Looking at Open Skies

On March 30, 2008 the Open Skies agreement between Europe and the US went into effect. This essentially allows airlines based in the United States and Europe to fly between any two airports in each region. Before Open Skies, US airlines and European ones were required to take off or land in their native countries. Airlines were also limited regarding airports in that not all airlines were given slots to airports they'd want to fly to. Australia now appears to be working on securing a similar agreement with Europe.

There are different ways that this agreement could impact air travel for the passenger. It could mean for more flight options, less connections and more direct and non-stop flights. It could also mean that certain airports like London Heathrow will get more bogged down with flights and potentially more flight delays if it is included in your travel plans. Airfares may become more competitive which will unfortunately likely be offset by increased fuel surcharges.

Open Skies should, in which ever way you look at it, prove to change air travel by opening it up just a bit more on a global scale.

Here are the details of Open Skies in brief - Open Skies - Europe and US.

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Image courtesy of Arlene Fleming