Will Prices drop in the Fall?????

[kapper]

I've seen lots of airfare sales already. Typical "select" markets, of course. Costa Rica (SJO on sale, not LIR) is one example I saw recently. Lan is running a sale right now for fall travel. Funny thing is that most sale travel ends before Thanksgiving!! (no surprise)

There are several fare specials for business class travel, too. The 50 day advance ones are not much more than some of the summer coach fares to US to Europe ($1900RT coach vs $3000RT biz) Lots of the international carriers are trying to get the upscale travelers to fly them. Supply and demand and competition.

One LCC will have to raise fares soon. Spirit Airlines pilots have ratified their contract offering--be mindful to uncheck (to opt out) their extra fees like insurance, seat selection etc.

Major airlines are reporting increased traffic last quarter and profits are returning [after a long period of losses].

kyshel would probaly have access to more back rom chatter than most of us on this subject. I think the more consolidation of air carriers, the less likely we are to see reductions in fares. Maybe temporary spot reductions, but overall, I think air fares will likely rise over the long term.

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According to the folks I have talked to in Mexico, Mexicanna is still doing a booming business with internal flights. It seems that it is their international division that is having problems at the moment.

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I am finding that prices are now starting to rise - 2 weeks ago in researching airfares for my trip in March - the airfare was around $419 RT, I just looked this week and the same route on the same airline is now $546 RT - I am waiting to see if the fare goes down again since I have not purchased yet. Also - 2 weeks ago one of the legs on the trip was totally empty and now the same leg is totally full - doesn't seem to make sense.

[kyshel]

I am finding that prices are now starting to rise - 2 weeks ago in researching airfares for my trip in March - the airfare was around $419 RT, I just looked this week and the same route on the same airline is now $546 RT - I am waiting to see if the fare goes down again since I have not purchased yet. Also - 2 weeks ago one of the legs on the trip was totally empty and now the same leg is totally full - doesn't seem to make sense.

I think the uncertainty of Mexicana bookings has shifted many pax to book alternate flights/airlines. if there is limited competition, supply/demand shifts as well, in terms of price/seat. Makes sense to me.

[bonniejoy03]

Hi D....You seem to have the same issues I have had! It seems whenever I need to purchase air, the fares are low. When I am ready to book, the fares rise! It is almost as if they can track your monitoring of the site!! My air in Costa Rica went from 398 to 598 in a matter of weeks. (and this was over 6 months before the trip!!)

[jmbklj]

I'd just keep an eye on things for domestic travel in Mexico, due to Mexicana's bankruptcy and the downgrading of all Mexican airlines/codeshares with US carriers. I don't think you;ll find much difference in frontline service but cancels/refunds/changes may be major issues.

I'm having the same problem watching Feb flights for Hawaii.

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I booked my internal flight in Mexico on Aeromexico - all the land and internal arrangements are now made for the trip. Just have to do the international air.

[Mountie]

Depending on your destination. Prices always seem to drop in the autumn; at least sales seem to pop up with deeply discounted prices.

[travel2fun]

I've seen lots of airfare sales already. Typical "select" markets, of course. Costa Rica (SJO on sale, not LIR) is one example I saw recently. Lan is running a sale right now for fall travel. Funny thing is that most sale travel ends before Thanksgiving!! (no surprise)

There are several fare specials for business class travel, too. The 50 day advance ones are not much more than some of the summer coach fares to US to Europe ($1900RT coach vs $3000RT biz) Lots of the international carriers are trying to get the upscale travelers to fly them. Supply and demand and competition.

One LCC will have to raise fares soon. Spirit Airlines pilots have ratified their contract offering--be mindful to uncheck (to opt out) their extra fees like insurance, seat selection etc.

Major airlines are reporting increased traffic last quarter and profits are returning [after a long period of losses].

I'm not seeing prices drop.