The Travel Professor
Join me on a journey across the broad spectrum of interesting travel topics. We’ll discuss destinations domestic and abroad, some familiar and some off the beaten path. We take a look at suppliers like cruise lines, air carriers and tour operators and find their bargains and special offerings. Got questions? Email thetravelprofessor@gmail.com.

Monday, July 21, 2008

You may want to book winter & spring air flights now!

In reaction to the escalating cost of jet fuel most airlines have readjusted their schedules by grounding a portion of their fleet which reduces the number of flights flown and seats available for sale.

What does this means to budget conscious traveler or really any air traveler?

Decreased service (number of flights) reduces the number of seats that are available to be sold between city pairs. Simple economics says that if the demand stays steady or increases for the airline seat and the amount (supply) of available seats decreases then we should expect a raise in ticket prices.

As the winter vacation season approaches the reduced supply of available seats along with increased demand will pose some scheduling problems for travelers.

My advice is to book early, as early as possible. Most U.S. carriers publish their schedules and accept reservations about 330 days into the future.

You should be working on reserving flights for spring break 2009 and for most destinations good luck on finding anything affordable for Thanksgiving this year.