Jun. 20--Summer travelers are mindful of costly plane tickets, but the sticker shock will not keep everybody grounded.
Oakland International Airport spokeswoman Rosemary Barnes said the travel hub does not expect more people to pass through this summer than in 2005.
In addition to a shortage of terminal space, high fuel prices nationwide could keep more people from flying out of Oakland this summer, she said.
The airlines "are increasing their fares in result of the increased fuel prices," Barnes said, and the extra money could make or break travel plans.
The price difference of "$10, $20, $30 sometimes is a lot for some people," she said.
Many AAA members are willing to take the financial hit, said association spokesman Sean Comey.
"People who are planning to travel by air don't seem to be changing their plans because of high fuel prices," he said.
But the airlines are making the most of each trip by cutting flights on unpopular routes and packing the planes with passengers, Comey said.
"You're probably more likely to get stuck with those middle seats than you would in the past," he said.
Two airlines touched down in Oakland this month in anticipation of summer business, Barnes said. Azores Express and Harmony Airways will provide nonstop service to Portugal and Vancouver, British Columbia, respectively, until fall.
Experts say travelers can help make their trips a little less painful. People should arrive at the airport about 90 minutes ahead of their scheduled departure time, said Barnes and Mike McCarron, San Francisco International Airport's director of community affairs.
One percent to 2 percent more travelers could pass through the San Francisco airport this summer compared with 2005, but the slight increase should not slow people down, McCarron said. Security checkpoints on average take seven to nine minutes to get through.
"They shouldn't have any trouble," he said.
Those planning trips should also think ahead, especially during peak travel seasons such as summer, Comey said.
Travelers hold onto the "antiquated" belief that they can find a bargain if they wait to the last minute to book a flight, he said.
"That used to be the case" when the supply of empty plane seats was much larger than the demand, Comey said. Now that the gap has closed, waiting until the last minute "is actually going to work against you in most cases."
The more flexible the traveler, the less expensive the ticket, but those passengers would be sacrificing convenience for a lower price, Comey said.
"I'm not saying it's impossible to find a bargain. It's just not for everybody."
Reach Clanci Cochran at 925-943-8163 or [email protected].
