Summer air travel predictions out today
Stimulus checks are arriving just in time for summer vacation plans. With air fares and gas prices up, those plans are likely to be scaled down. The air travel industry weighs in with its forecast today. John Dimsdale reports.
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Bob Moon: It's safe to say summer travel will be more expensive this summer. Today, the air travel industry releases its forecast. Marketplace's John Dimsdale has the story in Washington.
John Dimsdale: The airlines will pay twice as much for fuel this summer. So, expect fewer cheap fares and a variety of new fees for that seat on the aisle, for example, or that extra bag. Roger Dow with the Travel Industry Association says Americans will stick closer to home and scale back.
Roger Dow: Maybe there's one less fancy restaurant they go to and you go to a family restaurant or look to the offerings close to home, or you don't bring grandma that beautiful vase that she wanted, but you bring her a magnet for her refrigerator.
Dow says government stimulus checks are arriving just in time for the industry. People are planning their summer getaways now. Another bright spot: the weak dollar is likely to keep Americans on this side of the ocean and attract more foreign visitors. Airports are planning a few extra amenities to keep harried vacationers happy: Pet hotels for four-legged travelers during layovers and spa services for those with two legs.
In Washington, I'm John Dimsdale for Marketplace.
