Maybe you just read the news about JetAmerica, the budding airline that failed before even taking off. Or maybe you’ve heard about all the people Continental Airlines had to fire in order to stay viable.
Whether or not you’re in the (at times, depressing) travel news loop, it’s pretty clear that airlines aren’t looking all that pretty at the moment. While our favorites – like Southwest Airlines – manage to enjoy mini successes, these cases are exceptions to the rule.
So, what does this mean to you – the passenger?
Anyone who’s played the role of “Consumer” in the past year knows that the recession has a silver lining. Cheap clothes in places you’d least expect them (like Saks), cheap homes in places you’ve always wanted to live, and…well…cheap airfare to places you’ve always wanted to visit. The great part about all this mess is that you’ll benefit financially.
Not all deals are created equal, though, so you’re still at risk of getting ripped off. However, round-trip airfare might be more affordable than it’s ever been. As well, destinations themselves are more affordable to vacation to – check out our current vacation rental deals if you don’t believe us!
As you might have guessed, there’s also a downside. And not just for former employees of JetAmerica and Continental Airlines.
Like airline fees. You could pay less for your ticket than normal, but a whole lot more on baggage check fees. Make sure to really reevaluate the cost of your whole airport to airplane experience (including internet charges) – not just the ticket! The airlines will find sneaky ways to get you, so just be on guard.
Or canceled flights. Imagine finding out that the flight you booked for a friend’s wedding has been canceled, because the airline you booked it through is no longer operating. Case in point: JetAmerica. We don’t think the odds of this happening to the Average Jet Setting Joe are very great, but we also don’t think it’s crazy that an airline might cancel an under booked flight, either.
Moral of the story? Take advantage of those amazing deals, but do so with care.
Tags: airfare, airfare deals, airline industry, cheap airfare, continental airlines, jetamerica, recession, southwest airlines
