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Feb 26, 2009 8:10 am US/Central
Price War Begins Between Airlines
DANIA BEACH, Fla. (CBS) ―
If you have plans to travel this summer, now is the time to book a flight due to an air fare war taking place among major airlines but there are tricks to getting the best prices, reports CBS station WFOR-TV in Miami.
Travel experts say demand for air travel seems to be stalling. One airline is hoping to do something about it.
AirTran has launched a fare sale with some deep discounts including fares starting as low as $39 for a one way ticket. There are a few caveats; like you have to book your tickets between March 5th and November 4th.
"I don't remember a sale this extensive in the last twenty years," said Tom Parsons, CEO of Bestfares.com, a discount travel website. According to Parsons, it's unheard of to offer these kinds of discounts five days a week. "You'd be lucky to get just three at a discount price."
American, Delta, Continental, United, U.S. Air, and Jet Blue quickly jumped on board with competing routes. Parsons tells WFOR "for the airline to be this cut throat, they are begging us to fly."
Which begs the question, will travelers take to the skies this summer?
Larry Schmoyer tells WFOR at the Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood International Airport, "No, it's not going to encourage me to fly more, no? Don't like flying that much to begin with and you still need money once you get there". Another passenger thinks it's a good idea. Mike Hood and his family are getting ready for their trip to Canada. Hood said, "Well, I think airfare is typically the largest part of the budget, so I could see it influencing us to take an extra vacation or two."
Watching the fares every week is key according to Parsons. BestFares.com recommends holding off that early booking and shopping around.
Many travel websites offer a search of nearby airports. In South Florida, the options are Miami, West Palm Beach and Ft Lauderdale-Hollywood International. More airports mean a more affordable ticket.
"I can go from Miami to New York for $138 with all the taxes, or I can go out of Ft Lauderdale and you have to decide if it's worth fifty bucks to you to travel." Parsons added.
Bottom line, a poor economy is hitting everyone. But paying attention could save you a lot of cash.
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AirlineConsolidator.com
Find Cruise Deals:
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CheapCaribbean.com
Plan Your Trip:
TripIt.com
SmarterTravel.com
Dining Deals:
OpenTable.com
Vegas Vacation:
Vegas.com
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