Originally Posted by
BearX220
I think most consumers have figured out exactly how much less their dollars buy.
Originally Posted by
Goodoldflyer
Nah, I don't think the reality has hit most folks just yet.
Bookings are already down.
May Bookings Slip
With the economy slowing, post-Covid business travel recovery looks even more tentative--the fall will be a real tell for the airlines.
That said, even as people realize their buying power is diminished, summer and many holiday vacations are already budgeted and were "locked-in" at non-refundable prices many months ago. So, vacationers may drink less on a cruise, shop less in Europe, etc, but the air/hotel/package will still get used.
Also, I think there's an argument that a higher percentage of air travelers fall into the more-insulated demographic of the economy (i.e., where there is still strong demand for luxury products) vs. the overall market for gas/groceries/consumer staples.