It might not seem like it but base airfares have remained flat (and in some routes have even decreased) for over two decades when adjusted for inflation. That definitely goes against consumers perceptions that it's costing more to fly. When recently surveyed by Airfarewatchdog.com, over 90% of their 2500 respondents felt that airfares had risen.
But note that statement applies only for base airfares. It does not include the many new fees consumers are paying, such as fees for checked baggage, in-flight food, or a changed flight reservation. It's very difficult to quantify these costs to an individual consumer because consumers are adapting by checking less bags, bringing their own food onboard, etc. To the airline industry these fees add up to billions of dollars in annual revenues.
More on this story from FoxNews Travel at this link.
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