newton817

I thought they had abolished this treaty and it would open up the airways for more competition, meaning cheaper flights accross the atlantic. the prices or the airlines haven't changed!

Adnams

Yes they did. The open skies agreement comes into effect next year sometime.
A lot of low cost airlines already stating they will be offereing massive discounts.
Fab I cant wait

newton817

When next year?

Adnams

Sorry no idea but fairly soon I think in 08, this is a good start!

http://news.cheapflights.co.uk/fligh..._us_final.html

I cant wait....

Ash UK/US

What about the recent tax hike though? it is scary that the tax on my kids tickets costs more that the actual seat, $300+ dollars in taxes

Adnams

You're joking, thats crazy! Last time I flew to the UK at Easter this year the tax was like $60 if I remember rightly. When did you buy these tickets?

Elvira

Ash has a lot of kids

Adnams

Ah-ha, well I have none so I guess I travel light, in more ways than one!!!

Wildandcrazy0525

Kids ain't got anything to do with this one Cost Melissa and I the same in taxes as it did for the flight back in March when we went for our trip over.

JAJ

More competition doesn't inherently change the economic cost of providing the service - cost of planes, fuel, maintenance, flight crews etc.

If you know your economics you should realise that only "super-normal" profit will be eliminated by greater competition. This is more likely to happen on business class seats out of Heathrow. Economy fares are already fairly competitively priced most of the time.

Ash UK/US

Cheeky bugger I have 2 kids.

Ash UK/US

I haven't bought the tickets yet, we are planning early Nov trip for hubby, my 2 girls (3 and 1 however we buy our 1 year old a seat) and myself.

I did a quick comparison search here are the numbers

Nov 1st thru Nov 13th Grand Rapids to Teesside (via Chicago and heathrow).

Orbitz tax $217 Making total cost $3784

BT Travel Store tax $342 making the total $3223

Travel Hub tax $340 making the total for 4 of us $2861

You may be interested in reading the following
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/fligh...ight-tax_x.htm
Hey if you have any suggestions for cheaper tickets I would love to hear them.

Ash

Adnams

Wow bit of a difference! To keep your costs down you can always fly into Skipol and then Manchester and then drive up to Newcastle. Thats what my OH and I do, it works out cheaper by far. Tagging on the Teeside bit always bumps the prices - then again with kids in tow I can see why it would be a lot easier for you.