The Fall of the US Dollar and the Rise of Airfare

Posted by Abigail on April 23, 2008 3:24 AM PDT

Tags: airfare, airplane, Holland, Massachusetts, money, recession, Travel

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Quite a few year ago, my two closest friends left New York City to begin new lives in distant, faraway lands: one in Paris, the other all the way in Texas.

About a year later, I thought I’d take a long weekend away to visit one or the other of them, and began researching fares. As it turned out, a flight from New York to Paris cost half of what one to Texas would have cost me, and so off to the banks of the Seine I went.

Those days, I discovered this morning, are over.

I’d actually thought something was up when I checked air fares from Holland, where I live now, to New York for July and August and found that they were nearly double what they were a year ago. Even accounting for rising gas prices, that was a significant jump. Now, thanks to an article in the national newspaper, de Volkskrant, I understand why. And if you think that it’s just the falling dollar that is making European vacations nearly unaffordable these days, pay attention: it isn’t.

The Volkskrant cited the example of a ticket on KLM from Amsterdam to London, with a price of 214.147 euros. The flight itself is actually only 72 euros; the rest is made up of taxes, surcharges, and so-called “service charges” (13 euros for a “passenger service” charge? What passenger service is this, I wonder?). Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport recently introduced a new airport tax of 45 euros for intercontinental flights – which, at current rates, is over $60. Think that’s bad? Try the fuel surcharge: 196 euros – over $250.

That’s now more than $300 over the cost of the actual airfare. Are they kidding?

Thing is, I’m getting married this summer in Massachusetts. Right now, the tent is paid for, the caterer has her deposit, and the wedding party is arranged – everything, basically, is set. Now the only question is: if the groom and I start walking after work tomorrow evening, can we still be there in time to cut the cake?

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2 Comments

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My advice: Don't fly. Well, except for you, Abigail. Although, you could have a small ceremony in Holland and celebrate with friends and family once fares go down. Not ideal, I know.

The airlines are using a sales strategy that drug dealers have been using for years: the first fews highs (or flights) are dirt cheap- the rest will cost you.

People have had the luxury of inexpensive flights for so long that even folks who typically wouldn't have been "jet setters" are traveling. Now that the airlines have got us hooked on cheap flights and BAD service, they've added on surcharges for FAR WORSE service than ever.

Your question, "What passenger service is this?" is a good one. The planes are more cramped and running later than ever. Check-in is an exercise in chaos. Even once you're finally on board, you could sit on the runway for hours.

On board service? Ha! I don't think I should have to pay a service charge for disgruntled, bitchy, make-up spackled, over-perfumed air waitresses who made a poor career choice 20 + years ago. Thank god for the gay air stewards. They're usually more solicitous if not entertaining.

Even more galling, you have to pay for the crappy shrink wrapped meals and micro-cocktails. Alcohol is the only thing that makes overseas flights under these conditions bearable. Unfortunately, you have to take out a second mortgage in order to sufficiently narcotize yourself, especially since you can only bring liquid containers with you that are 3 oz. or smaller. I'm just waiting for airlines to install a credit card swiping device on the doors of the bacteria ridden lavatories. Have to go to the bathroom in flight? $5, please.

As for me, I'm vacationing at home this summer, unless there's someone out there willing to sponsor my airfare? Anyone?