Five good things for travelers in 2009

November 7, 11:21 PMSacramento Budget Travel ExaminerJeremy Branham

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Sacramento Budget Travel Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Not all bad news for travelers credit:(AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, file)

Traveling in 2009 has had its ups and downs.  Airlines have struggled.  The number of flights are down.  Fees are up.  Prices are down and availability is up.  Lately, health concerns, airline struggles, and increasing fees make it seem that there isn't much good news these days.  However, there is some good news to look back upon in 2009.

Here are five bright spots for travelers in 2009:

1. Fewer fees from online travel agencies - Many of the travel fees for booking flights and vacations on online sites are down as many booking fees have been waived. 
2. Lower fares - Prices on airfare are down from this time last year.  That's been good news for summer vacations and holiday travel.
3. Hotel sales - With capacity up, hotel sales are down.  Upgrades, deals, wards, bonuses, and lower prices are available for those who are looking for them. 
4. Air delays are down - With the number of flights down, this has resulted in better on time performance.  Many of the airlines have improved their on-time arrival rate.
5. Better service - Cleanliness and customer satisfaction are up with the airlines.  Customer service initiatives have been a focus of airlines now.

While the travel industry has fallen on hard times, there is some good news for travelers as a result.  Hopefully, 2010 will continue to see more opportunities and deals for travelers.

www.usatoday.com/travel/deals/inside/2009-11-05-five-bright-spots_N.htm