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United Express Looks for Edge With Bigger Jets
Manufactured in Brazil, the Embraer 170 has a 70-seat configuration that will let United Airlines offer three classes of service on its regional routes.
(By Paulo Whitaker -- Reuters)
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Amtrak's Last-Minute Fares: Amtrak is taking a cue in revenue management from the airlines and is now charging passengers extra for last-minute seats.
Early last month, Amtrak began charging its Northeast Corridor passengers 15 percent to 25 percent more for tickets purchased close to departure than for the same tickets bought weeks in advance.
The new structure is based on the level of sales prior to departure. The more popular the route, such as the Northeast Corridor Metroliner or Acela on a Friday afternoon, the higher the last-minute rate.
"If a train is almost sold out, you may pay a higher fare if you book at the last minute," said Amtrak spokeswoman Tracy Connell.
Airlines Increase Ticketing Fees: Northwest Airlines last week doubled the fees it charges travelers who purchase tickets with the help of a live person. The move is part of an industry-wide effort to direct travelers to airline Web sites, which process tickets more cheaply.
Northwest -- which is currently operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection -- increased its fees to $10 from $5 for tickets purchased through its reservation lines. Fees on tickets purchased at airport ticket counters increased to $20 from $10. The airline also increased its fees for frequent fliers who obtain their award tickets through an airport ticket agent. Those travelers will have to pay $30 instead of $15.
American Airlines last month raised its fees on tickets purchased through its reservation center to $10 from $8. The increase was intended to put American in line with other airlines, said spokesman Tim Smith. American also charges $15 for tickets purchased at the airport and $15 for frequent-flier award tickets purchased through its call center.
US Airways charges a $5 fee for tickets sold through its reservation agents, $10 for tickets sold at the airport and $5 for award tickets issued through a reservation agent. Delta Air Lines' fee is $10 for tickets purchased over the phone, $15 at the airport and $10 for award travel through an agent.
