Breeze Airways, a U.S. startup airline founded by JetBlue's former CEO, is planning its first international flights starting in January 2024, with routes to Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, aiming to attract sun-seeking travelers with fares as low as $99 and a focus on underserved routes.
Spirit Airlines faces potential shutdown due to financial struggles, which could lead to higher airfares as its low-cost model has historically pressured other airlines to lower prices. Its possible sale or closure might reduce competition, resulting in increased fares for consumers, and could impact the overall airline industry and market dynamics.
Airlines are increasingly expanding premium seating options and luxury amenities to attract wealthy travelers, even as overall fares drop and budget airlines attempt to rebrand as premium carriers. This strategy aims to boost revenue from high-paying customers despite overall industry losses, and is likely to continue.
Travel experts have discovered that airlines, such as Delta, are charging solo travelers higher prices for identical flights compared to groups, with examples showing a significant difference in fares for one versus two passengers.
A recent investigation found that Delta, United, and American Airlines are charging higher fares for solo travelers on some domestic flights, with prices sometimes doubling compared to traveling with a companion, a practice that appears to be embedded in their fare rules and not widespread across international routes.
Thanksgiving travel is expected to be busy in 2024, with nearly 80 million people traveling, including 71 million by car, as gas prices drop below $3 per gallon. However, air travel costs have risen, with domestic fares up 9% and international fares up 20% from last year. Despite inflation affecting grocery prices, many travelers are adjusting plans to manage costs, such as shortening trips or choosing cheaper accommodations. The busiest travel days are expected to be the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after.
Flights between the U.S. and Europe are at their cheapest in three years, with average fares dropping to $578 in November, according to Hopper. This decrease is attributed to airlines increasing capacity to meet post-pandemic demand and the traditionally slow travel season. While U.S. domestic fares remain high due to reduced flights and aircraft scarcity, European travel sees discounts as airlines try to fill seats in the offseason. Airlines are also expanding routes to less traditional destinations to maintain interest and profitability.
Southwest Airlines is offering Amazon Prime members up to 30% off base fares for flights booked on Prime Day, July 16 and 17. This partnership marks the first time an airline has collaborated with Amazon for Prime Day deals. The discounts apply to select flights within the continental U.S. and to Hawaii and Puerto Rico, with travel dates between August and December. Reservations must be made by July 17. Other travel companies like Viator and Carnival are also offering Prime Day deals.
The International Air Transport Association warns that airfare costs are expected to rise due to factors like global inflation, high jet fuel prices, and limited availability of sustainable aviation fuel. Despite record revenues and profits, the industry faces challenges such as older aircraft and high taxes, which contribute to increasing ticket prices.
Southwest Airlines has joined Google Flights, allowing travelers to compare its fares with other major U.S. carriers directly on the platform. This move enhances visibility for Southwest and benefits deal seekers by simplifying fare comparisons. However, Southwest does not plan to expand to other third-party travel websites.
Southwest Airlines flights are now available on Google Flights, marking a significant shift from their previous strategy of only selling tickets directly through their own website. This change comes as Southwest faces financial struggles and new Department of Transportation rules that require airfare displays to include fees, making Southwest's bundled pricing model appear more competitive.
Airfare in the United States is at a 15-year low, with average prices nearly a quarter less than pre-pandemic levels, attributed to increased competition among airlines. Travel expert Katy Nastro warns that airline mergers could lead to higher fares. Additionally, a guide to the best countries for expats is provided, featuring Portugal and Mexico. In celebrity news, Arnold Schwarzenegger faces criminal tax proceedings, Pierce Brosnan pleads not guilty to walking in thermal areas in Yellowstone National Park, and an American airline passenger allegedly bit a flight attendant mid-flight.
Amazon is partnering with Student Universe to offer 1,000 discounted flights per day for students looking to travel home during the holiday season. The tickets are priced at $25 per flight and are available exclusively to Amazon Prime Student members. The sale runs until Thursday, with each day's tickets being released at 12 a.m. PST/3 a.m. EST. Travel must take place between December 8 and January 14, 2024. If tickets are sold out, a follow-up offer of $25 off any flight booked through the Student Universe website will be available.
Amazon Prime has partnered with StudentUniverse to offer 3,000 lucky students the opportunity to purchase domestic round-trip airfare for as low as $25, saving up to $500. The promotion is available for three days only, from December 5th to December 7th, with a limited number of 1,000 tickets dropping each day. The deal is valid for outbound travel between December 8th and Christmas, and inbound travel between December 8th and January 14th, for basic economy and main cabin fare only.
"Travel Tuesday" is the day after Cyber Monday when travelers can find offers on flights, hotels, and travel-related gear. To score the best deals, experts recommend starting to shop early and signing up for emails from favorite travel providers. Online travel agencies tend to offer the most enticing discounts, while airlines may advertise discounted flights but not necessarily the best deals. Being flexible with travel dates and destinations is key, and reading the fine print is important to understand any restrictions or limitations.