U.S., European Union nearing deal on flights

[Otto 83]

WASHINGTON — The U.S. and European Union have reached a tentative agreement that would give airlines greater freedom to choose trans-Atlantic routes and potentially lead to lower fares, the government announced Friday.

While details of the pact were not released, it is intended to allow European airlines to fly from anywhere in the EU to any point in the U.S., and vice versa, while shedding rules that restrict how much carriers are allowed to charge fliers.

EU Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot said he would ask EU nations to back the deal when EU transport ministers meet March 22. The U.S. Congress must also back the deal before the new rules would kick in Oct. 28.

"Any agreement . . . would provide enormous benefits to airline passengers," David Stempler, president of the Washington, D.C.-based Air Travelers Association said. Article Date March 03, 2007

This Could Be Good News...

[fozzie 41]

I heard ryanair where thinking of buying into a company that does transatlantic flights so that they could do budget long haul. That would be even better. Ok a 2 hour flight between 2 european cities on ryan air is one thing but a 7 hour flight with little or no entertainment, food, luggage space, or comort? OOhh! I would do it if it was considerably cheaper!

[Otto 83]

This agreement will affect all major airlines

[brtlmj 0]

Any "open skies" agreement benefits passengers. Do not expect miracles, though. There is not much to be saved on transatlantic flights:

- the airplanes are in the air most of the time, so there is little to be gained by reducing turnaround time, Southwest style

- no-frills service is fine... if the flight lasts an hour or two

- fuel is a significant part of the total cost.

What can we expect?

- slightly cheaper connections between secondary airports - say, Luton and Newark

- increased competition -> lower profit margins -> lower prices.

Bartek

[Miss_USA 0]

That would be so great, we just have to hope it will really become true:-) Never know!

[metta 0]

This is great news!

That would be so great, we just have to hope it will really become true:-) Never know!

[Fandango 1,439]

I heard ryanair where thinking of buying into a company that does transatlantic flights so that they could do budget long haul. That would be even better. Ok a 2 hour flight between 2 european cities on ryan air is one thing but a 7 hour flight with little or no entertainment, food, luggage space, or comort? OOhh! I would do it if it was considerably cheaper!

Can you imagine everyone running to the plane to get a good seat and then you're stuck on long haul next to the john? lol