What will happen once people feel safer about traveling?It’s no secret that the airline industry is hurting right now. People just aren’t traveling at the moment, and many have canceled plans well into the summer. There have been some fantastic deals offered. I already told you that I was able to buy two round trip tickets to California at the end of August for $44 total! There are still deals out there, but will that soon change?
I am by no means an expert on finances or trends. I do, though, tend to follow the airlines. I fly fairly often, and I am very good at finding cheap flights. I’ve been watching several of the airlines closely as they try to lure customers back.
In my non-professional opinion, I think that we’ll see deals for a little while longer, but they won’t last. Right now the airlines are trying to get people excited about traveling again, but there is so much uncertainty. They’re offering fares so low that people can’t turn them down. (Guilty!) When I booked my flight I knew that there was a chance that it would be canceled, but with a fare that low it’s a risk that I’m willing to take.
Once people feel a bit safer about traveling, the fares will most likely shoot up again. The airlines are going to need to find a way to make up some of the money lost. I also expect more upcharges and that the prices of extras will go up. Frontier Airlines has already announced that you can purchase the middle seat next to yours to ensure that someone won’t be sitting next to you. I think that we’ll see more of the same in the near future.
If you see a low fare and you know that you will be taking the trip, book it! That’s why I booked our flight to California. I know that we will still be going, even if Disneyland has not yet reopened and Star Wars Celebration is canceled. If you’re still unsure about your plans, check the airline’s cancelation policy before you book. You might still be able to get that low price without a huge fee if your plans need to change.