Delta & United's Turbulence: A Deep Dive into the Airfare Conspiracy

Hello travel bestie!

There's a buzz in the air, and no, it's not just the engines of your next flight. Delta Air Lines and United Airlines are in the headlines, and it's all about the price you pay for your tickets.

Let’s break it down together.

Why This Lawsuit?

A US District Judge, Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, has given a green light for Delta and United to face a significant class action.

The core of the lawsuit?

These major US airlines are accused of conspiring to drive up airfares.

And how did they allegedly do it?

By reducing the number of available seats on their flights.

A Closer Look at the Evidence

Passengers claim they've seen enough circumstantial evidence suggesting that since 2009, these airlines took steps to enforce what's known as “capacity discipline.” Essentially, the allegations are that airlines are believed to have reduced seating capacity which subsequently inflates ticket prices and limits flight options.

While Delta and United have defended their actions, stating these reductions were a legitimate response to declining demand, higher fuel prices, and the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis, the Judge's 70-page decision paints a different picture. According to her, the airlines openly practiced capacity discipline on domestic flights, leading to greater profits for the industry.

What About Other Airlines?

Interestingly, Delta and United aren’t the only airlines under the microscope. Two other big names, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, were also part of the same lawsuit, but they settled for $45 million and $15 million respectively, without admitting any wrongdoing.

The Bigger Picture for Travelers

But what does this all mean for us?

If these allegations are proven true, it means we've been paying higher ticket prices because of a deliberate strategy, rather than true market forces.

With the green light given for this class action, it seems we're set to hear a lot more about this in the near future. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to get details on future developments.

Wrapping It Up

Air travel is an integral part of our modern lives, whether it’s for that dream vacation, a business trip, or visiting loved ones. Knowing the intricacies of what affects ticket pricing can only empower us to make better decisions. As this case progresses, I'll be keeping a close eye on updates and bringing you the latest.

Happy travels! ✈️🌏