As airlines are increasing their rates to offset rising fuel costs, few expect to see much of a decrease in the number of travelers this summer.
The Air Transport Association is predicting that more than 211 million passengers will travel on domestic carriers between June 1 and Aug. 31. That would represent only a 1.3 percent drop from last summer.
The ATA also says airlines are reducing their carrying capacity amid slower economic growth and rising jet fuel prices. The group says planes will be nearly 85 percent full, and that delays emanating from New York-area airports will remain a problem.
American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines all raised rates by $20 per round-trip last week in the form of a fuel surcharge. The ATA says further fare hikes this summer are "inevitable."
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