View Full Version : Gas Surcharge on a fly-in
hawk82
04-17-2006, 12:48 PM
Our outfitter mentioned that there may be a 10-12% gas surcharge added to our bill. Our flight is only 35-40 miles. This seems high to me. Isn't the agreed upon price a contractual agreement? I wouldn't expect a commercial airline to call me and say "we need to charge you more now that gas prices are up". Just want opinions.
River_eye
04-17-2006, 01:44 PM
I'd imagine that some outfitters will try this and some won't. Also, some guests will be comfortable with this, and some won't. Ultimately, you are the customer, and you decide which lodge to visit. If it's not cool with you, let them know. Not everybody has an unlimited budget.
Consumer
04-17-2006, 02:55 PM
How else will you get there? :)
Mohleye
04-17-2006, 04:11 PM
I assume your outfitter is supplying the gas for the boats you will use while you're there too? Probably the surcharge is to cover that as well. I've kinda been expecting to hear something like this from our campowner. I guess I don't know how else they can protect themselves from paying for all their increased fuel costs out of pocket. The only other way would be to not include gas in their rates, and charge per gallon actually used. I wouldn't be surprised to see that in the future, either.
cast_and_blast
04-17-2006, 04:23 PM
Ours just jacked up the price $220 per man for 2006 - but I guess there isn't a "surcharge". ;)
We found a different trip to take - the fly-in just priced itself out of the realm of possibilities. We've done them for the past 8 or 9 years.
Combine the strong Canadian dollar, weak US dollar and gas prices and it's no longer a deal. All of this is IMHO...
Good Luck!
Scott
MN_Moose
04-17-2006, 04:29 PM
What if the outfitter puts in only the amount of gas you paid for. On the way home the plane runs out of gas and you have to coast in. We know it's tough but what is the guy to do?
Crash Craddock
04-17-2006, 06:11 PM
LMAO!
Super17
04-17-2006, 07:56 PM
I think that the price should be the price, everyone can somewhat predict what things will cost. On the other hand, if gas prices went down or the US$ gets stronger, would the outfitter give you a discount? Doubtful, when you pay your deposit and are quoted the price it shouldn't change. Our outfitter doesn't add any fuel surcharge, he sets his prices accordingly and you know what your price will be. If your outfitter tacks this on & you aren't happy, we use L&M Fly In. Do a search and they will come up.
waldo1323
04-17-2006, 11:31 PM
that's it!! I'm not cancelling my trip no matter what the extra fuel costs, in fact i just sent the bill for the extra fuel expense to the Iranian Oil minister, Fed-ex overnight no less,,that'll show em.
On second thought, i'll also send my request to W to see if i can borrow air force 1, since i figure i paid for his trip to Mexico a few weeks ago and got nothing to show for it, i might as well get to use the plane for a simple fly-in fishing trip. I bet i'd get a free boat upgrade from the lodge owner when he saw me land in that baby.
Skylane
04-18-2006, 08:14 AM
Commercial airlines contract or hedge their fuel ahead of time. The little mom and pop operation would not have that option. We all feel the pain. The trucking industry has had to tack on surcharges on occasion over the years as fuel is a large part of their operating cost, air charter should be no different. With them it is a matter of survival. With that said, I just wish the board of trade would raise their prices so I could get my extra fuel costs back for producing a bushel of grain. Eat more corn flakes, buy ethenol.
If you are a trucker or someone that can put a xtra charge to help pay for the gas hike you are lucky. I tell my boss it is costing me a lot more to buy gas and come to work and he needs to raise my pay. What do you think he will say. The gas price is all part of doing Bus. and need to suck it up,or get out I guess? Or learn to plan ahead and make less trips.
jigman 2003
04-18-2006, 04:36 PM
I may be wrong, but I would say that most reputable, established outfitters would see the gas rate increase as part of doing business and "eat" the additional cost. Next year, I would imagine their rates would then go up substantially to cover their losses from the previous year, and to make sure they don't suffer that type of loss again. Newer, less reputable firms would be more likely to impose such a surcharge in my opinion. If I get such a letter from my outfitter, I will stand corrected.
Operator
04-19-2006, 10:03 AM
I'm sure if you look at any tourist operators rate sheet, it will state all rates subject to change without notice. read it and weep
Dave B
04-19-2006, 11:05 AM
>I'm sure if you look at any tourist operators rate sheet, it
>will state all rates subject to change without notice. read it
>and weep
If I am looking at a brochure and it says that rates are subject to change, it would make sense to me that it means that when I call to book the trip, there could be a price difference from what the brochure says.
If I BOOK THE TRIP, and I put the non-refundable money down, and we then have a CONTRACT, I would expect that the price on my CONTRACT is what I pay. Unless there is some provision on the contract that says they can change the price, the price should not change. As stated before, in years past, we did not get refunds when the US/Canadian dollar rates were reversed now did we.
