Airfares Rising, Bargains Getting More Rare

MIAMI -- If you plan to fly this spring, you should know that fares are taking off. After months of lower prices, the airline industry is making changes that could cost you.

Travel agent Toni Chiles books flights, but it was when she was making personal plans that she became tipped off to big changes.

"I was actually doing a flight for myself to Las Vegas and I priced it a week ago. It was $240 roundtrip, America West, nonstop flight. Same flight is now about $369," Chiles said.

After weeks of lowering fares to entice passengers back after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, that trend is changing and fares are going up and away.

The cheapest fare from Miami to San Francisco was recently $288; it's now $356. Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles could have been yours for $250; now it will cost you $350.

While New York is still a bargain right now if you can get the cheap roundtrip of $198, last week it was only $148. Part of that increase -- a small part -- are fees.

"The taxes have changed a little bit depending on the airport you're flying into from last year, actually since Sept. 11," Chiles said.

Also, fares you could get on a seven-day advance you'll now need to get 14 days ahead of time.

You also need to beware of overbooking. Airlines have fewer flights but they are trying to cram more people onto them.

"A client booked a flight a week ago, got the airport this morning and was told they were oversold by 30 and he can't get on a plane until tomorrow," Chiles said.

Since fares have gone up, patience will pay off, according to Chiles.

"You wait a week or two. Once they raise fares, they see a drop in people actually buying travel for spring and summer. Then they're going to drop fares," she said.

The restrictions on tickets are changing as quickly as the prices. Now more than ever, to get the low fares you find online or with a travel agent you may have to travel in a very small window; specific days at specific times.

Also remember that many of the cheap fares you see are only for a few seats on each flight. If you wait, those seats will be gone -- but if you are planning a summertime trip, you may want to hold off a little. Cheaper summer fares won't be released until mid-spring.