All those headlines about airlines cutting seating capacity are more nuanced than they seem. So indicate statistics just released by OAG (Official Airline Guide).
According to the worldwide flight data company, while the total number of domestic flights on the United States carriers overall this May dropped by 3 percent compared with the same month last year, discount airlines actually boosted their flying domestically, by 4 percent.
Overall, OAG says domestic airlines in this country will field 22,900 fewer flights this May, and 1.51 million fewer seats. In the discount airline arena per se, however, low-cost carriers are laying on 6,661 more flights, and a robust 752,392 seats – three quarters of a million more.
Internationally, OAG says there’s a 3 percent rise in the number of flights to and from the United States this May compared to last, and a resultant 5 percent increase in seating capacity.
These changes are driven by skyrocketing fuel prices, as airlines opt to park some of the older, less fuel-efficient jets rather than fly them. Some of those aircraft are so fuel-inefficient these days that they lose money on some routes even when full.
What does all this mean for flyers? Cheapflights sees more seats, and consequently good discounts, on international routes. While great last-minute rates on some domestic routes are harder to find than they were, it’s Cheapflights’ observation that good discount airfares still remain for flyers who book well ahead, especially those who book 21 days out or more.
© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler
