicken Loans Inc., All rights reserved. Lending services provided by Quicken Loans Inc., a subsidiary of Rock Holdings Inc. “Quicken Loans” is a registered service mark of Intuit Inc., used under license. Build 2741 2005-10-25 09:50:43

Real Estate Broker

Welcome To North Carolina Real Estate Commission News Update Effective April 1, 2006 Gov. Easley Signs Historic Real Estate Licensing Bill On September 14, Governor Easley signed legislation making the most significant changes ever in the Real Estate License Law. Soon, salesperson licenses will be converted to (provisional) broker licenses, license applicants will be required to complete more real estate education, and persons wishing to become brokers-in-charge of real estate offices must have additional training and real estate experience. At its September meeting, the Real Estate Commission recognized the following persons and organizations who were instrumental in the passage of the legislation: • Representative Julia Howard who, with Representatives William Culpepper and Harold Brubaker, sponsored the legislation and who advocated for it on the House Floor and in committee; • Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand who sponsored a companion bill and spoke for the legislation on the Senate Floor; • North Carolina Association of REALTORS® which used its considerable resources to promote the legislation; and the Commission’s 2004 Broker-in-Charge Advisory Committee which conceived and recommended the legislation to the Commission. Commission Chairman Rick Watts concluded the proceedings by remarking that, as a result of this important legislation, “Real estate consumers will soon be served by more knowledgeable agents, and North Carolina’s real estate licensing program will be restructured to meet the needs and demands of the 21st century marketplace.” For more information about the changes in the North Carolina Real Estate License Law, please click on the following links: Summary of Changes to Real Estate License Law and Frequently Asked Questions Proposed Commission rules effective April 1, 2006 New Publications Two new publications from the Real Estate Commission are now available. Real estate licensees and interested persons may now purchase the Broker-in-Charge Guide a reference publication covering the administrative and supervisory responsibilities of brokers-in-charge of real estate offices. The 104-page volume, which serves as the text for the Broker-in-Charge course, is newly re-designed, will be updated as needed and may be purchased at a price of $10 either here on the Commission’s website or with publications order forms. Also now available is the latest addition to the Commission’s popular series of “questions and answers” brochures - Questions and Answers on: Real Estate Closings . Designed to answer many of the questions frequently asked by purchasers about residential real estate closings, the pocket-sized publication covers such topics as loan commitment letters, property inspections, title insurance, deeds, homeowner associations, and closing statements. Memo to Brokers-in-Charge The Commission has published a memorandum to all Brokers-in-Charge describing the advantages of an all broker office. To view the memo in its pdf form, click here . Trust Account Compliant Software Vendors List Now Available A list of vendors of software that the Commission has found to be "substantially" compliant with Commission rules and the Trust Account Guidelines can be found by clicking here .

buy house abroad and

The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Business NEWS AND VIEWS PUNJAB HARYANA JAMMU & KASHMIR HIMACHAL REGIONAL BRIEFS NATION OPINIONS MAILBAG BUSINESS SPORTS WORLD SPECIAL COVERAGE CHANDIGARH LUDHIANA DELHI THE TRIBUNE SPECIALS 50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE TERCENTENARY CELEBRATIONS B U S I N E S S A-I fleet expansion plan takes off as Boeing offers Rs 1,000 cr rebate New Delhi, December 24 The empowered Group of Ministers today approved flag carrier Air-Indiasplans to purchase 68 aircraft, after securing a Rs 1,000 crore discount on the deal value from US manufacturer Boeing. Istithmar stake in SpiceJet is $50m Stewardesses walk past the engine of an Air Deccan Airbus A-320 aircraft on the tarmac at Bangalore airport. Low-cost private carrier Air Deccan announced on Saturday, that it would buy 30 A320 aircraft from European consortium Airbus Industrie for $1.5 billion. AFP photo Apax to buy Tommy Hilfiger for $1.6 b New York, December 24 After several months of searching for a suitor, Tommy Hilfiger on Friday embraced the same private equity firm that two years ago helped buy out fellow US design icon Calvin Klein. EARLIER STORIES No decision on selling stake in PSUs December 24, 2005 New Year bonanza for RIL investors December 23, 2005 Kalam draws up roadmap for 10-12 pc GDP growth December 22, 2005 Govt to list large central PSUs December 21, 2005 Govt invites EoI for 8 pc stake in Maruti shares December 20, 2005 Raha terrific CEO, but ONGC faulty, Mani tells PM December 19, 2005 Govt may inject dose of health cess to boost economy December 18, 2005 Rs 9,245-cr package for rural coops okayed December 17, 2005 Tatas buy Thailands steel company