USAir Execs Flying High

USAirways flight attendants, who've been without a contract for 18 months, are livid that the airline's two top executives made $70 million in 1998.

While the total compensation paid to the chairman and to the CEO dwarfs that of their counterparts at the top three airlines, USAirways stock lost 17 percent of its value in 1998.

The flight attendants question whether the pair needs or deserves that kind of money.

Their contract negotiations have bogged down over improvements in pay and retirement benefits.

During the USAirways annual meeting Wednesday, stockholders will be asked to approve a long-term incentive plan for the airline's senior management. It could make them even more money if they meet certain performance expectations.