I’ve mentioned this analogy before, but it bears repeating.
Let’s say your boss or manager comes to you to ask if you can pick up some slack because the company is shorthanded. You do so, of course, and accomplish the tasks assigned to you. But the boss sees that it can be done, and perhaps is reluctant to go back to the way it was. After all, he can now save some money.
This is what the airlines and cruise lines are going to be like going forward.
They will be better in 2024 and certainly will address pressing concerns. But they are not going to lower fares or ancillary fees such as bottled water. A precedent has been set. They are not going back if they can add to the profitability of the bottom line with less manpower.
It’s their job, naturally.
So while things like airfares might come down a little bit here and there depending on the destination, there are still going to be increases in things like baggage fees. For every yin, there’s a yang.
The airlines and the cruise lines have to strike while the irons are hot, so to speak. Demand for travel has never been higher, and they need to take advantage of the situation now. It is an expected business decision, and you can’t find fault with that.
But there are certainly some issues that need their attention and can’t be solved simply by asking an employee to take on more work.
The pilot shortage among airlines comes to mind. So does the lack of air traffic controllers.
Those are just two jobs where you can’t just ask somebody to ‘fill in.’
To their credit, those tasks are being addressed. But it’s just human nature to see that bottom line and think that profitability can outweigh the other concerns simply by juggling some workload responsibilities. So, no, fares probably won’t come dramatically down in the new year. But other costs and fees will go up.
Get ready for the new paradigm in travel.
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