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Flying just got more expensive, crowded

Airlines, coping with higher fuel prices and economic concerns, cut flight schedules from TIA.

By STEVE HUETTEL, Times Staff Writer
Published January 19, 2008

If your next flight at Tampa International seems even more crowded and expensive, it might not be your imagination.

Higher fuel prices and jitters over the economy prompted airlines to cut schedules at the airport deeper than usual during the slow months between New Year's Day and spring break.

The airport lost an average of 22 daily flights during January and February compared to a year earlier, a decline of nearly 5 percent.

That means travelers will probably have more company and pay higher fares flying to destinations such as St. Louis, San Juan and Denver, which all lost one daily flight.

"Likely, you'll lose the bottom layer of fares, the lowest 20 percent," said Darryl Jenkins, an airline industry consultant. Reduced flying nationwide early this year "will help stabilize prices for airlines during what may be a downturn," he said.

Airlines routinely adjust their schedules for seasonal changes in demand. But these cuts could keep visitors from northern cities from making last-minute trips if seats aren't available or cost too much, said D.T. Minich, tourism director for Pinellas County.

AirTran Airways cut flights 10 percent at Tampa International, including eliminating a daily round-trip to Atlanta. The discount carrier reduced its entire schedule 12 percent from Jan. 8 through Feb. 13, one of the slowest times of the year, said spokeswoman Judy Graham-Weaver.

"With fuel topping $100 a barrel, we are trying to minimize the hit in what is probably the toughest period in the airline business," she said. "March, with the start of spring break and Easter ... should be better."

Flights are expected to rebound in March at Tampa International, with an overall decline of less than 1 percent from the previous year, said Louis Miller, the airport's executive director. The airport should see year-to-year growth in airline capacity in April and May, he said.

Airlines raise fuel surcharges
UAL Corp.'s United Airlines, Delta Air Lines Inc. and Continental Airlines Inc. have doubled their round-trip fuel surcharges in most U.S. markets to $40, matching an increase by AMR Corp.'s American Airlines. The surcharge, which covers business and leisure fares, excludes flights in direct competition with low-fare airlines.

Fast facts

TIA flight cuts
Airlines are cutting schedules at Tampa International Airport, blaming high fuel prices and concerns over the economy.
American Airlines:
- San Juan: two daily flights to one
- St. Louis: two daily flights to one
Delta Air Lines:
-Boston: three daily flights to two
- New York JFK: Four daily flights to three
United Airlines:
- Washington Dulles: five daily flights to three
- Denver: four daily flights to three

Steve Huettel can be reached at huettel@sptimes.com or 813-226-3384

[Last modified January 18, 2008, 23:14:48]