Similar to hotels, airlines—perhaps the hardest-hit of all the travel-related industries—are being negotiable these days.
"The attacks truly had a precipitous impact on air travel through October 11," said David Castelvetter, spokesman for US Airways. "But we’re seeing a gradual return to travel—not just individual travelers, but meeting and incentive travel. Our sales force has been keeping in constant touch with conference and association planners to assure them that we’re doing everything possible to ensure safe travel."
Not only safer, but more cost-effective. Castelvetter says the company is offering deals above and beyond the well-publicized industry-wide discount programs. "Our sales force is singularly focused on every revenue opportunity there is to bring in new business and retain existing business," he said. "We’re offering value-added ‘performance tickets’ for groups, based on the number of tickets that are purchased. We are tailoring travel programs to fit the needs of our group and meetings clients. We see all the components of the travel industry following similar paths—taking special steps to get their customers back."