#airline-profitability

#airline-profitability

Selina Chadha, group director of consumer markets at the CAA, stated, 'Our primary duty is to protect consumers and at the heart of today's proposals is doing the right thing for passengers using Heathrow airport, while supporting sustainable growth, investment, and efficiency.'

South Korea has launched a nationwide energy-saving campaign, enforcing an odd-even vehicle restriction system for public-sector cars based on licence plate numbers. Authorities urge voluntary compliance from private vehicle owners.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has threatened to strike 18 US technology and defense-related companies operating in the Middle East, including GE, which has contributed to a bearish sentiment among investors.

One of the biggest mistakes passengers make is arriving at the bag drop or ticket counter with luggage that exceeds the airline limit, resulting in a mad dash to repack and shift items between bags.

Airfares are certainly the canary in the coal mine. No other major consumer good or service I can think of is as sensitive to energy costs.

Low-cost carriers have to earn money too, and they often do so with significant add-on fees, which can drive that seemingly low price to new heights. Just look at Spirit Airlines as a prime example. The carrier revealed in its 2024 earnings report that its average fare revenue was $45.02 per ticket; however, it also reported earning an additional $63.44 in 'non-ticket revenue,' aka fees.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global average price of jet fuel jumped 58.4% week-on-week to $157.41 a barrel, far above the $88 average the industry had expected for 2026.

Used strategically, though, points and miles can unlock far more than a free domestic flight, from business-class seats on long-haul routes to the ability to book expensive trips without paying cash. To make sense of it all, we spoke with travel experts and points pros about how airline miles actually work today-and how to use them wisely. Ahead, you'll find guidance on earning miles more efficiently, building a credit card strategy that fits the way you spend, avoiding common mistakes, and redeeming points in ways that truly pay off.

Market dynamics are compelling, long-term demand growth in our core markets and constrained supply in a consolidating industry. IAG said market conditions remained supportive, citing long-term demand growth across its core transatlantic and European markets, combined with constrained aircraft supply as manufacturers struggle with delivery delays.

Travelers are always on the lookout for easy ways to save money, and a new report reveals there is one particular day of the week that is better for booking flights than others. That day happens to be Fridays, according to new data from Expedia that was shared with Travel + Leisure. That is because the end of the week sees less business and corporate travel, the booking site noted.

Any disruption to Hormuz is meaningful to airlines. Additionally, summer travel demand and refineries transitioning to summer-blend fuels already create seasonal upward price pressure. The impact of higher fuel prices, however, may take some time to show up in the prices consumers pay.

Dramatic headlines across business publications declare that there is a "civil war" within American Airlines, with union leaders expressing a lack of confidence in the CEO, Robert Isom. Pundits are piling on, with the groupthink of armchair analysts reflexively comparing American's stock chart to admittedly impressive peers such as Delta and United, without recognizing their differences as compared to American, which flies the world's largest number of passengers by far.

Basic economy fares typically mean no seat selection, last boarding, and limited-or no-checked baggage. The appeal, however, is clear. "Basic economy is a good option for frugal travelers who don't mind forgoing comfort to save on travel costs," Joe Cronin, president of International Citizens Insurance, told Travel + Leisure. He noted that these tickets can cost 20 to 30 percent less than standard economy, making them financially tempting for travelers focused on price above all else.

On-time performance used to be something airlines discussed quietly - in boardrooms, with investors, or behind the scenes with select partners. Now, it's becoming a consumer-facing badge of honor.