December 16, 2005 Aiyar blows hot and cold on LPG, kerosene price hike December 15, 2005 Roche, Hetero ink deal London, December 24 Swiss pharmaceutical firm Roche has signed a deal Hyderabad-based Hetero Drugs authorising it to manufacture and sell its anti-viral flu medicine Tamiflu under licence in a number of developing countries. CBoP mulls acquisition Mumbai, December 24 The Centurion Bank of Punjab, the merged entity between the Centurion Bank and the Bank of Punjab, today said it is looking at further acquisition to increase its presence in the domestic market. INVESTOR GUIDANCE NRIs can buy house abroad and claim exemption in India Q: I have sold my house in India and earned some capital gains. Can I claim exemption u/s 54 by purchasing a house abroad? Aviation Notes Tourism to figure in Punjabi Parvasi Divas meet Aviation and tourism are among a few vital areas for development and expansion through non-resident Indians in Punjab in particular and country in general. Taiwanese models display a Toyota Motor Marathon Race concept car at the 2006 International Auto Show on Saturday in Taiwan. AP/PTI A-I fleet expansion plan takes off as Boeing offers Rs 1,000 cr rebate Tribune News Service & PTI New Delhi, December 24 The empowered Group of Ministers (eGoM) today approved flag carrier Air-Indias (A-I) plans to purchase 68 aircraft, after securing a Rs 1,000 crore discount on the deal value from US manufacturer Boeing. Besides the huge discount on the total price of around Rs 35,000 crore, Boeing has also offered to set up MRO (maintenance, repair, overhaul) and training facilities in India at a cost of around $205 million. The eGoM has also made Boeing agree to sourcing materials from India, equal to 30 per cent of the value of the aircraft, which works out approximately to Rs 8,500 crore. After a five-hour long meeting that eGoM and A-I officials held with Boeing representatives, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel told reporters that the documents would now be sent to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for final approval. The eGoM, headed by Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, has Law Minister H.R. Bhardwaj and Programme Implementation Minister Oscar Fernandes and Patel as members. Patel had a few months ago informed Parliament that the deal would cost Rs 38,900 crore which was the price prevailing at that point of time. Official sources said A-I has converted its options to buy 16 aircraft into a firm order, taking the total number of firm orders to 50. It is also acquiring 18 more aircraft for its subsidiary Air-India Express. The fleet would comprise eight Boeing 777-200 (Long Range), 15 B777-300 (Extended Range) and 27 B787s, besides 18 Boeing 737-800s for Air-India Express. The AI Board has selected engines for all 68 aircraft from the CFM International, a 50:50 joint venture between Snecma of France and General Electric Aviation of the US. While the B777-200s and 777-300s would be fitted with GE90 engines, the B787s would have GEnx engines, totalling to about Rs 4,912 crore. The B737-800s of the AI Express would be fitted with CFM56 engines at a cost of around Rs 768 crore. The fleet acquisition proposals of Air-India and Air-India Express were cleared by the Public Investment Board on October 13. While the precise calculation of the monetary concessions was being worked out, an official statement gave a break-up of the $205 million investments promised in India by Boeing and GE. The money would be used for setting up four training simulators costing (up to $75 million), MRO for Boeing aircraft (up to $100 million) and training and other civil aviation requirements ($10 million), besides GEs investment in an engine shop ($20 million). Istithmar stake in SpiceJet is $50m Dubai: Istithmar PJSC, a UAE-based investment house focusing on private equity and alternative investments, has announced that it has raised its stake in low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet to $50 million. It invested $12.5 million in SpiceJet earlier this year, and the present stake-rise was made through the carriers recent issue of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCB). Istithmars investment in SpiceJet, its first in India, reflected the groups long-term plans in Indias burgeoning aviation industry, news reports said. Executive Chairman of Istithmar Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, said his company is extremely bullish on low-cost carriers in India with the current spate of reforms and the gradual shift to a more open skies policy. UNI Apax to buy Tommy Hilfiger for $1.6 b New York, December 24 After several months of searching for a suitor, Tommy Hilfiger on Friday embraced the same private equity firm that two years ago helped buy out fellow US design icon Calvin Klein. Tommy Hilfiger Corp said it had accepted a $1.6 billion cash takeover bid from Apax Partners. Apax in 2003 teamed up with clothing vendor Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. to buy Calvin Klein, and PVH said it is in preliminary talks with Apax on how they could collaborate on a Tommy deal. This is an incredible brand, a great American iconic brand that we think we can continue to grow globally