Cruises and Airlines, Airlines and Cruises

Cruises and Airlines

The symbiotic nature of cruise lines and airlines is and has been slowly becoming not so cozy as in the early beginnings of both travel industries.  The airlines have had a toehold on people getting from point A to point B and beyond for many years, but since the late 70’s have enjoyed the benefit of additional passengers trying to get to cruise ports. Early on in their existence, the cruise lines depended heavily on the airlines getting their guests to the departure ports. What resulted was an arms length but workable, cooperative relationship that made both of them money while providing the guests a seamless vacation. 

The airlines and cruise lines entered into air rate contracts that gave the guests some discounted prices, as long as they were catching a cruise ship.  The cruise ship could quote a good air rate and transfers from the airport to the pier and all was lovely.

The something happened.  They all wanted to make more money, so the cooperative relationship cooled considerably so that made both industries start scrambling and scratching their own back.  What happened was that the cruise lines started searching the U. S. over for ports that people could drive to.  So now we have ports available for cruises out of Galveston, New Orleans, Baltimore, Norfolk, San Diego, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, New York, Boston, just to name a few. .and notice I haven’t even named any in Florida.

The airlines, with their higher airfares and lack of contract air from the cruise lines, have become less an option for travelers trying to get to ports.  Then the delays, especially recently by American Airlines, have really caused havoc with guests booked on that airline.  Did you know that American Airlines accounts for nearly 2/3 of the passengers coming and going from Miami International?  As a travel writer, Tom Stieghorst, recently quipped, “when American Airlines sneezes, Miami isn’t where you want to be”!!

The cruise lines were very dependent, and to a certain extent, still are on the airlines getting their guests to their departure port.  If our clients are planning on taking air to a port, our agency has gone to aggressively suggesting that clients seriously consider getting to the port a day ahead of time in case there is a delay of some kind.  Of course that means a hotel expense, but it is worth it for the peace of mind and lack of stress associated with being able to get on the ship before it departs.

Hey, want some good advice. . .some experienced suggestions and vacation tips?  Consider going to our new website www.thetravelfactoryabilene.com.  Better still, because we like to see you and explore your needs and wants, drop in for a personal visit at 4150 Southwest Drive, Ste. 120, or call us at 698-1421 or toll-free 800-760-4040.