We're Being Robbed Every Time We Fly

[unhappycamper]

http://smirkingchimp.com/thread/thom-hartmann/57415/were-being-robbed-every-time-we-fly

We're Being Robbed Every Time We Fly
Corporate America
by Thom Hartmann | August 6, 2014 - 9:30am

There's a stunning lack of choice for American consumers today, and nowhere is that more evident than in our nation's ever-shrinking airline industry.

According to a new report from the AP, the average roundtrip ticket to anywhere in the US was over $509.15, including taxes, in the first half of this year. That's up $14 from the same period last year.

The AP also points out that domestic airfare pricing is outpacing inflation, up 2.7 percent compared to the 2.1 percent increase in the Consumer Price Index.

And, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation, airfare costs have shot up 10.7 percent during the past five years alone.

[pipoman]

1. I did round trip recently 1600 miles and 23 hours one way driving

The ticket was $504 round trip. I get around 20 mpg in my current vehicle. At $3.50 per gallon the drive would have cost $280 in fuel alone one way. Not considering it would have taken 2 hard days of driving each way costing me 4 days of work instead of 1 day total.

While the cost has gone up certainly, it is still a bargain from a convenience standpoint alone.

[Old Codger]

2. OK...but

They are rising faster than the consumer price index inflation numbers, but,from what I think I know anyway, the consumer price index totally ignores rising fuel costs... they do that to food also, so their numbers are pretty skewed in actual real world costs....

[oldhippie]

3. Buy airline company stocks .....

... and participate in their massive profits.

[OnlinePoker]

4. He's obviously never flown in Canada if he thinks he's being ripped off.

People in the B.C. lower mainland regularly go to Seattle to get cheaper fares not only to U.S. destinations, but Europe and eastern Canada as well.

[mother earth]

5. Didn't we once have laws against monopolys? It's stunning how this nation has transformed, and

right out in the open, that's the TRANSPARENCY we were promised , who knew it would come in this form?

Unhappycamper, you & Thom Hartmann have been bringing us depressing news, cut it out.


K & R