Gas went up last year. It is reasonable to assume that it was going up this year. It kinda has been a trend. People that did not see this coming should not be in business. I weep for the person that did not look ahead.
jigman 2003
04-19-2006, 11:12 AM
Agree with you 100% Dave. That would be my interpretation of rates subject to change also. Once you book a trip and receive your receipt for your deposit, I would say your price is locked in.
hawk82
04-19-2006, 11:28 AM
>Agree with you 100% Dave. That would be my interpretation of
>rates subject to change also. Once you book a trip and
>receive your receipt for your deposit, I would say your price
>is locked in.
My thoughts too! There is nothing on the website or contract that says prices are subject to change.
Matrix guy
04-21-2006, 11:09 AM
HAH....they wouldn't do that? Some guy last fall said before it is over, Americans on Canadien fishing trips would see an increase of 25-30% from 2005 prices. HERE IT COMES Guys. You WILL PAY 25-30% increase because Canadien gas is at 4.50 american dollars per gallon and it is GOING HIGHER.
That guy that last fall predicted a 25-30% increase was genious.
Matrix Man
04-21-2006, 11:11 AM
Eat== is only for 1-5%. We are talking 15-20% or more just for gas and no businessman in the world will "eat" 15-20% or more.
Mohleye
04-21-2006, 11:28 AM
If I'm in a boat with one other guy, and we use a full tank of gas per day, that's 3 gallons apiece. Even if the outfitter's paying $2.00 more/gal than last year, that's only 6 bucks a day. Not close to 25-30%.
That being said, my outfitter didn't increase his rates at all from last year. If he had to make an adjustment in the $40-50/week range, I wouldn't have a problem with it, because this will be my 20th trip with him, and I know he's always been honest and kept his rates reasonable.
MAtrix Guy
04-21-2006, 11:41 AM
So he keeps YOUR prices the same and gets some poor schmuck that just started come there and charges him more? What about his company vehicles he uses in the course of running his business? I'm telling you one thing, they are going to charge more and if you thing an outfitter is willing to eat a hefty gas price or propane increase....it will not be a question of if you going to be proven wrong but only when.
FishTwentyFourSeven
04-21-2006, 11:42 AM
>If I'm in a boat with one other guy, and we use a full tank
>of gas per day, that's 3 gallons apiece. Even if the
>outfitter's paying $2.00 more/gal than last year, that's only
>6 bucks a day. Not close to 25-30%.
>
...but how much does it cost to do a fly-in, prepare camp in spring and fall, run generators? I am not sure how much any of this costs. I am really interested in finding out how much gas is spent flying those float planes.
Matrix Guy,
Is gasoline the only item that has increased in your budget during the last year? Where I live at it is hard to find any consumable product that has not gone up. Its called business and it has operated that way for years. The Free Enterprise system gives us all a choice on what to buy and where to work. Our inability to pay is subject to our inability to earn. If one cant afford inflation get a better job or more education so you can get a better job. Those who choose to standstill in our economy and not improve their position have always been left behind.
Hmmmmmm
04-21-2006, 11:57 AM
>So he keeps YOUR prices the same and gets some poor schmuck
>that just started come there and charges him more?
TRUST ISSUE????? Hope you dont think like that about everything!!!!
Mohleye
04-21-2006, 12:54 PM
There is some fuel used for other things, without a doubt. My trip isn't a fly-in, so that part isn't an issue for me.
As far as keeping my rate the same, and charging new guests more, his rates are published, like every other camp I've ever been to. The point is, he's a hard-working, reputable businessman, and someone I trust. I think most people are smart enough to tell the difference between a guy trying to stay in business, and someone using the fact that gas prices are higher to put the screws to you. I don't need to be a "genious" to figure it out. (or spell genius)
Matrix guy...What kind of a dead end job do you have????
Dave B
04-21-2006, 04:36 PM
Last year on Lac Seul I paid $599 at Evergreen.
This year I will pay....$599 at Evergreen.
I calculated this with several calculaters and this is not a 25% increase. I know it is not a flyin but gas is included in the price of my trip.
Hmmmm
04-21-2006, 05:17 PM
>Last year on Lac Seul I paid $599 at Evergreen.
>This year I will pay....$599 at Evergreen.
>I calculated this with several calculaters and this is not a
>25% increase. I know it is not a flyin but gas is included in
>the price of my trip.
>
>
Even Matrix Guy sould be able to understand these figures.
Boolsheet
04-21-2006, 07:52 PM
Matrix Boy, You are a big as drag as he was. Hope you two can get together and catch some Bullheads in a creek close to your house. That should be CHEAP enough for you two.
waldo1323
04-21-2006, 09:53 PM
I'm just thankful i wont be sharing a boat with Matrix,,dude reminds me of my ex wife
Matrix guy
04-21-2006, 11:30 PM
Yup, that's what your ex wife told me about you. Not only are you used to catching "short" walleyes but you are a little short in other areas as well.
Hmmmmm
04-21-2006, 11:45 PM
>Yup, that's what your ex wife told me about you. Not only are
>you used to catching "short" walleyes but you are a little
>short in other areas as well.
Well Matrix Punk: You have continued to show us a real lack of class and education. I would bet that you can count your true friends on less than one finger along with your IQ. Good luck with your Therapist.