Spring specials on air fares have come and gone. The next round of airfare cuts will apply to the prime travel season during the summer.
Anchorage travelers may see at least one or two good sales, as the next
group of airlines ramp up service between Anchorage and their hubs in
the Lower 48.
Be prepared for these sales. All the new airlines -- Frontier,
America West, American Airlines, Air Canada, Condor and Sun Country --
will be jockeying for position during the busiest travel months of the
year.
In the face of this new competition, our incumbent airlines --
Delta, Continental, United and Alaska -- will be adding flights and doing
their best to stay competitive.
Here are some of the battlegrounds to watch:
1. Seattle
Continental Airlines still is offering a great fare of $185
roundtrip all summer long. It used to be $180 roundtrip, but
Continental snuck in a "fuel surcharge" boosting the base fare up by
$5. Alaska Airlines and United Airlines are offering a similar fare for
travel through May 27. But Continental, with two flights each day, may
force Alaska Airlines to match the fare through the summer. That is a
good thing.
2. Denver
The Mile High City is the home port for Frontier Airlines.
But right after Frontier announced its plans to serve Anchorage, Alaska
filed its own plan for nonstop service between the two cities. Add to
this United's own year-round service and you have a recipe for
depressed yields. Oops. That's "airline-speak" for low fares.
Interestingly, it's America West that has today's lowest rate, just
$305 roundtrip. Watch for bargain rates all summer long, since at least
five airlines will be playing give-and-take this season.
3. Minneapolis
Finally, Sun Country Airlines is offering some good
rates on their twice-weekly flights beginning in May. The rates aren't
that great: $460 roundtrip through June 28. But at least it's a start.
Sun Country is a little gun-shy, since they were shut out of the market
several years ago when Northwest Airlines decided to play hardball. As
it is, Northwest has up to five flights each day during the summer. But
Frontier and America West also will be offering flights into the Twin
Cities, so there is a good chance more discounted rates will be
available this summer.
4. Chicago
American, United and Alaska will be offering nonstop
service this summer from Chicago to Anchorage. In the past, American
has done little or nothing to market to local travelers. But United and
Alaska are eager to attract more travelers. Right now, it's America
West that has the lowest fare, at $424 roundtrip.
5. Los Angeles
Watch the fares to L.A. for bargains. Aside from
Seattle, this is a hot market for airlines flying out of Anchorage.
Right now, the fares are high, but watch what happens when Frontier
spools up service on May 9. Chances are there will be some fare-related
fireworks, as well as just before America West's flights begin on June
2.
6. Phoenix
Occasionally we'll see some great fares into Arizona, but
chances are we'll see more after America West starts flying. Right now
the fares are too high. It's time to sit back and wait for the prices
to come down.
7. Vancouver, British Columbia
Alaska and Air Canada will resume their nonstop
service this summer. Last year, the rates to Vancouver were
significantly less than those to Seattle. Watch for introductory
specials as the launch date gets closer.
8. San Francisco
Delta is sneaking into the market with a $341
roundtrip fare. Even though you have to fly through Salt Lake City to
get there, it may be worthwhile to save a few bucks. That's especially
true if you're traveling with the family. United is launching their
nonstop service in early June from Anchorage. Keep a keen eye on these
flights during June for some price cuts!
Changes in restrictions
In addition to all the cities that are on sale, many of the traditional
restrictions are falling by the wayside as well. That is good news for
travelers. For example, most of Frontier's fares are one-way. That
means there is no "minimum stay" required.
America West also is
offering one-way rates in many markets. And Alaska Airlines ditched the
traditional Saturday-night-stay rule for a one-night minimum stay.
Advance-purchase rules still are common. But "fare sale" prices
typically have just a 14-day advance purchase. Most of Alaska Airlines'
lowest prices now mandate a 21-day advance purchase.
It's worthwhile to check with your agent or shop around online. While
the lowest fare may indeed be a 21-day advance purchase, you might be
able to get a great fare for just a few bucks more with only a
three-day advance purchase. That's the case to Seattle, where the $185
roundtrip mandates a 21-day advance purchase. But you can get a $286
roundtrip fare from local travel agents with a three-day advance. It
pays to check around!
(Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based travel marketing consultant.)
