(Photo: pagesix.com)
Some are taking advantage of the low airfare prices amidst coronavirus outbreak
In light of the coronavirus outbreak, people around the world have been canceling their trips. But while many are canceling, others are booking.
Ashley Henkel, 20, is a college student who has booked not on, not two, but three flights. Living in California’s Central Valley, Henkel is currently taking advantage of cheap flights to see the rest of North America. This summer she will be flying to Vancouver, New York City and Portland, Oregon.
She is one of many young people that are saying “Whatever,” and believes that she might as well be somewhere having fun.
Everyone: avoid air travel to reduce coronavirus risk
College students on their way to spring break: pic.twitter.com/quCVGmAC3V— Nick (@nicks2320) March 9, 2020
Others on Twitter shared their thoughts in the price drop.
One user, @jlivsvision wrote, “You can fly from Houston to Florida for $32.49. You can’t even Uber from Houston to Houston that cheap.”
@iindigosoul said, “Spirit Airlines got a dollar menu.”
The coronavirus has significantly slashed national and international flights, and there has been a plunge in bookings. American, the world’s largest airline, cut its international capacity by 10 percent this summer and eliminated 7.5 percent of its domestic flights for April.
Delta also canceled around 25 percent of its international flights and between 10 to 15 percent of its domestic flights. Even Chinese airlines are offering tickets at “cabbage prices” with one-way tickets as low as 90 yuan ($13) plus 50 yuan in taxes.
Airline stocks have plunged, and now carriers are offering deals that put air travel within reach for those who once couldn’t afford it. A high-risk, high-reward trip, as some might say.
International Air Transport Association says virus outbreak that began in China could cost airlines as much as $113 billion in lost revenue due to collapse of air travel. https://t.co/01iiDb6cFR
— ABC News (@ABC) March 5, 2020
The CDC advises to avoid nonessential travel to certain high-risk places, or at the very least, postpone some travel. As of today, March 11, Expedia is currently offering round trip flights from New York to Los Angeles for $177. Normally, a one-way ticket is about $300. From Miami to Chicago, round trip, tickets are selling for $67.
Because of the decrease in flight demand, airlines have been scrambling to fill those seats and resulted in slashing prices to get people to fly. Airlines will keep prices down until people start to travel again.
It’s no wonder younger people are taking advantage and snatching up these deals despite the coronavirus.
As Henkel told NBC News, there is “no fun in staying home and being all worried.”
By: Maytinee Kramer
