Airfare News

As a result of high oil prices and the economic slow down, Qantas announced cuts to 1,500 jobs worldwide and a halt to its expansion plans. Its previously forecast capacity growth has been reduced from eight-percent to zero.

Among the planned cuts are closure of the call centers in Tucson, Arizona and London; the call centers in Australia and New Zealand will remain open. By December, twenty-percent of management and office support positions will be eliminated; a hiring and pay freeze is in effect.

Additionally, 22 older aircraft from its fleet will be retired as it proceeds with its fleet upgrade program, bringing on board new and more fuel efficient aircraft, including the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787.

Prior to Friday’s announcement, Qantas has raised fares twice and reduced capacity twice this year to manage rising fuel prices.

Airline Tickets to Australia are available for sale on the new Qantas A380 aircraft on selected flights from Melbourne and Sydney to Los Angeles for travel beginning at the end of October 2008. The world’s largest aircraft, Qantas is promoting the A380 to passengers seeking enhanced comfort and sense of space, with state-of-the-art innovation.

Airline tickets to Australia will be available in four classes of service: First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy. First Class passengers will have privacy for sleeping in a comfortable bed in their new First suites. Business Class passengers can enjoy a fully-flat bed after socializing in the on-board lounge.

On the A380, Qantas will introduce a Premium Economy Class with increased legroom, greater incline for sleeping comfort, plus a Neil Perry-designed menu and access to a variety of refreshments throughout the flight. The Economy Class seats will be wider and feature a unique new footrest to maximize comfort on the long flight.

Buying airline tickets to Australia on the Qantas 380, especially if you are willing to pay the price for Premium Economy, Business or First Class, will provide a new experience of long-haul flights.

US Airways recently announced a new “pay-as-you-go” program - if you want a beverage on a US Airways flight, be prepared to pay. Passengers on transatlantic flights are exempt from this new charge - beverages are still complimentary if you purchase cheap airline tickets to Europe on US Air.

In addition to the $2 charge for non-alcoholic beverages (be sure to purchase your drink before boarding the plane!), your first checked bag will be assessed a $15 fee, unless you are an unaccompanied minor, active military or a preferred Dividend Miles member. The baggage fee applies to all flights to/from Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean and all flights within the U.S.

If you want to use your mileage for cheap airline tickets to Europe, be prepared to pay - $25, $35 or $50 depending on your destination to book a ticket. The new fees for calling US Airways to make your reservation will be increased to $25 per ticket for domestic US travel and $35 for international travel.

Use AirBanks’s booking engine to find your low cost airfare and cheap airline tickets to Europe to save these fees! And if you’re planning to stop in at Baltimore, Raleigh, Munich, Rome or Zurich, don’t bother to look for the US Airways Clubs. They will be closed effective August 6, 2008.