What can you expect for the upcoming year in travel, airports, airlines, delays and more? Here are a few things that tripatlas.com/new has heard through our “sources” – and we’re giving you the inside scoop for 2008’s travel season.
In-Flight Communications Services. In late December 2007, Air France began to offer inflight mobile phone services through the Mobile OnAir system. Mobile OnAir allows for travelers on international flights to send and receive text messages, emails, access the Internet, and later in 2008, will be able to make and receive phone calls. It is thought that this trend will spread through many other airlines to better accommodate both business and leisure communications on flights. Charges and costs will depend on airlines, but it’s likely that it won’t be cheap.
Increase in Cruise Activity. More and more people are discovering the benefits of cruising, especially for large groups and families (read our “Why You Should Cruise” article). Already this year, Carnival Cruise Lines have reported exceptional bookings for next year’s (2009) cruises through Europe and the Mediterranean – and this trend is similar across many other cruise lines for 2008 and 2009. Crystal Cruises, one of the top cruise lines to date, has always been popular because of its luxury and specialty-cruises (read our “Fun Cruise Themes To Spice Up Your Next Cruise” article). For 2008, they have further extended their golf cruises to include more cruises and more golf courses than before! Popular cruise destinations include: Alaska, Mediterranean, and the Caribbean.
On Time? It was reported that for the majority of 2007, flights were only 74% on time for their arrivals. However, at the end of 2007, the percentage increased to approximately 80%. Holiday and busy seasons are always notorious for delays. To be sure, check out: http://www.avoiddelays.com/ for tips and to check your flight’s status. To do your part, minimize your carry-on luggage, know what you can and cannot bring on board, and always be ready with your passport and boarding pass in hand.
Cost/Fee Increases. It was predicted that for this year, the increases in overall costs for flying would be minimal. Although in January 2008, the increasing cost of fuel forced many airlines and cruise lines to increase their fares to accommodate for these costs, labelling them “fuel surcharges” or “fuel fees.” Along with possible having to pay for extras in the near future – then increases are not in fact as minimal as they may seem.
Getting Extras. A few years ago, in flight meals, alcoholic drinks, and snacks became for purchase only rather than being automatically included in your flight. The same trend is predicted to continue through this year, but to other airline services. You may be charged per baggage checked (rather than guaranteed), for pillows and blankets, food, as well as reserving seats (rather than being automatically assigned). When paying for such amenities in flight, it may be the case that you can pay only through credit or debit.
Stay tuned to tripatlas.com/new for the newest and most up-to-date information on what’s happening in the travel scene!