[Matt_FLL]

What a well-written and realistic perspective. You’re 100% right: people claim that they’d be willing to spend a little extra for better service. However, when it comes time to book, passengers will always buy the cheapest tickets. People legitimately rant about a horrific experience on an airline, but often willing to give the company another chance when a cheap fare is available.

Each fare is a different product. Passengers are willing to be subjected to restrictions in exchange for a discount. The most common restrictions include an advanced purchase requirement, heavy penalty for changing, non-peak time/day, and inability to select a decent seat. However, I want to append to your point and mention the major game changer—even businesses demand cheap fares today. When I fly to visit a client, they always want me to select the cheapest airfare. They don’t really care if I don’t get to select my seat. Goodbye to the days where business travelers are able and willing to pay 4X of the person sitting next to them. That feeds into the systemic problem. If you want to avoid bankruptcy, it is no longer a good economic decision to have a customer relations department that accepts incoming phone calls. You’ll need to charge to standby for earlier flights. No more drinks. And so on.

I certainly support your decision to avoid air travel. It's brutal.