Why Flying, & Many Other Things, Suck.

[Shirley]

A discussion in the "COVID-19 - On the Ground" thread in the "Off Topic" forum about how unpleasant flying has become these days developed, then this video came into my feed today. The reasons given for "Why Flying Sucks" seem relevant to many other aspects of our economy, and by extension, the very quality of our lives.

Smaller seats. Less legroom.

Out of control fees for in-flight meals, checked bags, or even carry-ons.

Charging us $25 to print a boarding pass!

Why does flying suck so much these days?

It has a lot to do with power — and how greed has overtaken our entire economy

https://youtu.be/eTzaMXXelew?si=wWXWgjYoisfF2h1h

[jhawks99]

Who know Oussie was so old.

We should all be more like this guy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4RNb3tt0LM

[Shirley]

^^^

That's hilarious! Thanks!

[Shirley]

BREAKING: U.S. flight cancellations in 2023 fell to the lowest rate in at least a decade. This comes as President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg have approved strong cancellation fees for airlines unnecessarily cancelling passenger flights.

Thanks Joe, and Pete!

[ousdahl]

Just imagine if the end game of flying was just getting passengers to destinations, instead of maximizing profits!


Wait, that’s hard to imagine. Just not capitalist enough

[Sparko]

Just imagine if the end game of flying was just getting passengers to destinations, instead of maximizing profits!


Wait, that’s hard to imagine. Just not capitalist enough

See Greyhound Bus Co.

[Shirley]

Just imagine if the end game of flying was just getting passengers to destinations, instead of maximizing profits!


Wait, that’s hard to imagine. Just not capitalist enough

4 Reasons Why Airlines Are Always Struggling

The airline industry is no stranger to bankruptcies. American Airlines (AAL), United (UAL) and Delta (DAL) have at one point filed for bankruptcy, but all recovered by merging with other airlines. The list of airlines that weren't so lucky is even longer. Considering the vital nature of the service it provides and its invaluable contribution to making the world a smaller place, why is the airline industry synonymous with ongoing losses and insolvency? We list four reasons why airlines are always struggling.

Unprofitable Airlines Continue to Fly

An industry that has been known to be unprofitable for decades would be eventually forced by market participants to undergo consolidation and rationalization in an attempt to find a better way to do business. Not so for the airline industry, for whom this basic business precept does not seem to fly, so to speak. Many unprofitable airlines continue to remain in business despite years of substantial losses, because various stakeholders cannot afford to let them close.
Closing down a large unprofitable airline would involve the loss of thousands of jobs, inconvenience to hundreds of thousands of travelers, and millions in losses for the airline's creditors. Not to mention the loss of national pride if the airline in question is a national carrier.

Because closing down a floundering airline is a politically unpalatable decision, governments will usually provide it with a financial lifeline to stay in business.

But struggling airlines often have to resort to cut-throat pricing to fill up their excess capacity, and as a result, even the stronger players in the industry are adversely affected by this lack of pricing power.

High Fixed and Variable Costs

Aircraft are very expensive pieces of equipment, and airlines have to continue making large lease or loan repayments regardless of business conditions. Large commercial jets can have a lifetime as long as 25-30 years. Airlines also need large labor forces to run their complex operations, making payroll expenses another component of relatively fixed costs that have to be incurred month after month. Volatility in oil prices is yet another challenge that airlines have to contend with. Add in security costs that have skyrocketed after 9/11, and it is apparent that few airlines can surmount the formidable obstacle of their high-cost structure.

Exogenous Events Can Suddenly Affect Demand

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[Shirley]

Move to Florida, for the drama!

Six more kids expelled from Christian private school over OnlyFans situation

I had recently read or heard something that gave me the impression "OnlyFans" is a much bigger phenomenon than I thought, and seeing this, only seems to confirm that.

[TDub]

who wants to work when you can just show your ass?

[Shirley]

who wants to work when you can just show your ass?

So, what does your mother do?

She makes videos of herself naked, masturbating and stuff.