The Hindu Business Line : Jet, Sahara not to alter lower level fares

IT's now official. Domestic airfares will go up across the board by 10 per cent from October 14. However, Jet Airways has decided not to tinker with the lower level night saver and check fares despite the latest hike in domestic airfares.

Similarly, Air Sahara has also said that the lower level `Surprice' fares, which is available on several sectors, will not be touched.

The three airlines - namely, Jet Airways, Air Sahara and Indian Airlines - have cited the northward movement in the prices of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) as being one of the primary reasons for the hike in basic domestic fares.

The latest fare increase means that passengers travelling in economy class from Chennai to Delhi on or after October 14 would pay Rs 11,790, up from Rs 10,735 earlier on Jet Airways, and Rs 5 more (Rs 11,795) if they fly Indian Airlines (IA). A passenger flying with either IA or Jet in economy class on the Bangalore-Delhi route would pay Rs 11,455, up from Rs 10,430 earlier.

In business class, a passenger flying on the same route would pay Rs 17,645 on Jet Airways while with IA the same trip would cost Rs 17,080.

Both IA and Jet Airways have said that the fare increase will be applicable in case of tickets issued or re-issued on or after October 14 . However, confirmed air tickets issued before the cut-off date would be accepted for travel at the pre-revised fares for the ticketed itinerary within the validity of the ticket.

The fare hike will also affect the various promotional fares that the airlines offer. The IA statement points out that the special fares, including the promotional, excursion and advance and position flight fares, would also be revised.

Similarly, Jet has said that in addition to an increase in the normal economy and business class Indian rupee fare, there would be a proportionate increase in other fare levels.