News
Airfares fall
22 March 2006
New official figures show that the cost of flying fell last month
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data for inflation showed that the cost of air travel fell in February for the second month running.
Although the Consumer Prices Index, the government measure of inflation, rose to two per cent buoyed by rising prices for computer games and books, the cost of air travel decreased.
The figures show that domestic flights in particular fell in price.
The ONS said: "Reduced fares this year, particularly on domestic routes, were in contrast to price rises a year ago for both domestic and international travel."
Overall the cost of flying fell by 1.9 per cent in February and 3.8 per cent compared with a year ago.
To collect the information on the prices of airfares in the UK the ONS tries to copy consumers' behaviour and return ticket prices are checked for a great number of airlines at varying times before departure for the most popular destinations.
Statisticians also go online to check airline and travel agent prices for tickets.
It is hoped that this gives the fairest reflection of the true price of travelling.
© Adfero Ltd
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data for inflation showed that the cost of air travel fell in February for the second month running.
Although the Consumer Prices Index, the government measure of inflation, rose to two per cent buoyed by rising prices for computer games and books, the cost of air travel decreased.
The figures show that domestic flights in particular fell in price.
The ONS said: "Reduced fares this year, particularly on domestic routes, were in contrast to price rises a year ago for both domestic and international travel."
Overall the cost of flying fell by 1.9 per cent in February and 3.8 per cent compared with a year ago.
To collect the information on the prices of airfares in the UK the ONS tries to copy consumers' behaviour and return ticket prices are checked for a great number of airlines at varying times before departure for the most popular destinations.
Statisticians also go online to check airline and travel agent prices for tickets.
It is hoped that this gives the fairest reflection of the true price of travelling.
© Adfero Ltd
