Airlines are expected to cut seating capacity on international flights to Europe next year between five percent and 10 percent, according to TravCorp USA in a Nov. 2 press release.

TravCorp, the AAA Preferred Travel Partner, expects the percentage of reduction to fluctuate by destination as the region’s economic outlook is evaluated. Airline seating capacity reductions to Paris, Frankfurt and London are among those currently being studied. Travelers are advised to book now for the best deals.

As airlines contemplate capacity reductions, AAA surveys of intended travelers indicate that travel in general is increasing primarily due to pent-up demand. Responses to AAA travel surveys conducted throughout the year indicate that Americans have maintained a deep desire to travel throughout the economic downturn and have tired of waiting for the United States economy to improve. Increasing numbers of AAA Travel customers are moving forward with vacation purchases to Europe.

According to AAA Travel sales data, the top five European destinations for travel during the first half of 2012 are Rome, London, Dublin, Ireland, Amsterdam, Netherlands and Paris. Current Europe vacation purchases for travel in the first quarter of 2012 are 15% higher than in the first quarter of 2011. Sales for Europe travel during the second quarter of 2012 are 21 percent higher than the second quarter of this year.

Most airlines and travel suppliers are responding to the pent-up demand and expected airline capacity cuts by providing immediate savings opportunities on travel to Europe. Some cruise lines are modifying itineraries to appeal to specific travelers such as wine enthusiasts and moving more cabin capacity to popular destinations like the Mediterranean.

Price reduction offers include sales on travel and cruises during the remainder of 2011 including the holiday season, early booking discounts and price incentives to pay in-full at the time of booking for travel in 2012, to name a few.

AAA Travel recently launched AAA Vacations – a collection of escorted, hosted and independent tours and vacation packages to destinations throughout the world. AAA Vacations are customized tours and packages designed to deliver unique, engaging and exclusive vacation experiences to AAA members. Visit your nearest AAA office or AAA.com for more information.