Our Predictions for Travel in 2013 | Business Travel Blog

Here at Lets Fly Cheaper, we are constantly keeping up with the latest and greatest in regards to everything business travel related as well as anything else going on in the airline industry. Everything that happens can have a direct impact on you, the weary traveler. 2012 was a rocky one for many of the big players in the industry from finalizing mergers, chapter 11 bankruptcies and new fees. So now we pose the question; what should we expect for 2013?

One big speculation that has been making the rounds and one we agree with is a merger between American Airlines and U.S Airways. The merger seems imminent as it might be the only way for American Airlines to survive. The merger will further consolidate the U.S airline industry and its legacy carriers. Everything seems to be in place from the pilot union of American voting to merge and a brand new Boeing 777-300 delivered to American without the iconic American paint scheme. Could AA be waiting for a merger finalization or are they planning to re brand? The word is they are planning a new paint scheme but that design has yet to be announced. Again folks, this is just a prediction but we feel U.S Airways and American may already be in cahoots on a new design for a new merger and will introduce it on the new 777-300 before the end of January.

Another prediction we see coming is on board wi-fi for all. Look for most U.S carries to offer the service on every airplane in their fleet. We also feel folks won?t jump at the option to pay for the service leading many carriers to offer it free.

How about a partnership with one of the leading online streaming companies like Netflix or Amazon? It can happen and with the new satellite based wi-fi that?s all the rage with the airlines, offering these services should be an easy transition.

Look for more comforts in business class as the airlines struggle to compete for premium class customers. Many of the legacy carriers have started to introduce new business class layouts in addition to eliminating first class to make room for those changes. Some new features include lay flat seats on some domestic aircraft for the longer transcontinental flights.

More expensive fares are dwindling on the horizon. With the possibility of an American and U.S Airways merger, that will leave one less major competitor. Unfortunately we feel that will increase the price of fares, mainly those in economy class. In addition to that, the whole fiscal cliff solution won?t encourage the airlines to offer those rock bottom prices. If you noticed, fares in 2012 slightly increased from previous years. Expect that to continue.

Bag fees and other fees are likely to increase as well. A bold prediction we would like to make is in regards to Southwest Airlines who have always prided themselves on not charging for checked bags. We feel that is about to change. We notice their T.V ads aren?t as abundant as they were in 2011 and half way through 2012. Could that be a sign? The airline did have an up and down 2012 as far as profitability goes. We see them allowing one free bag.

United Airlines had a rough year as far as passenger satisfaction goes. 2013, we say is going to be their year. With the addition of the Boeing 787 to their fleet as well managing through their post-merger growing pains, the airline is poised to finally succeed with the battle scars to prove they are worthy.

The decline of the 50 seat regional jet. Airlines like Delta are no longer seeing a need to contract these high maintenance birds to do their flying. They axed their contract with Comair and are rapidly eliminating the need for them from their current regional partners. If it looks like Delta is making money by doing this, look for the other legacy carriers to start doing the same with their regional partners.

The use of portable devices is still prohibited during the takeoff and landing phase of every flight in the U.S. With efforts being made by the FCC, FAA and various study groups, those potential projectiles will get the clearance to be used for the entire flight.

Lap children ban. This is never a good idea, ever. Not only is it uncomfortable to have a child in your lap for a flight but extremely dangerous. Remember, your traveling at 500 mph through the air which at times gets unstable. Get your child a seat and an FAA approved safety booster. It is still allowed children 2 years and under but we feel with the approval of portable electronic devices looming will ultimately come the decision to ban children from lap travel.

2012 was a record breaker for full flights. We don?t see 2013 doing the same. Again, the fiscal cliff resolution will have medium income families paying more which in turn may have a result on families trimming down on those weekend excursions and opting to drive to their destinations while gas prices seem to be declining.

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Source: http://www.letsflycheaper.com/blog/our-predictions-for-travel-in-2013/

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