Released: September 01, 2008

Flyers brace for airline changes

Source: Harry R. Weber, Associated Press [Baltimore Sun] (Free Registration)

ATLANTA - The grip U.S. airlines have on travelers’ wallets is about to get tighter as carriers go ahead with plans to trim their domestic schedules due to the high cost of fuel.

Executives acknowledge that despite the economic downturn, fares will rise, discounts currently available will be scarce, and routes and frequencies of flights will be reduced as domestic capacity is cut through the end of the year. The changes starting in September come on top of a litany of new charges - for luggage, drinks, pillows and other amenities - announced by some airlines earlier this year.

“Airline travel is airline travel - it’s been bad for a long time,” Chris Bardasian, an American Airlines frequent flyer, said recently at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. “I suspect prices will go up, fewer people will travel, and if you’re willing to pay the price it will be fine.”

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