Airlines’ impact on cruise trips

This has been a trying week for everyone who booked flights for their cruise trips on a low-cost / alternative airline. Aloha Airlines ceased operations on Sunday after 61 years in operation; ATA Airlines, based in Indiana, followed on Wednesday; and this morning, Skybus Airlines shut its doors.

Aloha and ATA served the Hawaiian market, with flights typically priced much less than the larger commercial carriers.

Skybus, which began flying on May 22, 2007, served more out-of-the-way destinations but offered “no-frills, low-cost” flights, starting at $10 each way. With bases in Columbus, Ohio and Greensboro, NC, the company modeled its operations after the European carrier, Ryan Air.

Risk management is the primary advantage of booking flights for cruise trips through the cruise lines. If a flight is late or canceled, the cruise line’s responsibility for flights it books is to ensure its passengers board the ship at the next port. Typically, and excluding any special offers for “free” air, the cruise lines assume this risk with an accompanying hefty price tag.

To save on costs, many cruisers book their own flights. A word of caution considering this week’s events in the air line industry, the abysmal performance of U.S. airlines in recent months and announcements by airlines of cut-backs in schedules – if you purchase airfare independently of your cruise fare, first purchase travel protection insurance.

Don’t purchase this coverage through the cruise lines – their policies will offer little, if any, protection for any travel purchased independently of the cruise line – and most of the best cruise lines self-fund their policies, so there is no coverage if the cruise line should cease operation!

Many companies offer travel protection plans to cover all pre-paid and non-refundable costs for your cruise trips – read the policies and the exclusions carefully before purchasing the policy, then book your fights. If an airline or other supplier doesn’t perform, your vacation will be protected.