World Travel - Global Travel News

Copious fare increases on plane tickets are just one more negative effect that high oil prices have had on Americans. Flying both domestically and internationally has become almost a luxury like it was decades ago, rather than an effective and fast alternative to automobile transport . Until recently flying was pretty much open to the general public with low rates that most people could afford, but now auto transport seems to be the only way to go.

Northwest Airlines announced recently that they were putting an $80 fuel surcharge on 7,000 round trip domestic flights. This is the 22nd fare increase this year by an airline, according to analysts. $80 extra per ticket just because of high oil prices may seem extreme, but it has become common place in much of the airline industry.

These fare hikes have created a disappointing trend; flying has simply become too expensive for many people. While middle class people used to be able to afford plane tickets to fly across the country or across the world, for both business and pleasure, they now have trouble affording it. This hurts the tourism industry in many countries such as Ireland, which has an economy that relies very heavily on tourism.

This is also disappointing because it means that children and adults are not getting to experience the world as easily as they used to a few years ago. Although few people were traveling to war torn, or poverty stricken areas on vacation to understand the culture, the fact that many Americans were traveling abroad and simply experiencing a culture other than their own was a very positive trend. If children are sheltered and only know what is around them, it is far more difficult for them to be a good member of the global community. Although these fare hikes are not solely responsible for this, the strain they put on those who could have previously afforded to travel abroad, does have an impact on society.

Luckily an end may be in sight for fare hikes on airlines. They seem to have slowed from their rapid abundance earlier this year, as oil prices have dropped, and the money has come in from previous hikes. Some fare increases have actually been pulled back after other competitors failed to match them which is a good sign that competition may drive prices down at some point. Let’s just hope that oil prices come down so that fairs will as well, and people can use auto shipping companies again, to take trips and start experiencing the rest of the world.