Air Fares Going Sky High - American Airlines Applies The Pinch
Monday, August 4th, 2008The USA Today newspaper cover story in the Money section for August 4th hit really close to home. USA Today posed the question - “Will fares go so high that only the rich can fly”?
Uh yes. It would appear so.
Less than ten months ago I made my annual pilgrimage to the Fashion Mecca in New York City. The cost of my unrestricted coach fare was more than 50% lower than it was when I recently booked my tickets for the current trip. Although I booked my tickets almost 2 months in advance this time, due to dire warnings of cost increases, the number of non-stop flights had been reduced leaving the available flights very full.
In addition, I had hard won American Advantage Miles that would be expiring in 2009. Since I heard rumors the mileage required to upgrade to First Class was going to double, I was prodded into using my rewards. I hastened to the phone and cashed in some precious AA points for a cherished seat in the front of the plane. Not only would I save my points from termination, but I would avoid being jammed into a completely full coach section during a 3 1/2 hour flight. Definitely worth it to me to arrive less stressed and jangled.
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