Plane travel could become purely for the wealthy

The number of people travelling by plane could fall as predictions come that the industry will become exclusive and purely for the wealthy.

ABTA – The Travel Association, which represents travel agents and tour operators, says flying could become more expensive and become something that is only for the elite.

Sean Tipton, a spokesperson for the organisation, says: "It might get back to a situation we got back in the 1960s when flying was something only the very wealthy could do."

He adds that passenger numbers are declining because of the current economic situation. ABTA believes that increasing taxes related to flying will exacerbate the situation as fewer people will be able to afford the cost.

The government has recently announced plans to increase air passenger duty from November 2009 in order to counteract the industry’s effects on the environment.

Four bands will be created based on the miles flown, with costs rising from £11 to £24 for short-haul flights and increasing to £170 from £55 for those over 6,000 miles long.

What is the ETA?

The ETA is an organisation providing motorists and cyclists with carbon-neutral breakdown cover and insurance products. As well as encouraging responsible driving to reduce carbon, the ETA campaigns for sustainable transport.