Airfares in case of war
 

Any thoughts on what will happen to airfares to Europe for May/June/July if (when) war starts soon?

If they go down, we'll be the first ones on board. We have no fear of flying/traveling anywhere. When you live in a big city in the U.S. and ride public transportation every day, you're in greater danger than in most foreign countries. Happy Travelin'

So true, especially if you ride the NYC subway system!<BR><BR>Hope my post didn't sound too callous. Just wondering about the ramifications of this seemingly inevitable &quot;action.&quot;

I just got an email message from Northwest Airlines: Northwest Airlines is now offering a flexible ticketing policy for international travel that provides customers with additional travel<BR>and ticketing options in the event of military action in the Middle East. This new policy allows a one-time rescheduling of travel plans without charge.<BR>Perhaps other airlines are implementing a similar offer, but this is the first one I've heard of, and I'm on every major airline's frequent flyer plan!

This isn't exactly about air fares, but I make a lot of travel arrangements for my boss and he flys to Hong Kong. I tried to book Continental direct to Hong Kong from Newark, NJ, and Continental won't guarantee the flight in April because the equipment is a 777, and I was told they have an agreement with the U.S. Military that in time of war, their 777's would be used to transport troops. Needless to say, we switched airlines to United.

Here's a link to an article which states, in part, that &quot;the ATA's forecast calls for a 4% drop in fares if there's a war and 9% if there's a war and a terrorist attack.&quot;<BR><BR>http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2003/2003-03-12-air-plans.htm<BR>

Regarding Northwest flexible ticketing policy for international travel, only the change fee will be waived. Passenger must still pay difference in airfare if there is any so changes may not be free. If new airfare is lower no refund given. More info can be found on this site<BR>http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&amp;STORY=/www/story/03-11-2003/0001905740&amp;EDATE=<BR>