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

Question

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

Answer 1

ANY paid fare helps offset the costs of the fuel and maintenance on the plane, the costs to keep the route (yes, airlines pay for the privilege of being able to fly from airport A to airport B), the costs for the flight crew, etc.