Fares to the US may plummet

[Sab]

http://news.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30100-1254118,00.html



A price war that could drive down the cost of transatlantic flights may be about to break out following a deal between the US and EU.

The "open skies" deal could end restrictions on the number of airlines allowed to fly between the US and Heathrow airport.

Airlines have greeted the move, which still has to be agreed at a meeting of EU transport ministers later this month, and the US Congress, with a mixed response.

BMI has been campaigning on the issue for more than six years and welcomed it.

However, Virgin said the deal did not "look positive" and British Airways said it was not a "good deal for Europe or the UK".



Only four carriers - United Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic - currently operate transatlantic flights from Heathrow.

The EU forecasts that within five years the deal could put an extra 26 million people on transatlantic flights.

Just under 50 million travellers now make that trip every year.

EU Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot said he would ask EU nations to back the deal when transport ministers meet on March 22.

There is a US-EU summit in May, at which the deal is also likely be considered.

The US Congress must also back it before the new rules would come into effect on October 28.

[Sharon]

Amything that can be done to kick start the Florida holiday market must be good news. There is a need for cut price fare to the us otherwise it will be Spain as the top holiday destination like it was in the 70's

[chris]

What is the point of cut price flights when you will be treated like you are disembarking off a convict ship at this end. If they want to kick start Florida, they could start by doing some kicking at OIA. Maybe get British Rail to do their charm school on the POE officials?

[Susie]

True hope there is a change in attitude to visitors to the usa and a massive price war for flights as something has got to be done to encourge more people to visit Florida before its too late.

There are far too many properties being built in the Disney area its all about supply and demand and costs. People are now beging to turn their backs on the USA and owners outgoings keep rising, property taxes have doubled so visitors and rental rates are down. I spoke to Christ's office I told him so too, Heard a wisper that they were thinking of getting rid of property tax and increasing sales tax to 8.5%

Shortly villa owners will be getting a proposed property tax bill and this is the time to call the tax office appraisers department and Christ's office. Unless owners start trying to be heard then nothing will ever change. Then again if we do speak up will we be listened to?

[Munish]

I think this will be more beneficial to US than the UK. The Government will probably just increase air taxes so we do not get to reap the benefits. There is already talk about increase passenger air taxes as a means of punishing airlines for green house gas emissions, but they will only pass that on to the passengers.

[Kriz1]

True hope there is a change in attitude to visitors to the usa and a massive price war for flights as something has got to be done to encourge more people to visit Florida before its too late.

There are far too many properties being built in the Disney area its all about supply and demand and costs. People are now beging to turn their backs on the USA and owners outgoings keep rising, property taxes have doubled so visitors and rental rates are down. I spoke to Christ's office I told him so too, Heard a wisper that they were thinking of getting rid of property tax and increasing sales tax to 8.5%

Shortly villa owners will be getting a proposed property tax bill and this is the time to call the tax office appraisers department and Christ's office. Unless owners start trying to be heard then nothing will ever change. Then again if we do speak up will we be listened to?

Rental or second home owners will still pay tax as the bill stands last time I looked...not a problem for us because we get most of our tax back on our FL home...and when we do move to FL we can homestead....not having to pay tax will be a God send for us at that time...because we will be on a lower wage....

[Dustin]

I could do with some cheap flights over in the next few months!:p

Dustin

[Susie]

Hi Dustin

Well with a little bit of luck, if this goes to the attorney general's office (think that dept) or higher level and your presense is requested to attend court they could well pay for your trip, fingers crossed, lets hope so