October 13, 2009
American airlines are coming under criticism from passengers for expanding peak travel surcharges for flights.
Earlier this year American Airlines added a controversial $10 (£7) surcharge to the price of all domestic travel on the three days surrounding the Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve holidays, prompting uproar from passengers.
Almost inevitably all major American airlines – with the notable exceptions of Southwest and JetBlue – followed the American lead, pushing up the cost of the most popular tickets.
However, while this trend could be dismissed as a minor annoyance by many, perpetrated by an industry in desperate need of cash, the phenomenon appears to be spreading.
Surcharges are now being introduced on popular holiday dates across the entire calendar year, according to research from website FareCompare.
Dates in early March (when American students head out for their Spring Breaks), Palm Sunday, Easter Weekend, Memorial Day and Christmas Day have all seen ticket prices rise, finds the research.
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This follows a wider industry trend which has seen baggage allowances cut, food choices reduced or axed and a host of other cost cutting measures.
But, in one ray of hope, FareCompare suggests ticket prices are an average of 15 per cent lower than last year, with a fall in demand and a cut in the price of oil allowing airlines to tout reduced prices in an attempt to attract business.
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