UNDATED (AP) Some lawmakers have been highly critical of the Big Three auto executives for flying to Washington this week on company jets and then asking Congress for a $25-billion bailout.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said it "doesn't send a good message." Corporations insist business jets are not a lavish perk, but a more secure and efficient way to travel and conduct business.

Ed Bolen, of the National Business Aviation Association, says about 11,000 U.S. companies operate jets or powerful prop planes, and more use smaller planes.

Bolen says companies like their chief executives to be productive and to have access to phones and e-mail during flights.

And he says executives can hold private conversations about company business without fear of being overheard.

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