The new fare rules at the major airlines probably won't have a major impact on most of your travel plans. It still pays to search for fare sales that reach past the daily rate structure. Budget airlines will continue to beat the majors on many routes.
But when you fly a domestic route on the majors, you'll benefit from some long-overdue changes. Here are a few to review:
The Saturday-night stay, as we've mentioned, might finally die a long-deserved death. Rest in peace.
Delta cut the penalty for making changes on many non-refundable tickets from $100 USD to $50. That's a significant move, especially if you're traveling with a large family or group. That savings will add up quickly.
The fare changes are likely to be popular with travelers. Paul Matsen, the airline's chief marketing officer, reported a test run of these new policies at Delta's Cincinnati hub in 2004 produced a 30 percent increase in traffic.
Delta is promising improvements to its Web site and amenities on board like lighting, food offerings, and bathroom designs.
Improvements to American's Web site now allow you to view seats prior to booking, and to search fares within a 90 mile radius of your chosen airport.
The changes make it even more important to do the things budget travelers have done for years: Read the fine print and shop carefully.
