Aisle seats to cost extra as airfares take off – again

ECONOMY airfares in Australia are set to jump by up to four per cent in 2009 and more airlines will introduce passenger fees for services once considered the norm, even by low-cost carrier standards.

However, fare increases will moderate from the aggressive hikes faced by flyers in 2008, according to a new report from American Express Business Travel.

“Airfare rises in 2009 will have to soften as airlines fight for the corporate customer while enforcing necessary cost containment strategies such as capacity reductions,” American Express vice president advisory services, Kurt Knackstedt told Travel Today.

This means that when added up, the cost of an average trip including flight, car rental and hotel will rise on average by 5.6 per cent. For a domestic trip in Australia, the travel bill will cost $1931 in 2009, while an international trip will tip $5728.

Aisle seats to cost extra as airfares take off – again | NEWS.com.au.