B1 – Intermediate
In recent years, the prices of air travel have fluctuated significantly, influenced by various factors such as fuel costs, economic conditions, and global events.
The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, led to unprecedented disruptions in the airline industry, causing dramatic shifts in airfare pricing. As airlines adapt to changing demand and new safety protocols, passengers face both opportunities and challenges in securing affordable flights.
Listen to this audio and read the transcript about airfares stabilizing.
https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/prices-of-air-travel-level-3/
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “surge” mean? “Airfares in Europe and Asia are stabilizing or dropping, which indicates the end of the post-COVID travel surge.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘surge’ in your own sentence.
- What does “budget airline” mean? “Budget airline Ryanair’s CEO noted that ticket prices are increasing less than expected, which affected European airline shares.” Use it in a sentence.
- What does “downturn” mean? “Overall, the industry expects a return to normal pricing rather than a major downturn.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ‘downturn’ in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- In what ways can travelers find the best deals on airline tickets?
- What are the pros and cons of budget airlines compared to traditional carriers?
- What strategies can airlines use to keep ticket prices competitive while maintaining profitability?
- What role do economic conditions play in determining airfare prices? Explain.