For many years airlines have run fare sales as a way to generate cash. In recent years this has become so normal that consumers don't even think about it. If you track this sort of thing as the Professor does - then you can see patterns emerging. For example I can almost predict certain airlines' cash flow position just by tracking the frequency and type of their fare sales. Its a bit of fun.... it provides a window into the minds of the revenue chaps.
I'm sure glad the general public got to see a slew of those stupid "at the airport live" reports yesterday dished out from a local reporter -- stationed at their local airport. The occasion? Rising air fares.
CODE RED. CODE RED. Beep. Beep. Beep.
Oh my god Ethel, grab the children, bring them inside and make sure the doors and windows are locked.
Is there any other industry that all of us utilize on a fairly regular basis that has its prices examined so closely by the media?
Seriously.
Why is this?
For many years debate has raged concerning the correct construction and use of international airline fares. The argument is all about interpretation and clever manipulation of rules which can result in travellers and their employers enjoying major savings if their agent is smart enough to know the "loopholes." Such intelligence was, and still should be, a key differentiator between savvy and average TMCs.
