The current state of the airline industry Options

[Hartmann]

Things are getting really ugly, really quick.

United has reduced capacity, is cutting staff, and is killing of their low-cost carrier TED.
US Airways has not fulfilled its order for two planes that could fly their new route to China, so they'll lose the route and they're reducing capacity.
The Delta/Northwest Merger isn't complete yet, so who knows the outcome.
Continental announced this morning that they are reducing capacity and cutting some staffing.
ExpressJet (who Continental employs to fly their little jets) is on the verge of Ch11.
Southwest has raised fares considerably.
JetBlue has cut a number of routes.
AA is nickel and diming customers to make up the costs.


yikes.

[impala454]

Because flying isn't the only form of leisure. Nor is it exclusively a form of leisure. It's dumb to analyze leisure as a whole based on one form of it. That'd be like saying "McDonald's profits are down so everyone must be spending less on eating out."

in fact, I'd venture to guess than lowering profits in the airline industry would be more due to businesses flying less than vacationers.

[Hartmann]

Because flying isn't the only form of leisure. Nor is it exclusively a form of leisure. It's dumb to analyze leisure as a whole based on one form of it. That'd be like saying "McDonald's profits are down so everyone must be spending less on eating out."

in fact, I'd venture to guess than lowering profits in the airline industry would be more due to businesses flying less than vacationers.

Business flying is up actually. I'll have to find the report.

Considering fares are up nearly 150% since last year, less people are flying, period. I've had to fly the last few weeks and haven't seen as many vacationers on my flights, that's for sure.

It is just one indicator (and a pretty darn good one) when the amount of leisure travelers go down. It's the same type of thing when there are less drivers on the road during a holiday. I dunno, seems like common sense to me.

Equating McD's to flying is not a good example. It would be more like flying and a "nicer restaurant". Less people eating at mid-priced restaurants is a sign of something.

[impala454]

It is just one indicator (and a pretty darn good one) when the amount of leisure travelers go down.

that's fine. leisure travel I can agree with.