Several smaller airlines, including Atlantic Southeast and American Eagle, said they already trained all their pilots to the higher standards.

Officials said 20 passengers, 2 pilots and an attendant were on the flight, Atlantic Southeast 2311.

Atlantic Southeast is an 11-year-old company, Mr. Beiser said, with 1,600 employees in 50 cities and annual revenues of $200 million.

Atlantic Southeast said it sought a 5:59 slot so passengers could reach Atlanta to make other flights.

An official of Atlantic Southeast said the airline was open to a compromise.

Delta announced a deal last month to sell Atlantic Southeast to another of its regional carriers, SkyWest, for $425 million.

Captain Mark Friedline, age 34, had been hired by Atlantic Southeast on in May 1981.

First Officer John Johnston, age 36, was hired by Atlantic Southeast in June 1988.

Flight Attendant Cindy Crabtree, age 30, was hired by Atlantic Southeast in 1986.

But over the last year, Atlantic Southeast has showed only modest improvement, remaining the worst bag handler in the Transportation Department's rankings.