Airline Updates

It has been a time of change within the airline industry.  Obviously much of it is related to the Coronavirus.  But other developments will continue even after things have returned to somewhat normal times.

Reduced Seating Capacity

The most significant item that may affect some travelers immediately is the fact that it will get more difficult to get a seat on a flight with reduced seating capacity (or middle seats open).  On July 1 American will join United in selling full capacity flights.  Currently they say that they will notify passengers if flights are full and allow them to take a later flight at no cost.  But, with the reduced number of aircraft in the air we hear it can be difficult to find a flight that isn’t crowded.  Delta, Alaska, jet Blue and Southwest still have various versions of ways to keep some seats open.  All legacy airlines are following enhanced cleaning procedures, changing boarding procedures, and requiring mask use during flights.  Things can change quickly so we recommend you double check with us or verify information with any airline you are considering.

Previously the federal government required minimum airline service as a condition of receiving bailout money.  But many airlines have received hardship exemptions that have allowed them to cut service to several cities.  In general service cuts are only allowed at destinations that still have flights available from other airlines, or that are within about 50 miles of another major airport.  The cuts mostly affect smaller to midsized cities and resort towns.  The two cities that most affect our clients are Palm Springs and Key West.  You can still get to them.  It just may not be as convenient.  For a USA Today article covering developments see: https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2020/05/29/airlines-seek-cut-service-these-cities-due-coronavirus/5281252002/

The Airline Updates for Smaller Airlines Tend to Be More Grim

Smaller commuter and regional airlines have faced the most difficulties due to COVID.  Some of them have ceased operations and/or filed for bankruptcy.  Some are small airlines that only serve a specific geographic area.  Others operate as feeders for the major airlines. (Such as Trans States Airlines which operates as United Express, and Compass Airlines which operates as Delta Connection and American Eagle).  Hopefully flights can resume as demand increases.  But this places a further burden on smaller cities that have already lost other flights.

Plan for More Nonstop Flights

The final development that we’ll discuss is the plan for more nonstop flights between smaller and midsized cities.  This was in the works prior to the coronavirus.  Current conditions may delay this further, but we think that this should be a good development.  Most major carries still operate on a hub and spoke system.  Unless you are flying between big cities on popular routes you are likely to have to switch flights in Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, or some other major hub.  As airlines purchase smaller and more fuel-efficient aircraft, they believe that they can be profitable flying directly between secondary markets without a stop at a hub.  We are all for this due to the convenience.  It will also be nice not to have to spend time waiting and running through multiple airports even after the need for masks and social distancing decreases.  We’ll provide you with revised airline updates as routes are announced.