I Want The Cheapest Airfare You Have

One of the most often statements we receive when the phone rings inquiring about airfare to a certain destination is, “just give me the cheapest fare you have”. Well, of course, in this day and time, that is a loaded question. Do you just want the base fare, or do you want us to add in the tax and service charge, and depending on the carrier, do you want all the other ancillary charges that you would be subject to?

Typically the least expensive basic fare can be found on Spirit Airlines. But the add-on charges with Spirit are many: a carry-on baggage will cost $26-45 if you pay online ahead of departure time, $55 at an airport kiosk, or $100 at the gate; an advanced seat assignment would run up to $50 for a regular seat and $12-$199 for a larger front seat; $2 for coffee or tea; $3 for soft drinks; more $$$ for an alcoholic drink; $2 for a boarding pass at the airport kiosk or $10 if an airport agent issues the pass. This does not count the checked bags fees, and oh yes, their weight limit for checked bags is 40 pounds instead of the usual 50 pounds with other airlines and if you are overweight on the checked piece, that would be an additional extra fee of $25. So much for the “cheap” fares on Spirit!!

Interestingly, since American Airlines has merged with USAir, they have been flirting with the idea of “basic” rates, especially in the markets they are competing with Spirit. Delta calls their initiative “no frills” fares with much the same motive....trying to move over those Spirit flyers to their carriers. No doubt, United will also get in the market with this same idea. All this will probably happen after the holidays, because that is typically a slow time for them.

Someone has mentioned to me that since the price of crude is below $40 and headed for, what some have predicted, $20 a barrel, that the airfares might be coming down on their fares too. My warning is don't bet on it yet. Their fuel contracts they are operating on were signed months ago, so they are having to pay a higher rate than you would expect; maybe late next year they might moderate.

Someone has mentioned that these legacy carriers, by implementing the “no frills” fares, will quickly learn that “when consumers pay rock-bottom fares, they will still expect better service.....and they will likely be treated better than their fares allow”.

Just like some of Southwest Airlines ads say you can fly from point to point for only $79. folks think that is in ALL markets. But if you read the small print (you have really good eyes) it will say in only SOME markets. The same thought will be in effect when American and United roll out their “no frills” fares, folks will think those fares will be available in all markets....but it will be only in the markets where they are competing with Spirit or Frontier.

That's all the tips I have for today....my reminder always is to allow the experienced travel counselors at The Travel Factory help you with all your travel. We'll always save you time and trouble, and more often than not, save you money too. Call us at 698-1421 or 800-760-4040, or find us ready to help at 4150 Southwest Drive, Ste. 120 between Rosa's and Chick-Fil-A in the Plaza at Park Central.