Changing Currents: What's New With the Airlines Today

Oh, that we could each afford our own private jets. You know, a Learjet or one of those bigger jets from Gulfstream, Bombardier, and Falcon. Instead, like the vast majority of people, we must resort to airline travel to get from point to point, and hope that our experience isn't particularly dreadful. 

Just as wind currents can suddenly shift and shake an aircraft, a number of changes have shaken the industry too. We'll take a look at several of the more significant ones and how they may impact your next trip.

1. New Aircraft -- One of the most positive trends in recent years is the delivery of new aircraft. And lots of them. Boeing's 787 Dreamliner is here and the aircraft company is filling orders left and right. This means that a number of older aircraft are being pulled from service and replaced with new planes that are cleaner, quieter, and more comfortable. The roll out is ongoing, but chances are you'll take a flight in one of the newfangled jet aircraft soon.

2. Filled Seats -- With high fuel prices and tight competition, airlines cannot afford to let seats go unsold. They're cutting the number of flights and cities served, which means that the flying public must scramble to keep up with these changes. Likely, you'll take more flights that are now filled to capacity, with even most of those dreaded middle seat positions taken. And seats are tightly placed together too -- you better hope that the people that fill the adjoining ones are both kind and not too large.

3. No Food -- Airlines sell you a seat and little else. The "else" will cost you including checked bags, meals, headphones, and other frills. You may still be offered a soft drink and peanuts, but if you want anything substantial be prepared to pay for it. Ever notice how busy airport food stations are? Business is booming as passengers seek to fill up before taking their next flight. Yes, even coast-to-coast travel means no meals unless you are willing to pay for it.

4. Rising Fares -- Remember when you could fly coast-to-coast for just $99 each way? Chances are you are too young to remember that. Or, it may seem so long ago that it is but a fond memory. These days you might be able to find a flight from New York to Los Angeles for about $300 and a non-stop at that. It is one of the better values you'll find today, but most fares to regional destinations have risen much faster. Indeed, if you're a business traveler your fares have risen even more as you are paying the price for those new aircraft seats.

5. Fees Everywhere -- On the face of it, fares may not seem so bad. But, scratch just below the surface and you'll find fees added on like never before. Everyone charges TSA fees, they're unavoidable and are set by the federal government. Check any bag and you'll typically pay $25, with fees added for each subsequent bag. Pet fees have surged too and now carry an in-cabin charge ranging from $50 to $125 each way. Send an unaccompanied minor out and you'll pay for her fare plus a fee of up to $100. And if you want a particularly seat, you'll pay $10 to $199 to get one.

Changing Currents

There are fewer airlines now too as several blockbuster mergers are taking place or have been completed. In 2010, Continental and United merged, leaving us with United. In 2011, Southwest absorbed AirTran, and now US Airways and American Airlines comprise an all-new American Airlines that is the largest air carrier in the world. United, Delta, and American are the three main carriers with Southwest and JetBlue following. A few regional and discount airlines remain, but many smaller airports only have one airline providing the bulk of the flights. That means you'll pay more or you might want to consider driving to a larger airport to get a better deal on your next flight.

Author Information

Tiffany Lawrence is a professional blogger that shares the latest news and information on airplane and jet sales. She writes for Avjet.com, a leader in aircraft, airplane and jet sales as well as aircraft management.