Open Skies - What Does It Mean?
The much heralded open skies deal between the US and European Union has now come into effect….but what does it mean?
Any European airline can now fly to the US from anywhere in the EU. Previously, airlines had to fly from their home countries, so British Airways could only fly to the US from airports in the UK, Lufthansa from airports in Germany and so on. Now, the airlines can fly from any airport so Air France could fly directly from Madrid to New York, or British Airways from Berlin to Chicago. And of course, any US airline can now fly to any EU airport.
But with limited availability of new slots at the major airports of the US and EU and the increasing cost of fuel, the impact for tourists may not be seen for some time. The deal was supposed to increase competition and lower prices for travellers but it remains to be seen how quickly either will happen.