There's also the "overall" economic factor to consider. Although $7.50 per person (or even $25 per person) might not seem like a lot (after all, that's a case of beer right?), remember- not only the airlines are feeling the pinch.

Let's think about a typical family of 4 going to Orlando for vacation. A $10 increase per ticket equates to $40 more. Add in a rental car that might cost 5% more because of softer rental business. Now add in two $50 tanks of gas for that car. Combine that with higher hotel costs, higher food costs and higher general costs of living back home (on a day to day basis).

Before you know it, the family of 4 that wanted to go to Disney, is now driving 20 miles to the local state park for a week of free camping.

The unknown factor is how does raising the price of tickets to a so called "profitable" level affect load factor?