All articles tagged with #fares
Airlines faced backlash for charging solo travelers more than groups, leading them to remove such fares temporarily. While this practice aimed to differentiate business and leisure travelers, its removal doesn't necessarily mean lower overall prices, as airlines will still adjust fares to fill seats, maintaining similar price levels overall.
Delta and United Airlines have reversed their recent policy of charging higher fares to solo travelers after widespread public backlash, returning to uniform pricing for individual and group bookings, while American Airlines continues to charge more for solo travelers.
Airlines are offering discounted fares as they try to fill a record number of seats this quarter, with Southwest Airlines offering one-way fares as low as $29. The increased capacity in the industry has led to more seats to fill, prompting airlines to drop last-minute fares or not raise them as much as usual. However, airlines are facing challenges in balancing off-season demand, as they typically generate the majority of their revenue during the busy spring and summer seasons. Despite falling fares, holiday demand remains strong, and airlines are adjusting their capacity deployment strategies to address shifting demand patterns. While promotional fares may stabilize next year, it is uncertain how inflation and hiring trends will impact future pricing strategies.
JetBlue has admitted that its proposed merger with Spirit Airlines would result in higher fares, according to court filings in a lawsuit opposing the merger. The plaintiffs, including passengers and travel agents, argue that the merger would lead to increased airfare on Spirit flights and potentially across the domestic travel market. The admissions were revealed due to a formatting error in a court document, which was temporarily viewable to the public. The Department of Justice has also filed an antitrust suit challenging the merger. JetBlue has defended the merger, stating that it would enhance competition against the dominant domestic carriers.
The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) has decided to implement a fare for the SunRunner rapid transit bus line in St. Petersburg, which has been free since October 2022. Starting from October 1, 2023, riders will be expected to pay $2.25 per ride. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri requested the fare due to issues caused by homeless individuals taking advantage of the free service. Calls for service at a nearby shopping center have increased significantly, prompting concerns. PSTA will also meet with the Sheriff's Office and a homeless agency to find long-term solutions. The decision has raised concerns about equity and accessibility from the Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas.
Brightline tickets for travel between South Florida and Orlando are now on sale, with one-way fares starting at $79 for adults and $39 for children. A family of four traveling to Walt Disney World for a day trip would pay $395 round trip, including a 25% discount for groups of four or more. The price does not include Disney tickets or transportation from the Orlando station. Brightline plans to have 16 daily trips from Miami to Orlando.