Fuel costs drive carriers to up surcharges – strategies to cope

With a trio of United States carriers upping fuel surcharges by $20 per round-trip, it’s more important than ever to book smart.

American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines have boosted their petroleum-induced surcharges in an attempt to cope with the escalating cost of Jet A. According to the Energy Information Administration, that cost was $3.57 earlier this week. The cost of a barrel of crude hovered above the $125 per-barrel mark in international trading last night.

Catch Cartagena’s Spirit – for $49

Finally, some competition between south Florida and Cartagena (CTG). What had been purely an Avianca market out of Miami International (MIA) now is a dual airline affair by virtue of discount airline Spirit's launch of daily nonstop flights form Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to the Colombian city. To get you to pay attention to the new route, the discount airline selling introductory seats for $49, each-way

This intro rate doesn’t last long. It goes away at 11:59pm (Eastern Time) tonight (Friday, May 9). To land it, visit the discount airline’s Web site. This discount airfare is quoted each-way, but you’ve got to make a round-trip purchase to get it. The quote does not include taxes or fees. They’re going to cost extra.

Air fatalities fall by a fifth in 2007 says IATA

Here’s reassuring counterpoint to the recent spate of news about soaring fuel costs, rising airfares, and mounting delays: it’s getting safer to fly – significantly safer if you look at the picture in terms of fatalities.

The International Air Transport Association says the number of global airline fatalities fell by 19 percent in 2007. Last year, 692 people perished in airline accidents compared to 855 in 2006. What makes the figure even more significant is that 19 percent decline in fatalities occurred even as the number of airline passengers worldwide increased by 6 percent, to 2.2 billion in 2007.

It should be noted, however, that the number of “hull losses” (where the aircraft is significantly damaged) rose last year, from 0.65 in 2006 to 0.75 in 2007, for Western-built aircraft.

BA’s ‘London for Free’ promo

Don’t let the daunting devaluation of the dollar put a dent in your European travel plans, not when you can take advantage of British Airways' ‘London for Free’ deal – a package that encompasses round-trip airfare and two-nights' stay in a decent London hotel — three or four stars — for as little as $678.

Book and buy no later than midnight on Tuesday, May 13. Then, travel virtually all summer long – from May 26 through September 3. Discount airfares and hotel accommodations are also available September 4 through October 22.

Gary/Chicago Int'l outlines rail station plans

Gary/Chicago International Airport has been given the go-ahead to plan improvements to the bus and rail connections.

The airport is seeking to upgrade the South Shore's Clark Street stop following shuttle services run during Skybus's period at the airport.

"In the short time we had Skybus in here, we had a positive experience with moving people to this location," Ross Amundson, authority member, told Nwitimes.com.

Air Canada faces Dreamliner delay

Air Canada has revealed that delivery of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners has been delayed by two years until 2012. The delay has led the flag carrier to reconsider its expansion and scheduling plans.

According to Globeinvestor.com Air Canada will likely seek compensation from Boeing as a result of the delivery postponement.

"We're counting on these aircraft to help us, especially in an environment where you've got higher fuel prices," Montie Brewer, the airline's Chief Executive, told the Web site.

Northwest to fly Seattle-Beijing direct

Nonstop flights between Seattle and Beijing with Northwest Airlines are due to commence on March 1, 2009.

"Northwest Airlines' new flight will greatly expand our ability to increase trade, tourism, education and cultural exchange with China, bringing new jobs and economic development to our state," said Christine Gregoire, Governor of the state of Washington.

The route will be operated by Northwest and its codeshare partners Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air.

Idaho's Caldwell Airport set for $2m upgrade

Caldwell Industrial Airport is due to receive a $2 million overhaul that will see the construction of a new terminal building.

Work is set to start later this year with the 8,900-square foot terminal projected to open in Summer 2009.

According to IdahoStatesman.com the development will also include a new taxiway and apron but it is the terminal that will make a real difference.

Delta and AA boost fuel charge additional $20

Thanks to rapidly rising fuel costs round-trip airfares are increasing again. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines raised ticket prices by $20 round-trip in an effort to recoup fuel surcharges. What's this mean for passengers? A cheap flight might be offset by fees that total more than the flight itself.

Delta's fees - the second in just over one week - apply to most domestic routes. American Airlines quickly matched the fees and applied the same rate hike to similar routes, according to Associated Press reports.

Vehicular delays at Washington National

Give yourself some extra time if you’re headed to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) by car, taxicab or ground shuttle. The left lane of the airport entrance road will be closed for a while. That’s the road adjacent to the parking garage, where construction is going on. The lane closest to that garage will be shut down for the duration of a parking expansion job.

“Return to airport” traffic coming from the parking garage exits will be rerouted to a new ramp just beyond the existing ramp. There will be signs to lead the way. What’s really going to delay ground traffic into Reagan Washington National is this: a construction crane set up in the parking garage will temporarily cut the traffic entering the airport to just one lane.