If airfare was doubled, load factor would fall dramatically. Planes, I think, are full because it's very inexpensive. Most of my travel is elective, and I simply wouldn't travel as much if prices doubled. I think many are in that boat. '
I kept old handwritten tickets from the late 70s, when I was a kid and we flew Eastern Airlines from buffalo to Orlando for $250. That was a FORTUNE back then. We dressed and had hot meals in Y, and planes were empty. Very different world today.