Airlines back to normal in fare charges

Calcutta News.Net
Tuesday 27th July, 2010

Travel agents are telling their clients that the good times might be over for cheaper fares.

Airlines all over the world are finding passengers to fill most of their flights, with bookings tight over the Northern Hemisphere holiday period.

The summer travel season has seen fares go up significantly, with the six biggest US airlines earning about $1.3 billion in the second quarter.

Airline managers have said more profits are expected for the rest of the year.

When airlines were struggling to fill seats following the recession, the same carriers lost $22.7 billion in 2008 and 2009.

Travellers are also paying for extras now, such as a long-leg-room seat, bags and phone bookings.

Carriers that took in $13.5 billion from fees in 2009, a 43 percent jump in just one year, will probably continue the practice of charging for the add-ons.

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