According to the 2010 American Express Business Travel forecast released today, airfares will go up around the globe next year as airlines pare their schedules and demand revives, but average hotel rates should fall in most regions.

American Express Business Travel said overall ticket prices will increase by up to 5 percent globally for economy class short-haul flights.  Business class long-haul fares are projected to increase by 1 to 6 percent.  In North America, ticket prices are expected to rise between 2 and 7 percent in economy class and 1 to 6 percent in business class.

But while most passengers will be paying more for airfare, the forecast said hotels will be forced to cut rates further as they try to draw more customers back.  In North America, mid-range rates are expected to fall by 1 to 4 percent.  Upper-range hotel prices in North America are projected to decline by 3 to 6 percent.

The 2010 Forecast is based on a number of sources, including the American Express Business Travel Monitor, the American Express contracted rates database, transaction reports, Smith Travel Research Global Hotel Reviews and NBTA-IHS Global Insights business travel market sizing research.

Here’s some more travel news you can use:

  • American Airlines flight 1318 is being held at Logan International Airport this afternoon for inspection after a threatening note was found in the lavatory of the plane.  The plane, a Boeing 757, was being boarded for a 2:30 p.m. flight to Miami when a flight attendant found the threatening note.  The note is reported to have read, “Bomb on board, Boston to Miami flight.”  The people who had already begun boarding Flight 1318 were taken off the plane.  The plane was taken away from its gate and brought to a runway where it is currently being checked.
  • Southwest Airlines’s Winter Fare Sale has flights starting at $59 one way.  Flights must be purchased by Oct. 15 for travel through Feb. 11, excluding Fridays, Sundays and most holidays. A 14-day advance purchase is required.
  • The Orlando Magic and AirTran Airways announced a new, multi-year relationship in which the airline will become a “Champions of the Community” partner for the Orlando Magic’s new Amway Center.  Starting this season, AirTran will receive branding in key aspects of Magic marketing and communications, including in-arena interactive elements and signage, radio, print and Internet promotion.