
However, if you are willing to shift a day or two and connect, you can still find 2019-level fares.” RELATED: How Inflation and Air Travel Challenges Are Affecting Travel Demandįlexibility is especially important as the nation moves into peak summer travel season. “If you look at fares filed for the lower buckets, they are pretty reasonable, but because of demand, they are sold out. “The spikes we are seeing in fares are more about demand and capacity that have yet to reach 2019 levels, and the rising cost of fuel,” he explained. The spikes we are seeing in fares are more about demand and capacity that have yet to reach 2019 levels, and the rising cost of fuel. But, as always, flexibility is the key to finding the best fares, Vlitas notes. As for price increases, advisors must look at connections versus nonstops that are less expensive, combined with private air programs.” Why Are Flights More Expensive?Įven with airfare hikes and more cancellations and delays, most statistics indicate that consumers are still eager to fly. Part of our strategy is to be proactive by running daily lists and keeping an eye on weather, sizes of planes and airport options.
West coast flights grounded plus#
“We use a combination of senior support specialists plus an airline support desk, specifically available by IATA numbers. “Internova Travel Group has built support teams to assist our customers,” he said. Vlitas emphasizes the importance of being informed in order to be better prepared for any problems that may arise. But I’ve found that when a schedule change occurs, I feel like I’m no help.” I haven’t been comfortable doing this yet I feel like it’s not a complete package without the air, and my clients are coming to me for assistance. “Many agents I know refuse to book air for their clients, as the clients truly have the most flexibility if they book it themselves. “My clients have become extremely frustrated as they usually end up with worse options than they chose,” Roed added. My clients have become extremely frustrated as they usually end up with worse options than they chose. Sometimes the category of flights we booked aren’t available, so there aren’t any options.” “I then need to call or email my supplier and ask for new flights. “The biggest struggle is I book flights as part of a package with a supplier therefore, the airlines won’t work with my clients or me to make changes to the flights,” she said.

The challenges of air travel can be even more complex when booking a vacation package, according to Libbi Roed, owner of The Gypsea Traveller in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. The consumer decide within a shorter window due to high demand.” RELATED: How American Travelers Can Receive Compensation for Flight Delays, Cancellations and Other Air Transport Issues Bundling Air Can Be Problematic When Flights Are Canceled And there is the possibility of having to overnight or delay your flight by a day or two. “As for the passengers, they are experiencing long lines at the airport, high prices on nonstops to prime destinations and, in the event of a flight cancellation, it taking hours to rebook. “Because of the unexpected surge in travel, advisors are having to work harder to find inventory to meet the client’s expectation on destination and price,” Vlitas said. Travel professionals, meanwhile, must now help clients deal with a range of increasingly common hassles.Īs for the passengers, they are experiencing long lines at the airport, high prices on nonstops to prime destinations and, in the event of a flight cancellation, it taking hours to rebook. Indeed, the pandemic has made more travelers aware of the value and services that travel advisors provide. (The next day, Buttigieg's flight was canceled.) Travel Advisors Can Help With Flight Cancellations

secretary of transportation, pressured airline executives to revise flight schedules and do what that they can to minimize flight cancellations during the summer travel season. To provide a visual idea of what travelers face, the flight tracking company FlightAware posts an aptly named MiseryMap, a live, graphic representation of current flight delays at airports around the U.S.Īir travel has gotten so problematic that, in June, Pete Buttigieg, the U.S. “We have service issues across the entire travel and tourism landscape combined with the post-pandemic surge, which now more than ever requires a travel advisor for even some of the simplest bookings.” How Many Flights Were Canceled Today?

Peter Vlitas, executive vice president of partner relations at Internova Travel Group, says it’s a problem of supply and demand.
