Prices fall as demand for air travel drops

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Air travellers are finding ticket prices at unprecedented lows as carriers worldwide battle decline passenger numbers.

Airfares for many international destinations, and especially on long-haul routes, are now as low as they have been in years.

For example, last week, return fares from the UK to New York were available for as low as £225, including charges and taxes, and to Sydney, return fares were available for under £600 – a £200 reduction over last year.

Return flights to Dubai on Emirates dropped to £200 and there were flights to Las Vegas available for less than £300.

Business- and premium economy-class ticket prices have also fallen. On British Airways business-class seats are currently on sale; and Virgin Atlantic is offering premium economy returns to Hong Kong for £699.

“It’s a bonanza for consumers,” said Virgin Atlantic’s Paul Charles. “Airlines are trying to combat the recession by offering ever cheaper fares – the prices available to some destinations are unprecedented.”

On Lufthansa, one-way fares to eight destinations in Europe are on offer from £49. Ryanair has put one million one-way flights on sale for £5, exclusive of fees and charges; and bmibaby has numerous spring and summer flights available at 50 per cent off for bookings until 12 March.

Thanks to www.telegraph.co.uk for the above quotes, for more information on this article please visit their website.

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