This thread makes no sense. The mere existence of BE is preventing you from taking trips?

I use ITA to initiate searches and get a feel for what airlines operate what routes, where competitive fares are likely to be found, etc. Then, usually based on times, routes, and where I have elite status, I go to the airline's site to book the flight. The airline may offer four or five levels of Y fares, and then I pick the best one for me. (It's often the 2nd or 3rd cheapest option.)

Added stratification of fares makes me read each set of fares rules more closely than I once did, but it isn't enough to make me *not* travel at all.

If anything, the ULCC movement that led to the "unbundling" to begin with has opened up some pretty attractive fares, including the ability to buy one-way tickets, where I couldn't do it before. So in a way, they enable *more* trips, even though I have no desire to buy a ULCC or Basic Economy ticket.