Cheapest Airfare Affected by Cuts in Airline Flights
Airlines have been adjusting on changes in travelers’ attitudes during this economic downturn by offering cheapest airfare. But it seems the strategy is not enough to keep airline companies afloat as they found another way to survive—cutting on the number of flights.
For several years now, airlines have gradually cut their capacity by reducing flights in an effort to survive the current economic slump. Industry experts said that airlines were forced to reduce their seat capacity because flying with so many vacant seats means revenue loss.
And it seems the trend is gaining a foothold as airlines are preparing to reduce more seats as demand waned. Fewer seats mean passengers have to compete for them and for the cheapest airfare.
There are some ways to circumvent this situation and still travel at low cost. First, get yourself updated on latest travel trends. Data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) showed that available seat miles last June were similar with the same month in 1999.
According to the BTS, the figures do not include the current seat cutbacks for this year’s fall and showed a decline of over 10 percent from the June 2005 peak. The problem is, the country’s population exploded by 10 percent during the same period.
Industry experts said that a shortage in airline seats may lead to overbooking. They advise travelers to avoid being taken out of overbooked flights unless airlines will guarantee a seat on their next flight. They said that travelers could be in for a long wait if airlines tell them that seats would be available on the next possible flight.
Take advantage of every promotion that airlines offer. If possible, plan your travel early so that you will have plenty of time to scout for low airfare. If your travel time is flexible, choose to go on a trip during the non-peak season. This means avoid booking your trip during the holidays. But if you have to, then do your planning and booking early because the closer the departure dates are, the more expensive are the airfare.
Finally, subscribe to airlines’ email newsletters to get yourself updated on their activities and promotions and have the first chance to avail of cheapest airfare when they offer them.
