Originally Posted by
JulesWinfield
The model worked for years, but maybe it doesn't work at scale. I'm not an expert, but looking at random DFW to LAS flights, Spirit is $50 ($100 with a bag) and AA is close to $400. I think it is mainly things outside of the model that are killing the company. I'm just saying the people melting down because they have to pay $150 for a bag should have taken the ample opportunity to buy it ahead of time.
That city pair is not the norm. You can find Economy Basic on the legacies for a similar price to the ULCCs.
Legacies will price their product to fill the planes. If the legacy planes are full, they don't offer Economy Basic.
I've priced out many city pairs where legacies were within a few bucks of ULCC pricing - without the inconvenient arrival/departure times.