Low airfares still exist despite rising fuel costs

Oil prices have been on the rise. According to statistics released by the International Air Transport Association, jet fuel in North America is 56 percent higher than a year ago. Since jet fuel is one of the two biggest expenses for airlines, carriers will have to adjust. That may mean higher airfares in the coming months. However, analysts say that so far airlines have been unsuccessful at boosting fares citing several failed attempts by various carriers in recent weeks. While ticket bargains are not quite as good as last year, there are still some very good fares to be had in many markets.

So how will airlines make up for the high fuel costs if they can’t raise fares?  Analysts say they will have to consider other ways to balance the books. Some may look at curbing expansion plans, though such moves would probably not come until after the busy summer season. Deep discounters like Spirit and Frontier typically try to match higher fuel costs by adjusting charges for extras such as seat assignments or snacks. United already tried tweaking some of its food and beverage offerings, though some of those changes were rescinded after travelers complained. Officials at American Airlines said it will look at combating high fuel prices with long term solutions such as retrofitting its aircraft with better seating options that will allow for more seats without compromising legroom.

Regardless of the methods airlines choose to employ, travelers will have to expect some changes in airfares or services in the coming months if jet fuel prices continue this upward trend.

O’Hare’s Air Transit System closed around the clock Monday through Friday  

As a reminder, Chicago O’Hare’s Air Transit System (ATS), which transports travelers between terminals and the economy parking lots, is now closed around the clock Monday through Friday as of May 30. This closure will last through winter. During the closures passengers can instead take a shuttle bus that is scheduled to run every 10 minutes. Signage will direct travelers to bus stop locations.

American Airlines passengers can also take advantage of the carrier’s after-security Terminal Transfer Bus (TTB), which will move travelers from Terminals 3 to Terminal 5. The TTB service will operate between 10:00 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. with pick up locations at Gates G17, K20 and L24.

All airport users should allow extra time to transit between the economy parking lots and all terminals during this long-term closure. More information can be found at http://www.flychicago.com/ohare/ServicesAmenities/services/Pages/ATS.aspx.

Tourists no longer need to pay entry fee at the Dominican Republic airport

Visitors traveling to the Dominican Republic by air will no longer have to pay the $10 cash entry fee upon arrival at the airport. In a move aimed at making things more convenient for tourists while expediting airport arrivals, the Dominican government is instead working with airlines to collect the fee as part of the ticket price. Travelers arriving via cruise ports will continue to follow the existing entry requirements.