Thursday, January 20, 2011

Airline fares taking off

 

The recession may be over for Canada's airline industry as ticket prices begin to take off at Canada's two major airlines.

Both WestJet and Air Canada are recording higher fares so far this year than levels seen in 2009 and 2010.

In 2010 Air Canada marked year-over-year highs for nine months, while WestJet did the same for six months.

Unlike other analysts who blame the increase in traffic and rising cost of fuel, the president of the Consumers' Association of Canada tells 660News there's no real reason why fares should be this high.

"I think (airlines) take advantage of anything they can get their hands on and this shouldn't be so," says Bruce Cran.

"I don't see any solution, and it's going to be an increasing problem," he says. "Bales of straw are being loaded on a camel's back and one day when the last one gets on, people will get extremely upset."

Cran is doubtful, but hopes Transport Canada will step in to get more reasonable rates for the Canadian consumer.

Starting Wednesday it will also cost a more to fly on Calgary-based WestJet.

The airline is charging passengers $20 for a second checked bag on all of their flights.

By

Neha Jain
AVIATION SEO  R& D WORK
Aerosoft Corp