very significantly, John Megrue, Apax co-chief executive officer, said. John Orrico, fund manager of the Arbitrage Fund, a mutual fund that specialises in merger targets, said that in light of Tommys 49 per cent share rise this year, the price seemed fair. Theyre getting taken out in line with market expectations, Orrico said. Tommy Hilfiger, which maintains headquarters in Hong Kong and New York, has struggled with relatively flat sales for the past five years. J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. advised Tommy Hilfiger on the deal. Reuters Roche, Hetero ink deal London, December 24 Swiss pharmaceutical firm Roche has signed a deal Hyderabad-based Hetero Drugs authorising it to manufacture and sell its anti-viral flu medicine Tamiflu under licence in a number of developing countries. The deal makes Hetero the second drug company after Shanghai Pharmaceutical Group to receive a sub-licence that will allow it to sell large volumes of Tamiflu at a price that it chooses. It will also be the first time Roche has authorised a partner company to produce and sell Tamiflu not only in its home market but also in other less developed and developing countries. A Roche spokesman said the deal, which initially lasts for two years, will allow Hetero to sell Tamiflu at whatever price it chooses in India and countries where there is no or poor intellectual property protection for the drug. UNI CBoP mulls acquisition Mumbai, December 24 The Centurion Bank of Punjab, the merged entity between the Centurion Bank and the Bank of Punjab, today said it is looking at further acquisition to increase its presence in the domestic market. To fund the acquisition and other expansion plans, the bank would raise up to Rs 416 crore in the overseas or domestic markets. It would also increase its authorised capital to Rs 250 crore from Rs 150 crore by issuing additional 20 crore shares to three private equity investors. Acquisition is part of our strategy. We will grab the opportunity as and when it comes, Banks Chief Executive Officer Shailendra Bhandari told PTI from Goa where the banks board held an extraordinary general meeting. He said the acquisition would aim at increasing the banks presence in the country and would be carried out in such a manner that the branches do not overlap too much. Centurion Bank of Punjab has 240 branches, mainly concentrated in the North and South. It has reasonable presence in the West and limited presence in the East. Asked whether the bank would look at any bank in the East for acquisition, Bhandarai evaded any direct answer. PTI Investor guidance by A.N. Shanbhag NRIs can buy house abroad and claim exemption in India Q: I have sold my house in India and earned some capital gains. Can I claim exemption u/s 54 by purchasing a house abroad? Vinayak A: Sec. 54 and 54F give exemptions from tax on long-term capital gains arising out of sale (or transfer) of a long-term asset, provided the assessee has purchased within one year before or two years after the date of sale or has constructed within three years after that date, a residential house. Now comes the amusing part. An NRI (and in some special conditions, even residents) can buy a house abroad and claim the exemption legitimately. The legislation has not added the words in India! Yet another case for CBDT. 1-by-6 category Q: Is 1-by-6 category for filing returns applicable to NRIs? Bhoumik A: Notification 10674, dated August 20, 1998 has exempted NRIs from the 1-by-6 category. It has also exempted senior citizens having no business or professional income even if they possess an immovable property. Also foreign travel to certain countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka or pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia or to China organised by Ministry of External Affairs does not fall under the 1-by-6 category. Income from NSC Q: I have purchased NSCs, which mature after six years. My question is regarding taxation thereof. Do I have to pay the tax at the time of maturity when I receive the money? That would mean a heavy burden on me and may take me to the next tax bracket also. Is there any way out? Subhash A: The income from NSC is chargeable to tax on accrual basis. It accrues only at the end of each year. The year-end is computed from the date of purchase and is not related to the end of the financial year. However, if you have failed to do so in earlier years, you may pay the tax at the end of the term (on receipt basis) but you will lose all benefit of deductions on annual interests. Section 80C Q: I invested in the Tax Saving ELSS mutual fund scheme in the month of August/ September, 2005, opting for Systematic Investment Plan (SIP). I invested an amount of Rs 5,000 per month and would thus invest a sum of Rs.35,000 by March 31, 2006. I also intend to deposit an amount of Rs.70,000 in my existing PPF account before March 31, 2006. Can you kindly let me know: 1) Whether I will be eligible to get deduction of Rs.1 lakh from my taxable income u/s 80C for A.Y. 2006-07; 2) Whether the above mentioned investments, both in ELSS as well as PPF would qualify for EEE or EET method on withdrawal (ELSS investments will remain locked in for 3 years hence attracting long term capital gains upon withdrawal after three years and PPF account completes 15 years this year hence eligible for total withdrawal of balance and closure next year). 