traveleurope

Unless you don’t read any news you’ve probably heard of the new Open Skies Agreement that went into effect on March 30, 2008.  What the agreement means is that any airline, both US and EU based, can fly from any point in the EU/US to any point in the US/EU respectively.  For instance I normally traveled with United on my transatlantic flights, but the new agreement US Airways usually has the cheapest fare for my area in the States. 

Essentially I’ve already spotted two benefits in one: cheap fare and different flight carriers.  Both aspects actually come hand in hand because if there are more airlines to choose from, then logically they are going to be competing in price.  Obviously competition in price means lower cost to us, the consumers.  The amount that fares are reducing is debatable.  Some people will say it’s dropped drastically while others haven’t noticed any change at all.  I’m the former. 

Another thing to look forward to is new airlines sprouting up.  Ryanair, the budget airline for Europe, has stated that they are planning to launch a transatlantic airline around 2010.  Don’t be fooled by the bits where they claim the ticket is only 10 euros.  If you’ve flown with Ryanair you’ll realize that their prices always spike up since they charge you for everything extra.  Want luggage?  You’re going to pay for it.  Need to check-in?  Have some money ready for that too.  We’ll be lucky if they can realistically get acceptable tickets for 50 euros. 

My point is that it’s still a bit early to tell.  In general the Open Skies Agreement seems like a good thing.  I have yet to hear of any real negatives.  Although I imagine the traffic on London Heathrow Airport’s tarmac is jammed like Times Square at rush hour.

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