Airlines Prepares Flight Service for Thanksgiving Day

Austin Bergstrom-International Airport is much more quiet Thursday evening compared to the way it may look a week from now on Thanksgiving Day. But in the midst of the peace and quiet are grumblings from many air-travelers about paying more to fly during these tough economic times.

“We actually spent quite a bit because we flew in for a funeral and now we’re going back to Denver for Thanksgiving so we’re looking at about 12-hundred dollars,” said Matt Harbison, who flew to Austin from Denver for a funeral.

“Yeah, I’m cutting back on travel based on prices and things like that,” said Ahmed Nann, who often travels by plane for his job.

Prices for domestic flights are up 8% this year compared to last. Adding insult to injury is the fact that many airlines have also added numerous fees to make up the cost for rising gas prices.

A few weeks ago those fuel prices took a big dive, but that isn’t being reflected yet in the price of airline tickets.

There are also hidden fees. United, American and Continental are all charging $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second.

Delta will adopt the same fees in December.
Southwest Airlines is the only major carrier out of Austin which doesn’t charge for the first two bags.
It’s not just air travelers who are feeling the economic pinch. Several airline employees tell KVUE that they and their colleagues are now experiencing cuts in pay and cuts in hours.
They’re hoping a busy holiday season will help to alleviate much of the pain.