Once again, the economic situation is causing concern for two of America’s most popular travel destinations. Airlines are planning cuts in the number of cheap flights to Las Vegas and Orlando
"Las Vegas and Orlando, two of the biggest leisure-travel destinations in the country, are both feeling growing twinges of apprehension. And it has nothing to do with an imminent roll of the dice or a plunge on a thrill ride.
Both places are facing alarming reductions in commercial air service as airlines whack away at markets where fares are traditionally cheap. According to OAG, the airline-schedule data company, the number of flights scheduled for this fall is down nearly 13 percent for both Las Vegas and Orlando, versus the same period last year. Additionally, US Airways has said it plans to reduce its Las Vegas service by 20 percent this fall.
Joe Brancatelli, publisher of the subscription travel Web site Joesentme.com and a close observer of the airline business for over two decades, said the tourist businesses in Las Vegas and Orlando were “very, very worried” about disappearing flights and scrambling for solutions.
M. Ponder Harrison, managing director for marketing at the low-fare carrier Allegiant Air, based in Las Vegas, said: “What you’re seeing in Las Vegas and other leisure markets like Orlando is a kind of mild panic setting in, because all of a sudden airline seats are evaporating.” In June, Allegiant reported a jaw-dropping load factor — the number of seats occupied — of 94 percent. Most major carriers had a load factor of about 80 percent in June."
See original story at nytimes.com