Holiday travel, airlines add fees

With the holidays rapidly approaching, many people want to spend time with family and friends. Families many times are spread across the country and in some cases around the world. A story running in the local newspaper caught my eye today. Several of the major airlines are tacking on additional fees for flights during the holidays.

It is reported that four carriers, Delta, American, US Airlines and United, added a $10.00 charge for bookings on the busy days around Thanksgiving and the New Years. The airline industry has experienced a sharp drop in revenue due to the worsening economy and these fees; they believe will help with the bottom line. But with the airline industry under attack, this will not turn public opinion to their favor.

Of course not all carriers are following suit. Southwest Airlines and Continental Airlines have not added fees for holiday travel. As you know Southwest has always considered its self a maverick and has used the bag fees charged by other airlines as a marketing tool.

Travelers in the past have postponed booking the holiday flight until the last moment in the hopes of securing a deal. Industry experts don’t expect that airlines will be offering discounted fares this year.

It would appear that if you are planning to travel by air to see your family and friends this holiday season, it would best to book early or avoid flying on the days immediately surrounding the holidays.

Sources:
Bloomberg News
Mary Jane Credeur and Mary Schlangenstein
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=agTUQApaQj3c

Chicago Tribune
Julie Johnsson
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-sat-airline-fees-uaua-amrsep26,0,4171728.story

St . Petersburg Times
Steve Huettel
http://www.tampabay.com/