Along with higher fares and extra fees like fuel surcharges and baggage charges comes another disaster for travelers: flight cuts. I noted earlier that a UAL pilot told me UAL was going to ground hundreds of aircraft this fall and now American is apparently poised to follow suit. The Chicago Tribune reported yesterday that AA is slashing flights to Puerto Rico, Jamaica and other popular Caribbean stops this Fall. Almost in half in fact, from '30 plus' to 'as few as 18 per day".
Even though Fall is hurricane season in the West Indies and there is less need for flights as a general rule, these flights will probably never come back. Which means the profitable winter season for Caribbean islands is likely to be much less joyful this year and from now on.
On the plus side, hotels will undoubtedly become much more discount oriented (meaning cheaper) and bargains will surface immediately. But it also means you need to; 1) book your flight earlier than normal to guarantee a seat or a good flight time and; 2) think about staying longer in order to amortize the higher fares. In the end, you may stay a few extra days at a bargain rate but will end up spending more overall than you would have at the higher rates.
For those who were planning 2-3 week trips anyway, the chances of finding cheap hotels increases. For those who used to "pop down to P.R." for the weekend are going to find it much more difficult and expensive. So if you are indeed one of those heading that way this year, start thinking about your booking soon or prices will go up even more as seats become scarcer.
Comments