Summer air fares

[Carolinian]

Now that oil prices are down, maybe air fares will be headed back to earth as well. The test will be summer fares when demand is the highest. What are Tuggers finding on summer 2009 air fares? My only fare purchased in that period so far is a ticket for a two hour and 15 minute direct flight between Berlin and Bucharest on LCC Germanwings which was 39.99 euros for the fare, fees, and taxes plus the 6 euros for credit card charge (a nasty habit of many European airlines, both legacy and LCC - some US airlines even charge it to their European customers) plus I decided to forego jungle boarding for a seat assignment at 5 euros since I saw an exit row window seat availible and snagged it.

 

[Dave M]

I haven't seen any dipping of summer prices in the U.S. yet. The airlines have vowed to keep their number of flights at about 15% less than last year in an effort to keep prices up. Thus, they are hoping that the lower capacity will match the expected lower demand. Time will tell.

Meanwhile, I was surprised and pleased to find last month an SAS nonstop flight last for travel in August from Copenhagen (where my cruise ends) to Berlin (for the World Track and Field Championships) for $57, all in. I snapped it up (on Orbitz) within seconds.

 

[scotlass]

I have been watching a flight from Boston to LHR, end of June into July, on United. We are trying to buy a ticket for a family member to match our FF seats. So far, it has gone from $1,241 to $1,343. Not exactly what I was hoping for. We may end up buying 3 tickets if another airline has much cheaper flights and save our FF seats for another trip. I am hoping that prices will come down after the holiday rush.

 

[lprstn]

I usually purchase tickets in Jan/Feb for summer fares and do ok, hopefully I will be able to do that this year. I still have Vegas, Cancun, and Wisconsin Dells to purchase...