Executive Travel: A WorldTravel Affiliate

For the Week of: May 12, 2008

Airlines raise fuel surcharge on many flights to $130 –

Last week three of the largest airlines raised their fuel surcharges on tickets purchase by an additional $20. Adding all the other fuel surcharges up and on some flights you will be paying as much as $130 in fuel surcharges. Amazingly, on some flights the fuel surcharge is more than the ticket price. It appears that these fuel surcharges will continue to be added to airfares as fuel prices continue to go higher. The only thing you can do to avoid future ticket price and fuel surcharge increases is to purchase you airline tickets NOW! (Top)

Despite higher airfares it looks like planes will be full this summer –

In the last several months the airlines have raised fares 9 times. Despite the increase the airlines are reporting strong summer demand which means you can expect full airplanes when you travel to grandma’s house this summer. Be prepared for long lines and crowded airports to be part of the busy summer travel season. (Top)

Steve’s Travel Tip # 48 - Curbside check-in is easy way to beat long lines at check-in –

One of my friends, Larry, reminded me this morning that he always uses the curbside check-in station when he travels, thus avoiding the long lines at the check-in counter. He said on a recent trip returning from Phoenix he waited behind 10 people to check his bag at the curb and when he went inside there were over 200 people in line to check-in at the counter. Keep in mind many airlines will charge you $2 a bag to use the curbside check-in, however, saving 30 minutes standing in line is usually worth the money. (Top)

Paper tickets not going away soon –

Several months ago the International Air Transport Association announced that they were planning to do away with paper tickets on June 1, 2008. That date is coming upon us rapidly and the question now becomes, “Will we still be able to issue paper tickets in the U.S. after that date?” The answer is “yes”. While the international airline system will phase out paper tickets the American system will continue to process paper tickets after May 31, 2008 and has no plan to revoke paper tickets or restrict new paper stock orders from ARC-accredited travel agencies. While IATA has announced the removal of paper tickets from travel agencies outside the United States effective June 1, 2008, travel agents within the ARC settlement system will continue to be able to print paper tickets where applicable. Keep in mind issuing a paper ticket will cost as much as $50 to $100 a ticket but at least you have that as an option. (Top)

Hotel prices may soon start to moderate –

After enjoying a five year rise in pricing it appears that prices for hotel rooms may soon start to moderate from their sky high rates. Hotels are now facing a triple whammy of weakening demand, higher operating costs, and more hotels being built. Over 200,000 new hotel rooms are just now hitting the market and that will put even more pressure on hotels as they face slowing demand. As a slowing economy and higher fuel prices cause many families to limit their summer vacations the hotel business may be forced to use lower prices to attract customers. This may be one silver lining to higher prices everywhere else. (Top)

United and US Airways getting serious about merger

The planned wedding between Delta and Northwest is causing United Airlines to look at potential merger partners. A little over a week ago I thought Continental would be the natural partner. All of a sudden Continental comes out and says they are not interested in getting married to United. So United now has its eye on US Airways. I do not think this is good for either airline or the flying public. (Top)

Save $480 on a family of four to Disney World –

You can receive a free Disney dining plan for FREE when you purchase a Magic Your Way Package with hotel and Theme Park Tickets from Executive Travel. This special offer is valid for travel 8/24 - 9/20/08. We also have a special package that offers 5 nights at a Disney property, park passes and 5 day Disney dining plan starting as low as $469 pp. This is a savings of $120 per person or $480 for a family of four. The longer you stay the more you save. Call one of our friendly travel agents today at 402-435-8888 to give you all the options. (Top)

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