Originally Posted by
Surge2009
But as it stands, we've seen no fare decreases nor any new services that have arised as a result of the merger (since pre-merger, Delta and NWA were already code-sharing and working together already). Instead, NWA customers have seen their fares increase
Much as I personally like fare reductions, they aren't necessarily good for the customers. Off season during the past two years I've been averaging $450 to $650 for LUT r/t ORD-Italy. My first trip there, 35 years ago, I paid about $500. At the time gas cost about 35¢/gallon, and the minimum wage was $1.60/hour. There is no rational way they can be selling tix for the same price as they did in the early 1970's.
If prices were 15% higher, (and customers hadn't been Pavlov'ed into paying such dirt cheap prices) the airlines would be more viable, and they could provide more of the services that everyone is
whining about asking for.