WWTBAM Bored

Just arranged an audit in NJ, and was checking out airfares. Boston or Manchester to Newark direct flights are a minimum of $500 round trip. It can drop to below $300, if I get there by way of Pittsburgh. WTF??? If I stay one more day, the fares also drop for the non-stops. A little consistency would be helpful here.

Tuesday audit in mid-June, with hopes that I can arrange an audition in NYC on Wednesday afternoon, then return to EWR for a late return flight. If I can arrange a second audit on that Wednesday with a nearby vendor, a Thursday noon audition is a possibility. Given the airfare difference, the latter would be better for my company's costs.

If I were your employer, it would make me very happy that you care about how much I have to spend to send you places.

Dunno what the round-trip train fare is these days, but I hope its less than $500. And to think I was cursing out my current $384 round trip plane to Detroit, a new high. Since you mention EWR, which I believe is Newark; many if not all of the trains from Boston go right through there.

Train ride Boston to NYC: 4-1/2 to 5 hours, depending on the train. You can arrive at the station 10 minutes ahead of time if you like to cut it close.

Plane ride Boston to NYC: actual plane ride is about 45 minutes, but you have to arrive at the airport at least an hour ahead of time. Then, once you've landed, it takes 20 minutes to get off the plane. Then, unless you are flying into Newark & know exactly what bus to catch, it takes an incredible amount of time to get from the airport to wherever you're going (whether you do it by subway, cab or rented car).

EWR is generally the most expensive airport to fly into of the three in the NYC area.

FWIW, the direct flights I bought for my granddaughter and her husband to fly to EWR on May 3rd and return a week later cost just $350.

gsabc wrote:WTF???

Delta CEO: 15-20% fare hike needed just to break even

By Dan Caterinicchia, AP Business Writer
WASHINGTON — Domestic airlines need to raise fares by 15% to 20% just to break even at current fuel prices, the chief executive of Delta Air Lines, which seeks to acquire Northwest Airlines, said Tuesday.
"An airline ticket has got to reflect the full cost of fuel," Delta Air Lines Inc. CEO Richard Anderson told reporters, adding that such an increase was likely to depress demand and prompt carriers to further trim their flight schedules.

Cost-cutting measures "have largely been exhausted," Northwest Airlines Corp. CEO Doug Steenland said.

Since Dec. 20, carriers have raised fares nine times, according to BestFares.com, and a number of airlines in recent weeks have also raised fees for checking a second bag and other amenities.

marrymeflyfree wrote:

gsabc wrote:WTF???

Delta CEO: 15-20% fare hike needed just to break even

By Dan Caterinicchia, AP Business Writer
WASHINGTON — Domestic airlines need to raise fares by 15% to 20% just to break even at current fuel prices, the chief executive of Delta Air Lines, which seeks to acquire Northwest Airlines, said Tuesday.
"An airline ticket has got to reflect the full cost of fuel," Delta Air Lines Inc. CEO Richard Anderson told reporters, adding that such an increase was likely to depress demand and prompt carriers to further trim their flight schedules.

Cost-cutting measures "have largely been exhausted," Northwest Airlines Corp. CEO Doug Steenland said.

Since Dec. 20, carriers have raised fares nine times, according to BestFares.com, and a number of airlines in recent weeks have also raised fees for checking a second bag and other amenities.

My "WTF?" was about the disparity in airfares on the same airlines with the same start and finish, but where one had a stopover and one was direct and less distance. Also in the fare difference when I returned one day later than the first search.

I understand the overall rise in fares, and agree it's necessary.

I understand the overall rise in fares, and agree it's necessary.

It probably means Swampyturtles will not be coming for the huge family reunion in June.

Her 2 boys will and my mom, but not my sister or her husband.

Her daughter and boyfriend will not come more due to timing issues.

It just will ba alot more fun if she could come.