A new year means new changes within the airline industry. To stay up on the latest I headed over to Conde Nast Traveler to have a look and deciphered the major points of change that could affect your travel schedule sooner than you think.
1. The total cost of air travel will rise, even if air fares don’t.
Although actual ticket price won’t rise airlines may be more creative in tacking on at least a 3percent in extra fees. The airlines have hiked air fares repeatedly in the past two years—about ten percent overall. So how much higher can they go? The consensus is that fares will rise another three percent in 2013, with fares and fees combined. And get ready for an end to the days of airline fire sales. At least on name-brand, full-service airlines, those are probably over, except for niche airlines like Spirit that follow the Ryanair model of rock-bottom fares and high fees for extras.
2. The Department of Transportation will demand more transparency on airline fees.
But at least if you have to pay those fees, you may get more upfront disclosure about what they are. Consumer complaints about “hidden fees” are prompting the feds to propose requirements that all fees be prominently disclosed and displayed—and that this rule should extend to other air-travel sellers like travel agency websites. Look for the DOT to take some action as early as this spring.
3. Airline consolidation will enter its final throes, both here and abroad.
Some airlines will have to operate in some form of bankruptcy. So expect mergers between strong and failing airlines this will create new airline names, prices and destinations. American Airlines is set to emerge from bankruptcy in 2013, so look for a merger deal between the No. 3 network airline (after United and Delta) and US Airways, long regarded as the weak sister of the remaining “network” airlines. But despite a groundswell of support for the merger, it still faces some serious hurdles, including the question of how to blend labor forces, a job that USAirways still hasn’t finished seven years after its merger with America West. Also this year, look for Southwest to start absorbing Air Tran, starting with code-sharing flights and, ultimately, painting over the livery. And with Delta acquiring a big stake in Virgin Atlantic, we’ll see more joint flights among airline partners over the pond.
5. More new planes will enter service and give more guests a comfortable ride.
Look for better seating, more amenities such as in-flight Wi-Fi, individual screens with more entertainment, and better seating.
Anticipated airports finally open, and amenities improve.
If we are paying extra fees it’s nice to have airports with better dinning, shopping, experiences. Airports so far have focused on exclusive high -end eateries and boutique surrounding hotels.
Before you pack your bags, make sure you’re making the most out of your pre-trip planning efforts and be in know of what to expect at an airport near you soon…
