Air-Travel Headaches Arriving Here Soon, but Look for Deals in Meantime

By Michelle Koetters, The Pantagraph, Bloomington, Ill.

Jun. 26–NEW 3:15 p.m. BLOOMINGTON — Like planes taking off from runways, the direction airline fares have taken is up, up and away. Airlines are in the midst of a critical battle to survive because of today’s record oil prices, said Carl Olson, executive director of the Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington. In addition to reducing the number of employees and flights, airlines also are raising fares and adding new fees to generate more revenue, Olson said.

“The higher fares will hit every traveler in every community,” he said.

Central Illinois families still appear to be traveling in droves this summer as the airport and travel agencies report strong or increased business this season. Special travel packages and lower prices wait for the lucky few to catch them, but many travelers likely will dig deeper into their pocketbooks to get away from home this summer.

Traffic at the airport through May is up 5 percent for the year, and summer bookings look good, Olson said.

But airport officials also are concerned about traffic counts later this year, he said. While Olson didn’t know exactly how much airfare prices have increased from a year ago, he knows travelers pay more to fly this summer — and that will impact the number of passengers.

“The higher fares are not only noticeable, but it’s harder to find the bargain fares that used to be available,” he said.

Fuel charges and new baggage fees airlines have introduced this summer add to the pain of the ticket’s price.

“You will go to the airport and see more people taking carry-on luggage than you’ve ever seen in your life,” said Tim Davis, president of Bloomington’s Suzi Davis Travel American Express.

A better selection for travelers?

But “deals” and “great fares” are still out there, area travel agents say.

In fact, discounted rates happen every year, but travelers actually might have more of a selection this year, said Traci Oman, field manager for AAA-Chicago Motor Club in Bloomington.

“There are specials out there. You just have to look for them,” Oman said.

For example, Oman recently saw a round-trip flight from Bloomington to Orlando priced at $350, but it later was cut in half to $154.

These days, travelers should think of airfares in terms of value instead of cheapness, Davis said.

All-inclusive package specials offer good rates right now, but people who just want to purchase a round-trip plane ticket won’t see the same prices as last summer, Davis said. Fares for those tickets are up about 25 percent, and the number of lower-priced seats — like a $94 round-trip special to Georgia — are restricted, he said.

A year ago, an airline ticket between $150 and $200 was a great deal, but that equates to $250 to $300 now, Davis said.

“Cheap isn’t there anymore. Cheap went away,” Davis said.

Travelers also need to plan ahead and be flexible because it can be hard to find a good value, Davis said.

Flexibility is key for travelers, especially those last-minute planners, said Sue May, owner of Clinton Travel Agency in Clinton.

May talks about a $56 one-way ticket from Bloomington to Orlando.

“That’s low. … But I’ll bet I can find it,” she said.

If people can travel on lighter traffic days like Tuesday or change their destinations, they generally can save 25 percent — or as much as 50 percent — on the cost of their trips, May said.

But if not, they know the consequences, she said.

“Some people want what they want, and they’ll pay the price,” May said.

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Taking to the skies

As summer got closer and closer, airline prices also fell victim to rising fuel costs. Here’s a look at sample ticket prices obtained Thursday for round-trip travel in coach from Aug. 5-9. All flights leave in the morning from the Central Illinois Regional Airport in Bloomington, and return in late afternoon or evening. Airfares include taxes.

Orlando, Fla.

Airline…Airfare

AirTran…$596

Delta Connections…$403.98

United Express…$614

American Eagle…$417

Northwest Airlink…$451.50

SOURCE: Airline Web sites

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