Is traveling international flights getting cheaper?
Sep 22, 2016, 2:47 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 27
Is traveling international flights getting cheaper?
I've been noticing international airfares from US to Asia, Europe, and South American getting cheaper the last 2 years, if i can recall those flights use to go over at least $1500 R/T coach. I'm not getting richer, so is it due to overcapacity and/or/both slowing economies of other nations? I'm not complaining, just very interested on the causes of lower air fares internationally.
Sep 22, 2016, 3:57 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 27
I recently seen a Air China flight in OCT from JFK to HKG for $560, WOW
Sep 22, 2016, 4:29 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: London & Sonoma CA
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First off, fares rocketed several years ago and have merely declined towards the old levels.
Second, the mergers amongst US airlines has reduced competition but, if anything, there are more foreign airlines flying to the USA than before.
Second, the mergers amongst US airlines has reduced competition but, if anything, there are more foreign airlines flying to the USA than before.
Sep 23, 2016, 1:26 am
#7
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Virginia City Highlands
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Well, the question is specifically asked about flights to/from US. They got slightly cheaper on average across seasons, but one needs to take into consideration rising dollar value towards other currencies.
In other words, if you paid for your tickets in Euros/Pounds/Yens, than for these currencies nominal value would be the same or drop no more than 5-10%.
There are also cases when new routes are opened and airline sells tickets on these routes on reduced prices to attract customers. UA and SQ introduced non-stop service SIN-SFO and one could buy tickets in Y for $800 R/T. But now they are running usual $1200-$1400.
If one expends the question about whole international market, than I do not think anybody can answer without data on hand.
In other words, if you paid for your tickets in Euros/Pounds/Yens, than for these currencies nominal value would be the same or drop no more than 5-10%.
There are also cases when new routes are opened and airline sells tickets on these routes on reduced prices to attract customers. UA and SQ introduced non-stop service SIN-SFO and one could buy tickets in Y for $800 R/T. But now they are running usual $1200-$1400.
If one expends the question about whole international market, than I do not think anybody can answer without data on hand.
Sep 23, 2016, 3:37 pm
#8
Join Date: May 2010
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International travel between major markets ie North America-Europe-Middle East-East Asia-Australia/NZ is very competitive.
Certain markets lacking competition, such as intra-Latin America and intra-Africa and increasingly, the US domestic market, are seeing higher prices.
Internationally, the collapse in oil prices (in literal dollar terms and adjusted for inflation) and the aggressive rise of ME and Asian carriers is doing wonders for the market. I'd argue that it's a golden age to have free time, a sense of adventure, and a bit of cash.
Certain markets lacking competition, such as intra-Latin America and intra-Africa and increasingly, the US domestic market, are seeing higher prices.
Internationally, the collapse in oil prices (in literal dollar terms and adjusted for inflation) and the aggressive rise of ME and Asian carriers is doing wonders for the market. I'd argue that it's a golden age to have free time, a sense of adventure, and a bit of cash.
Sep 23, 2016, 3:37 pm
#9
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,808
Lately some European LCC's have been competitively breaking into the US market. Norwegian for example. I got a flight from LAX to CPH for 600ish dollars last year. Not bad..except Norwegian is unpleasant to fly. Buy cheap, get cheap.