Extras, Terms

Since the 1970s, air travel has become more and more affordable in many parts of the world thanks to the liberalization of air travel regulations, growing competition, increasing efficiency of airline operation, and government subsidies (both open and hidden). It can however still be a large part of your travel budget. This article offers some advice on how to reduce the cost of air travel.
It can also be worthwhile to consider whether other modes of transport make sense, especially if the flight (or a leg of it) is short. In East Asia and Europe, high-speed rail may be a better option. In countries with many islands, such as the Philippines, Indonesia or Greece, consider taking a ferry.


== Understand ==

Flying in the 1950s and 1960s, what is now called "the golden age of air travel", was a privilege of the wealthy, or a rare treat for the upper-middle class. Tickets often cost more than a month's salary on short routes and more than a year's salary on trans-oceanic routes. Since then, deregulation and subsidies have driven down both prices and comfort in economy class. Significant moments include U.S. President Jimmy Carter's deregulation of U.S. airlines in the 1970s and the EU...