There is a difference between the late 70's/early 80's, and the later 80's and 90's. With deregulation we saw a substantial drop in economy ticket prices. Bu I believe there was also a bit of an increase in first class fares as well to accompany that.

From my experience, in the 90's I would expect to pay about $150 for a flight from Boston to Orlando with flexibility, these days I expect about $200-$250. That is not a huge increase in the direct ticket cost, but there ARE big differences in other places - taxes, just getting to the airport and back, and the associated fees with travel. Also, I no longer expect a meal, I know I am going to be getting just my one seat with a full plane and not a decent chance of having an empty middle seat, I am going to have to make a connection (except for B6!) and fly small planes, and there is going to be a chance my luggage ends up in the hold instead of above me as bins fill up. And if there IS a delay in the flight, I know to expect that I may have up to a day or two delay before I can get back.

So, ticket prices are one thing. What that ticket buys is something different.