Air fares to become more complex in 2005
Air fares for business travellers are set to become more complex and varied in 2005 as intense competition leads to airlines repeatedly changing their price structure, according to Carlson Wagonlit Travel.
The travel management firm points out there are now three additional fare options in Europe – those from low cost carriers, dynamic fares from traditional carriers and lower fare options in long haul business class.
The low cost carriers have forced the mainstream airlines to offer an increased number of cheaper fares in return for constraints, such as booking a week to ten days in advance.
Carlson Wagonlit believes an even wider range of fares will be offered this year. “There will not only be an increase in the variety of fare type and levels in 2005, but there will be additional complexity,” said a spokesman for the company.
“For example there will be constant changes route by route, caused by increased emphasis on yield control and competition.”
Another major trend predicted in 2005 is that airlines will charge different prices by country, following a change to the International Air Traffic Association rules.
Companies are now permitted to make their purchasing decisions based, among other things, on the most advantageous exchange rates.
Overall inflation of fares is expected to run at around 5 per cent unless there is a significant drip in the price of jet fuel.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026