Commentary Those of us who have returned to frequent air travel appreciate just how unpleasant the processhas become. Perhaps this simply reflects an overly sentimental view of what the experience was like pre-pandemic, but surely it has become much worse since. Outrageously expensive tickets, long lines at security (even premium lanes like “Clear”), no room in airline lounges, overbooked flights, record numbers of cancellations and delays, hour-long phone “hold” times, and diminished rewards for airline loyalty programs, have all come to characterize the post-lockdowns travel experience. Yuck!
Let’s start with ticket prices. According to Consumer Price Index (CPI) data, the average U.S. domestic airfare increased by 57 percent in just six months through May of 2022. While down from summer 2022 peaks, prices remain 36 percent above December 2021 levels. Inflation in the form of rapidly rising fuel and labor costs is certainly a factor, but the wave of airline consolidation over the past decade is also likely a culprit….