The three largest U.S. airlines - Delta, American and United - have all added a $10 airfare surcharge for holiday weekend travel at Thanksgiving and New Years. Specifically, the higher pricing applies to November of this year and January 2-3, 2010. This is an obvious sign that advance sales are looking good, at least during the peak holiday dates, and the airlines are confident that they can get a little more for those travel days.
For those of you considering a Thanksgiving or Christmas season getaway to visit family or friends, now would definitely be the time to make your plans and confirm your booking. In all probability this won't be the last price increase for the peak dates if confidence in an improving economy continues.
This $10 increase is not retroactive to earlier bookings, so once you get your reservation confirmed the price will locked in. American Airlines led the way with the latest increase which also now been matched by US Airways.
Comments
I haven't made my reservations yet, and I plan some holiday travel, so I'd better get going. Thanks for the reminder.
I like the way you read the tea leaves. Very good analysis and timely information.
Thanks for the info, Marc. Wasn't sure if I subscribed before, but I just did now, in case I hadn't.
i also read about this. so far i'm not planning a trip, but i don't think $10 will stop me if i do.
Great, another wonderful PR move for the airlines. Let's charge extra to see Mom, Dad and the Grandparents on holidays. Why not hold the grandkids hostage for a fee while your at it. Maybe you could triple the luggage fee for the kid's toys they bring back. By the way guys have you thought of putting a 400% surcharge on families that travel back home for family funerals? Why not be a real scrooge and just black out those dates entirely. When all of the airlines go bust I hope there are no bailouts for them. When you run a business based on no customer service and nickel and diming screwing your customers to death you don't deserve to survive as a business.
I don't think it's entirely fair to paint the airlines as the "bad guys" on this. Their business has been crushed by the recession and they are increasingly desperate for cash. You would do the same in their shoes.
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