Economy class flying in the US and TATL is substantially less affordable for the average American household than it was five, ten, fifteen or twenty years ago.

The DOT fare data and inflation discounting games doesn't tell the whole story, but it does contribute to the evidence that these airfares are less affordable now than they used to be.

The airlines aren't squeezing in customers to cut more customers a price break -- the airlines are cramming in more passengers per area in order to increase profits .... even at the cost of passenger (dis)comfort.