Big Vote on liberalisation

[Albert the Frog]

Big vote today on transatlantic flight liberalisation that might lead to a price war. Loads of details on the Beeb website--

"European Union ministers are preparing to vote on a key aviation deal with the US, which would liberalise transatlantic air travel.

Dubbed "open skies", the deal aims to boost competition between airlines and reduce fares, but critics say the plans are unfair and do not go far enough."

Will it have much effect do you think?

[wrpac00]

Its gone through (excerpt from BBC website):-

European Union (EU) transport ministers have unanimously backed an "open skies" aviation deal with the US aimed at liberalising transatlantic air travel.

It will have an effect because other airlines will now be able to fly anywhere in Europe to anywhere in the US. Big questions is how much of an effect will it have on BA & Virgin? To compete they will probably have to lower their fares which can only be good news for the consumer.

[nicseg]

I hope it helps, we have gone back to prospective guests many times and have had then say ”the price of the flight put the holiday out of our reach” or “Florida villas are such good value but the flights are too expensive”
Nic

[Katys Grandad]

I thinks it's unlikely to make a difference to economy travel to Florida. Ultimately, the prize is the Heathrow-US (especially New York) routes which are currently in the hands of BA, Virgin, American & United. Watch for a First/Business price war on that route.

[domster]

I think this will be a good thing for the best routes to the US, this includes Orlando which has flights that are full. I think other airlines like BMI will operate a Orlando out of Heathrow. I have heard that Stanstead and Birmingham might be targets for future increase.