In 1986 I bought a pretty high end sports car for about 30 grand. Today that car costs over 100 grand, it tripled in price. And the airfare? Well you can still get that same price on seat sales, otherwise it's barely doubled. I honestly don't know how the airlines survive, charging what they do.
I think many of us don't realize that a lot of airlines are on 'life support'.
Especially U.S carriers that get into the real fare slashing...I'm sorry. I would rather pay a little more and know that the aircraft I or my loved ones are flying on are maintained as they should be and that isn't where they are cutting corners!!
Yes, I like a great deal also..but I am prepared to pay a fair price to keep an airline safe and viable.