HI SKIERS:
DON'T FORGET ELECTIONS which will take place at our next meeting. The place: CASTIGLIA'S on April 16 at 6:30 PM.
I received some information from Dan Ellis, a tour operator the club frequently uses which I would like to pass on to you. Your BOD already discussed later flight departing times and shorter trips at our last meeting. Most board members were in favor of later flights but some had concerns how they would affect price.
Here is what Dan wrote:
"My other suggestion is to consider a 6 night trip with 5 days of skiing instead of 7 with a 5 day lift ticket. It generally saves $100+/person and gives people more weekend time at home with either a Sunday to Saturday or Sunday to Friday pattern. A related fact is that generally speaking a Sunday to Sunday trip has a lower airfare than Saturday to Saturday.
These special fares have not been finalized by the carriers at this time. Fares from Delta and United are expected by mid-April while fares from Northwest, American and others are not expected until late April. The proposals we are currently preparing include the price in effect for 2008 with an expectation of a $20 to $60 fare increase for next season. We suggest that clubs ask other tour operators to price this way or tell the club how much of an increase they have included in the price.
Ski Contract Fares for 2009 --
These special fares have not been finalized by the carriers at this time. Fares from Delta and United are expected by mid-April while fares from Northwest, American and others are not expected until late April. The proposals we are currently preparing include the price in effect for 2008 with an expectation of a $20 to $60 fare increase for next season. We suggest that clubs ask other tour operators to price this way or tell the club how much of an currently preparing include the price in effect for 2008 with an expectation of a $20 to $60 fare increase for next season. We suggest that clubs ask other tour operators to price this way or tell the club how much of an increase they have included in the price.
What about 'fuel surcharges'?
No matter what fare is offered now, a fuel surcharge is possible later. This is a sad fact of life as we all witness rapidly increasing energy costs. Each club should be sure to inform participants of the possibility of added charges between when the trip is offered and the date of travel. Historically, fuel surcharges have been fairly modest in the range of $10 to $40 domestically. But, events in the past are no guarantee of future events.
What's going on with extra bag fees for 2009 ---
As you likely know, United and US Airways have announced that they will start charging a $25 fee for a second checked bag starting in May. (This will apply for most customers except those with elite status in that airline*s mileage reward program.) Delta and Northwest have recently matched this fee and it is likely that all other major airlines will do so. This is going to hit skiers and other sports groups hard as it will cost $50 extra (roundtrip) to take your skis and boots. (We understand that a ski bag and a boot bag with a combined weight of less than 50 pounds will still count as one item.) Because we expect that all major airlines will have a version of this fee, we urge clubs to disregard the issue in terms of selecting an airline for trips next winter. We don*t think your members will escape the fee by being on one carrier versus another. By the time the dust settles it will likely apply no matter how you fly."
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