I had to do a double-take, too. But the promise of super-cheap flights from Europe to the US is on the horizon. And it's not 10 years away as many people first thought. With the "open skies " agreement, it could be as soon as next year.

The price war has always been around. But when ZOOM UK offered a one way ticket from London to New York for around $200 including taxes, the industry sat up and took notice. Now, a war of words between Virgin Atlantic's Richard Branson, and Ryanair's Michael O'Leary has become a pledge to be the cheapeast airline around. If Ryanair offers one-way flights for 7 pounds (roughly $14), then Branson will do it for 6 pounds.

Branson is already working with Boeing and GE to create the greenest commercial plane, flying on biofuel. Now it looks like Branson will not only be going green, but saving you some serious green as well. Speaking as a Brit who has a family of 4 to take to and from the UK to see relatives, this will be something of a huge money-saver for me. I only hope that the safety doesn't suffer when the prices get this low.

Links

Branson pledge to win cheap flights war - Evening Standard - 24 April 2007

Ryanair boss plans £7 tickets to America - The Guardian - 13 April 2007

Open-skies deals to give travelers more options - Seattle PI - 22 April 2007