2009 After Christmas Airline Sales from the USA
Great New Year Deals on British Airways, United, Qantas, US Airways
Dec 27, 2008
With lower than expected January sales in international traffic, airline managers are attempting to stimulate market share during a seasonally low period. Falling fuel prices and a global recession have forced airlines to re-price post holiday tickets. Here are a few of the extraordinary after Christmas specials for the New Year, 2009.
Promotional Fares
In the past, airlines offered low fares on a few seats on even fewer flights. These seats were for a very limited number of specific “off peak” days. In 2009 the available seats and flights having these fares has greatly increased. TACA offers one low fare on all its flights from Miami to Central America daily. US Airways has increased its available discount seats by 30% from 8 of its US gateway and 11 of it focus cities while Lufthansa gives gourmet gifts to passengers.
50% to 80% off
British Airwaysoffers $250 off premium economy fares; however, a “qualifying” premium economy ticket will also result in a companion flying free. A potential savings of 60%.
Qantas has $878 RT discount fares from Los Angeles to Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland. They also offer “through” flight discounts of 52%.to 5 additional cities starting January 2009.
American Airlines has super fares from Miami to Central America. In a highly competitive environment their selected fares are extremely low. Miami to San Jose Costa Rica is as low as $104 RT in January - a whopping 79% below the competition and nearly 85% off American’s standard fare.
TACA has one low price from Miami to all of Central America but offers an additional 10% off when booking through the internet.
US Airways has a rolling promotion on selected cities. During New Year's week the airline offers fares from New York and Boston to Dublin, Ireland for $358 RT. From Portland, Oregon to Los Cabos, Mexico the traveler pays a mere $298.
United too is stressing off-season promotions; however, they include some 110 cities worldwide. Baltimore to Athens $356, Chicago to London $223, San Francisco to Frankfurt $288 and San Francisco to Rio de Janeiro $422 RT are a small sample of their low fares.
ANAhas lowered its business class fare by 15%; however, they have also instituted a “buy one get one free” fare for this class of service. Two travelers can fly business class for 10% above the price of two standard economy fares.
Credit Cards
Many of the airline advantages require the use of a credit card, online purchase or a vendor specific card. But some discounts can be attained without specifics or with lenient terms.
US Airwaysis offering a 20% discount on business class when a passenger uses MasterCard.
BA offers $20 off when using BA’s credit card on any RT. They will enroll the traveler for the card with a ticket purchase.
AAoffers 6 months no payment and no interest when using their credit card for purchase of a ticket.
Delta Airlines offers one free coach class companion ticket each year for customers who sign up now.
Deals
The airlines have holiday promotions including hotels and transportation packages for the advantageous traveler; yet many airlines have company-specific plans outside the norm.
Lufthansaoffers customers a choice from 10 special gourmet gifts when they book a trip.
Deltagives a spending voucher available at merchant stores in selected cities upon arrival.
Singapore Airlines offers a $20 cash back on hotel bookings for every US$300 spent between now and January 22nd 2009.
Czech Airlines guarantees currency conversions for it passengers through May 2009.
Everything is time dependent and can change at the airline’s discretion. Most have restrictions and charges mentioned upon booking but many have lowered fuel surcharges and fees. While the opportunities are extremely large the airline shopper has a larger choice than in years past.
