The “myth” of airline and rental car competition

Competition. This will be a theme of this blog for the foreseeable future. Four airlines control 87 percent of the market. Hertz, Avis and Enterprise control 60+ percent of the rental car market and even a higher percentage of airport locations. Half-a-handful of...

5 “good” and “bad” effects of airline mergers

Bill McGee, presenting at the DOT Advisory Committee for Consumer Protections (ACACP) meeting, noted the good and bad of airline consolidation. The hearings focused on the use of cell phones for voice calls in the air, the impact of government-imposed taxes and fees...

Seek and you shall find the travel bargains in 2009

The first half of 2009 will see continued consolidation in the travel industry. The big and strong will be getting bigger and stronger and the small will face a tough time. Industry consolidation at the same time will be up against increased consumer search for better...