Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Air Travelers Will See 10% Flight Cuts by Fall

Airlines plan to ax 10% of flights, 100 cities

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Jun 28, 2008 6:20 AM CDT

(Newser) – Travelers will start to feel the full force of airline moves to grapple with rising fuel costs by Labor Day, as 10% of flights will be cut, a dip that will downsize the industry to post-9/11 levels, the New York Times reports. The reductions could push fares up by 40% over the next 4 years, on top of 17% hikes in the cost of tickets already this year. Some 100 smaller cities will also lose service.

Several airlines continued to add new fees this week, as Delta joined American and US Airways in charging up to $50 to book a frequent-flier awards ticket. And cutbacks aren't likely to be reversed even if the price of oil falls, the Times notes, since retired jets can't quickly be replaced. “It’s not for the faint of heart,” says JetBlue's CEO of the current environment.

Rising fees may be couples with 40% increases in flight costs as the industry cuts back flights.
Rising fees may be couples with 40% increases in flight costs as the industry cuts back flights.   (AP Photo/Jason Miller)
American Airlines will cut back flying later this year at many airports, including hubs in Dallas and Chicago, as it attempts to cope with record high fuel prices.
American Airlines will cut back flying later this year at many airports, including hubs in Dallas and Chicago, as it attempts to cope with record high fuel prices.   (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
Travelers in Cleveland and Houston will be hardest hit as Continental Airlines starts cutting flights starting in September.
Travelers in Cleveland and Houston will be hardest hit as Continental Airlines starts cutting flights starting in September.   (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

5 Airlines Agree Not to Charge Fee for Carry-On Bags

Let the Carry-On Wars Begin

Quickest Flight to Cuba Now From Key West

And the Airline With the Most Complaints Is...

Airlines Beg for Break on 3-Hour Tarmac Rule


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne