Airline Fees Jump

[tim 360]

Book soon to save $

http://money.cnn.com/2011/04/22/pf/airline_fees_rise/index.htm?hpt=Sbin

[tfcrew]

Feds slow to probe gas-price gouging

http://www.nj.com/gloucester/voices/index.ssf/2011/05/feds_slow_to_probe_gas-price_g.html

[LAman]

Just checked....still can get to Kiev for $790-$840 this fall.  Jeez, I would hate to have to fly this summer to europe.

[Muzh]

Just checked....still can get to Kiev for $790-$840 this fall.  Jeez, I would hate to have to fly this summer to europe.

Tell me about it. My wallet is still bleeding.

[supranatural]

LOL my wife flies back to Ukraine 3-4 times a year...although now that we have a 7 month old that has been cut down to twice a year.

[camachinist]

Doing a quick check of fares from the west coast, I'm seeing only modest YQ/YR (fuel surcharges) on fares to Europe/FSU/CIS, on the order of ~100-250USD, with TK (Turkish) being a lone standout at over 400USD. This compares to over 500USD on many Asian routes. YQ/YR allows airlines to advertise a competitive base fare, plus taxes and surcharges, including 'fuel'. The sticker shock is still there, but only further along in the purchase process. There are ways of mitigating the impact of these surcharges, but it takes time, effort and educating oneself to do so, something which is impractical for the occasional traveler but more beneficial to those of us who travel a lot.

IMO, fares are high mainly due to capacity being down and load factors being high. It's simple supply and demand. Summer is normally high to Europe and many carriers have matched seats available more closely to demand. Sure, fuel plays a role, since it is a variable cost, mitigated somewhat by hedging, but this 'game' has been going on forever, regardless of real fuel cost. Fuel is just the current 'reason'.