ELI5… Why do airlines offer super cheap tickets instead of leaving the plane empty?

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I’m considering getting one of those cheap tickets you see which is a direct round trip from MSP to Orlando for $60 including fees (it wasnt the date i wanted but it was cheap). How does that make economic sense for the airline? Sure the plane is making the trip anyway, but how can hauling my 200lbs of man meat 1500miles for $30 each direction not more than offset the fuel?

In: Economics

41 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

From a quick search, it looks like the flights you’re talking about are with Frontier. They’re a low cost airline that will nickel and dime you for everything. Most airlines will let you bring a personal item (backpack or purse) and a carry on bag for free. Frontier only gives you the personal item and charges like $120 round trip for a carry on. Could be a good deal if you’re only going for a weekend or something and can manage with just a backpack

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