Budget airlines push summer deals to Europe

Low prices on routes across the Atlantic are coming as Norwegian Air and Wow Air, in particular, increase routes in hopes of capturing summer travellers. Whether these low fares will last, especially if oil prices continue to climb, is uncertain. “What used to be 4 digit airfares in peak summer are now 3 digits,” said one airline industry consultant. As Norwegian and Wow go after travellers who are willing to forgo some convenience, the major carriers are responding by dividing up their cabins or offering no-frills options just like they have done on domestic flights. Some airlines now have as many as 4 classes on international flights, and economy cabins that are further subdivided. Customers buying the cheaper tickets, and accepting limits on carry-on baggage or in-flight food, were never likely to pay for a premium ticket, analysts say. <br/>