Originally Posted by
GrumpyCaptain
Delta made 75% of their profit from premium cabins. American makes almost all their money from credit card and frequent flier programs. We have non of those things.
Delta was the first of the U.S. hub airlines to introduce basic economy in 2012.
United and American followed in 2017. The bare-bones fare enables them to compete more effectively with budget carriers Spirit, Frontier and Allegiant.
Fuel prices:
https://www.eia.gov/dnav/pet/hist/EE...4_RGC_DPGD.htm
Air traffic congestion increases costs as does the pilot shortage.