Despite rising fuel costs, average domestic business airfares are at the lowest point since 1999, says American Express Business Travel.
The average fare paid for the third quarter of 2004 was $217 one-way, or 11% below average for 2003. The current rate is also 16% less than 2001, according to eCLIPSE Advisors, a subsidiary of American Express Business Travel.
The trend was due to low-cost carrier pressure on popular routes, said eCLIPSE.
“Competition between legacy and low cost carriers is increasing, and as a result, business travelers are gaining access to lower airfares across a growing list of markets,” said Michael Boult, COO, eCLIPSE Advisors.
Report by David Wilkening
