As the nation continues to experience rising gas prices and chooses ‘staycations’ in order to save money, the changes are taking their toll on flight options.  USA Today reports that a number of busy airports that cater to domestic flights are even cutting back departures this Fall by reducing domestic air service to various cities.  The October airline schedules show a 10% decrease in domestic air service options compared to the October 2007 schedules, and this may only get worse with the increase in oil prices and energy costs.

Major carriers including American Airlines, United and Delta are all reducing their flights by 10-14%, say the reporters at USA Today.  Some of the smaller airlines will also start cutting back.  Major cities and airports that will be most effected by the change include Honolulu Oahu, Oakland, Kansas City, Cincinnati, Houston and Santa Ana.  Even Chicago Midway airport is reducing its flights by 12.3 percent, according to the OAG-Official Airline Guide.

Airlines are also cutting back on staff and reducing investments in new carriers and jets as the season progresses.  This means fewer flight options not only for Fall 2008, but possibly into the Spring and Summer of 2009 – especially if fuel costs continue to increase at a steady rate.

Americans are already responding to the changes by turning to alternative vacations and getaways to escape the daily routine.  Instead of booking flights for their vacation, many are resorting to buses and trains for transportation, or skipping the vacation altogether and staying near home.  Still, even public transportation costs are increasing to accommodate the fuel increases; some train and bus operators are considering adding fees and increasing the rates of ticket prices for many of the nation’s top destinations.

Those who do choose to board a flight this Fall may find it difficult to book a non-stop flight from the favored destination, and will likely see fewer passengers than usual at the airport.