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Why Americans are choosing cruises over flying
Why are more American choosing to cruise instead of fly is a question raised by Marketplace. One immediate answer: airline baggage and other fees.
“Excessive charges plus high gas prices…are leading people to seek alternative vacation options this popular travel season,” the site says.
Airlines collected $900 million in baggage fees and $600 million in reservation change fees during the third quarter of last year, according to the US Department of Transportation.
Most Americans live within a six-hour drive of a cruise ship port. And according to a recent social media poll, consumers listed baggage fees and delays as the top reasons they don't like to fly.
“So why fly? Why not take a cruise instead?” the site asks.
Airfare is continuously rising, yet cruise fares are constantly dropping — especially for those who book late.
"For those of you who are flexible with your travel, it can pay to wait until the last minute," said Steven Fischer, vice president of cruise development at Travel Holdings, Inc. "That's when cruise lines need to unload inventory, so stay on top of deals through last minute booking sites like LastMinuteCruises.com and LastMinuteTravel.com. To get a great deal you don't have to book 6 months in advance."
The advantages of cruising are many. Foremost, there's the value for money. All-inclusive meals, transportation, lodging and entertainment often times for less than $50/day per person are one of the major appeals of cruising, the site says.
By David Wilkening
David
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