35% increase in fare in last 2 weeks
I was checking on buying tickets into Rome 4/23/09 and out of Athens 05/09/09 in conjunction with a cruise I have reserved. 2 weeks ago I plugged in dates that were the closest I could get at the time and got fares of around $1200 coach. I checked again yesterday-it is $1800. That's a 35% increase. I know it's 11 months away, but if these fares stick I will cancel the cruise. I will not pay $1800 to fly in coach to Europe. I will join the ranks of those having staycations. This may be what the airlines want-get rid of vacation travelers. It will definitely work if these fares stick. And the trickle down effect to all the related travel suppliers will also be felt as there will be no money spent on parking, taxis, hotels, meals, cruises, etc.