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U.S. Airlines hoping for a successful summer
Let's file this one under "boo hoo". U.S. Airlines are hoping that summer air travel will help dig them out of the slump they have been in for the past year(s). As business travel has plummeted, consumers trying to escape all the doom and gloom for a couple of weeks of R&R is pretty much all they have left to hope for.
So, if summer travel is this important for them, you'd assume they would take the time to load some juicy low airfare for us, wouldn't you?
Sadly, they want to have their cake, and eat it, as airfare prices for the summer months are absolutely atrocious.
Some examples of the fares loaded at the moment:
United Airlines - Chicago to Las Vegas in June - $521
United Airlines - Chicago to Paris in July - $1054
American Airlines - New York to Paris in August - $939
American Airlines - Los Angeles to Hong Kong in August- $2054
Delta Airlines - Atlanta to Paris in September - $1023
Continental Airlines - Newark to Amsterdam in August - $948
None of those fares are exceptionally cheap, and in a time where the airlines claim to be hurting so badly, it isn't exactly like they put effort into lowering prices to help passengers.
In fact, I'm guessing that the airlines just assume (and hope) that you and I will be so eager to travel, that we'll pay anything.
These high prices will have a bad effect on summer travel - it will force passengers to sit and wait for fares to drop, making their vacation plans even more complicated. You'd think the smart airlines would want to offer something good now and lock passengers in as early as possible.
Of course, only finding bad fares may force people to completely abandon their plans and stick to a more budget friendly trip.
For tips on how to squeeze the most out of your trip, check out this handy guide by Tom, or go through the budget destination posts we've written for you.
Filed under: Airlines, Budget Travel, News
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jamie Rhein Mar 11th 2009 12:13AM
We booked a flight today to Venice from Columbus, OH on U.S. Airways for $850 and that included trip insurance. This is for the beginning of August. Interestingly, when I checked out flights from NYC to Venice, they cost more--a little more than what you list to Amsterdam. I was surprised.
walki-talki.com Mar 11th 2009 1:12PM
We at walki-talki.com hope that this is the breakout year for us and all other vendors of digital walking tours. I imagine we will be more appealing to tourists this year than ever before.
Then again, I could be wrong.
Mikie Mar 11th 2009 6:31PM
Dude: Are you kidding me??? High prices??? Those prices you listed are bargains. Do you know of any other way to get to these places for less??? Paris for $1,023??? Perhaps you can take a bus for less? Oh yeah, there is that pesky little ocean problem. And of course the bus won't handle your bags, feed you, or give you drinks for free either. I really wish those that appear to want everyone to give them everythign for free would just grow up and realize things in life are not free. Perhaps you can donate yourself and not be paid, but most services cost something. Air travel is one of the few bargains left out there.
Scott Carmichael Mar 11th 2009 7:21PM
Mikie - I think you are missing the point.
I'm not debating whether airfare is a bargain or not. I'm debating that the summer airfares loaded by the airlines is not in line with their desire to drum up some extra traffic.
Let me explain - a summer trip to Vegas is $521, but that same trip next week is $200 less.
A trip to Paris in the summer is $1021, that same trip in April is a whopping $547 cheaper.
Yes, I understand the whole "supply and demand" system of airfare, but if airlines are relying on us passengers to save them this summer, then they need to lower these fares.
Mikie Mar 11th 2009 7:32PM
So go now if you want the lower price. Of course it is cheaper now you fool. All off season things are cheaper. You will find hotel, car rentals, etc. etc. all cheaper off season. You can't compare prices like that. It's apples and oranges. Paris in the summer is far nicer than Paris in March. Stop whinning and do some shopping. Early purchase will get you a better price. If you wait until the last minute prices will also be higher. I booked a package to Vegas in October last month for only $400 per person including round trip Delta airfare and hotel at the Monte Carlo which is one of the nicest hotels on the strip. Used Travelocity. I also fly Delta overseas and find them the best airline going. You can't always go by just price. Lots of considerations involved in air travel. You can save a few bucks and risk things by using these fly by night operations that use kids for crew and pilots, but I don't advise it.