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SeaCoast Airlines Expects Lower Fuel Surcharge

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By TED JACKOVICS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 14, 2008

CLEARWATER - The recent decline in oil prices could pay off for passengers of tiny SeaCoast Airlines, which flies between Clearwater and Key West.

SeaCoast employs a strategy unusual in the airline industry of adjusting the price of a ticket that includes a variable fuel surcharge based on the airline's recent fuel costs.

The current one-way fuel surcharges that range from $25 to $30 and include airfare taxes could soon be reduced to $20 to $25, airline officials said today

"Although oil prices have fallen recently, it takes some time for that to be felt on the price of aviation fuel," said Brianna Beynart, a SeaCoast official.

Large commercial airlines also must contend with volatile fuel prices. But most of their fuel purchases are made with long-term hedge fund contracts to lock in a fuel price. Those contracts don't permit more frequent adjustments that SeaCoast can make.

SeaCoast flies twin-prop Navajo Chieftians between St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport and Key West International Airport several days a week, including low-altitude segments between Clearwater and Sanibel Island when conditions permit to allow passengers to get in some sightseeing.

SeaCoast Airlines has added holiday flights for Thanksgiving and Christmas between St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport and Key West, with the southbound departures on Nov. 26 and Dec. 23.

Return flights are scheduled from Key West on Nov. 28 and Dec. 26.

Fares will vary depending on availability of seats, with the airline dropping fares to fill unsold seats close to the dates of departures.

The current southbound fare for the flight on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is $189 one way plus a $30 fuel surcharge and taxes.

Other SeaCoast flights offer one-way fares as low as $99, plus the fuel surcharge. Reservations can be made by calling 866-302-6278.

Continental Connection offers nonstop flights between Tampa International Airport and Key West.

Reporter Ted Jackovics can be reached at (813) 259-7817.

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