By Bronwynne Jooste - Staff Reporter
An international airline says the cheapest seats for flights during the World Cup are already selling out fast.
In October, the Cape Argus reported that the prices of domestic and international flights would sky-rocket during the World Cup.
But British Airways has defended itself, saying that ticket prices seemed much higher because the cheaper seats were already sold out.
BA's commercial manager, Sue Botes, explained that economy class was divided into several different categories.
"The fares move all the way up. You can have up to 10 different fare types in one cabin. In peak season there will be a small portion with very low fares.
"Maybe about 15 to 30 percent will have low fares. But it won't be a case where the lowest fare starts at R2 000," Botes said.
She said their prices would be fixed at high-season rates during the World Cup, similar to festive peak-season prices.
There had been a major spike when it was announced that England had qualified for the World Cup, said Botes.
The increase was reflected in both inbound and outbound flights.
"The World Cup should provide a vital shot in the arm for a travel and tourism sector recovering from an awful year."
Some airlines would be adding extra craft during the World Cup but Botes said BA would assess bookings in coming months to see if this would be necessary.
With the huge demand, it was also expected that most airlines would provide charter flights and operate 24 hours.
Comair, which operates BA in South Africa, and Kulula.com did not immediately have figures available on their flight availability and price structure during the World Cup. SAA did not respond to queries.