Clark Howard's Tips

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Clark loves traveling to Europe. He goes as often as possible, especially during the cold months when fares are cheaper.

But there is another reason fares are so expensive that you may not know about. Setting of air routes to Europe is still sort of a cartel. There are contracts between European governments and airlines to limit the number of carriers and, therefore, the amount of competition.

But that is about to change. Soon, our airlines will be able to fly anywhere they want to and European airlines will be able to do the same.

The biggest news is that — for the first time ever — discount airlines will be able to fly to Europe. So over the next few years, airfares to Europe will become much more affordable.

Also, according to Dallas Morning News, SouthWest Airlines is installing a new computer system that will allow SouthWest to sell international travel.

Ryan Air, a European Airline, is another carrier that will make a huge difference on fares once it starts traveling to the States.

Clark thinks it'll be 2009 before we see this change, but it's on its way.

Consumer advice courtesy of