3) I have some earned interest on my investment in NSC in previous years and will pay LIC premium on my 12-year-old insurance policy and will continue to earn interest on existing NSC and pay premium on the insurance policy in future also. So what treatment would they get in subsequent assessment years EEE or EET? If I will need to claim deduction u/s 80C for the same. Sumeet A: Yes, you are entitled to claim the benefit u/s 80C for the FY 05-06 for both ELSS and PPF investments. EET has not yet become a law and it is strongly felt that if and when it is enacted, it will not be with retrospective effect. Therefore, at least for FY 05-06 the old EEE system will apply. The answer to this question is similar to point 2 above. For FY 05-06, it will be EEE and for subsequent years, it will depend upon when and in what manner the law is enacted. Demat charges Q: I read your article on Dividends - Look before you strip, was informative for layman . Sometimes the accountants who file our returns are not aware of all these lT rules (IT laws). I have a small doubt in stocks / equity shares, while considering capital gain/loss, can we factor in CDSL or demat charges ? What about STT? Vinod Argekar, Muscat A: The Continent Deferred Sales Load or CDSL is reduced by the MF from the repurchase NAV and the investor gets only the net proceeds in hand. Hence, it gets automatically factored in. STT cannot be claimed by an investor as a deduction. However, if you are a trader, you can set-off the STT against your tax on trading profits. Demat charges are of two types, one charge is for dematting the particular scrip whereas the other charge is the general holding charge. The first charge can be directly associated with the scrip and hence you can claim it. The other charge needs to be apportioned over the entire portfolio and hence is that much more difficult to claim. If it is significant then the apportionment exercise may be carried on. However, if it is minimal then the means wont justify the end. Trust this meets your requirements. The author may be contacted at wonderlandconsultants@yahoo.com Aviation Notes by K.R. Wadhwaney Tourism to figure in Punjabi Parvasi Divas meet Aviation and tourism are among a few vital areas for development and expansion through non-resident Indians (NRIs) in Punjab in particular and country in general. This all-important topic will be discussed threadbare at the two-day international convention, organised by the Punjabi Parvasi Divas at Chandigarh on January 14 and 15, 2006. Many renowned aviators and tourism personalities are expected to provide wide-range data for expeditious progress. Aviation analysts are of firm belief that speedy progress is possible only when infrastructure is developed at different airports. The fact of the matter is that many more planes are criss-crossing domestic skies than before but there is not even marginal development at airports, which are the gateways of the country. Existing climate is conductive as common people have realised that time saved is money saved. No wonder more persons are flying through no-frills airlines. Apart from Indian, which has been a key player for decades, five private carriers Spicejet, Air Deccan, Kingfisher, Sahara and Jet Airways have been flying high. While India continues to have major market share, these private operators have been offering razor-sharp competition to each other. In a free for all, more private operators are about to join as the new year unfolds. The analysts feel that the competition will become more combative which new promotions and schemes being floated by innovative players. Imagine, Air Deccan is even eyeing for flying on NE routes to capture the market. The fares are lower but we have no problem to make the most of it, said airline officials. This is however one version of the airline industry. The other is that there are more players in the vexed airline trade than there is room for. They predict at least 50 per cent will fold or merge with each other before 2006 closes. This observation is not improbable because airline trade is a rough industry. Recently, Kingfisher Airlines has introduced special fares for the Indian armed forces, government employees and public sector personnel. Analysts says it is surprising that no carrier is offering similar kind of facilities to mediapersons. Media is a huge market now. There is indeed a boom as far as airlines are concerned. But despite new operators and routes being connected with each other, the ground situation in airports remain static. The congestion has increased manifolds and pre-flying and after flying continues to be irksome to passengers. If the passenger has to reach airport about two hours before scheduled departure, he has to wait for long to get his baggage. In all, flying is not as much comfortable as it ought to be. Flights are often delayed and then there are instances when flights are cancelled without any prior notice to passengers. Some operators are hell-bent on taking passengers for granted. 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