Airfares going up, hotel rates down in ’10

NEW YORK — Airfares will go up around the globe next year as airlines pare their schedules and demand revives, but average hotel rates should fall in most regions, according to the American Express Business Travel 2010 forecast released Wednesday.

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American Express Business Travel said overall ticket prices will increase by up to 5 percent globally for economy class short-haul flights. Business class long-haul fares are projected to increase by 1 to 6 percent. In North America, ticket prices are expected to rise between 2 and 7 percent in economy class and 1 to 6 percent in business class.

Airlines' added fees and surcharges recently introduced should bump rates even higher, the company said.

But while most passengers will be paying more for airfare, the forecast said hotels will be forced to cut rates further as they try to draw more customers back.

In North America, mid-range rates are expected to fall by 1 to 4 percent. Upper-range hotel prices in North America are projected to decline by 3 to 6 percent.

Airlines have more of an upper hand when demand improves because they were able to reduce schedules and cut flights when customers were staying home due to the recession.

Following a sluggish 2009, American Express Business Travel "expects a pent up need for travel and meetings to be unleashed in 2010."

The 2010 Forecast is based on a number of sources, including the American Express Business Travel Monitor, the American Express contracted rates database, transaction reports, Smith Travel Research Global Hotel Reviews and NBTA-IHS Global Insights business travel market sizing research.