But, as travel roared back in 2021, it was apparent that too many pilots were let go, and now the industry has to battle a challenging pilot shortage that has contributed to operational meltdowns, higher airfare, and dozens of regional market cuts.
Pilots have threatened to strike over working conditions
The shortage has caused many pilots to complain of draining work schedules and burnout. In October, Delta Air Lines' union, the Air Lines Pilots Association, voted to authorize a strike, while pilots from carriers like American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, as well as Delta, have picketed in recent months.
Airlines have tried to alleviate the issue with aggressive hiring campaigns, as well as requesting lower hourly requirements for new hires and opening new pilot training centers, like United Airlines' Aviate Academy.
But pilot pay raises may be a more effective way to attract and retain talent. Pilots at American wholly-owned regional carriers PSA Airlines, Piedmont Airlines, and Envoy Air solidified huge wage increases in June, with other regionals offering similar raises.
For example, Piedmont new hire first officers previously started at $51 per hour and first-year captains made $78 per hour. Now, they make $90 and $146 per hour, respectively, with line-check airmen, who train other pilots, now making $427.50 per hour.
While the regionals have scored a big win, major airlines are still fighting for better contracts. Delta and its union have reached a preliminary agreement, which would offer over 30% in raises worth more than $7.2 billion. American and United are still in negotiation, though Alaska Airlines managed to update its contract in October.
Increased pay could mean higher fares
As more major carriers potentially solidify additional pay raises, it's possible the industry's already high airfare could increase even more as labor is the number one cost for airlines.
Colon Scarola of CFRA Research told Insider that Delta's airfare in the third quarter of this year was 23% more than in the same period in 2019 — suggesting high operating costs are pushing up ticket prices.
"Airlines are trying to keep healthy profit margins," he said. "So, with these higher wages, they can't back off on this post-pandemic surge in airfare pricing."
It's not just Delta charging higher fares. Data crunched by Nerdwallet reveals prices across US carriers jumped by 9% in October 2022 compared to October 2021, and a staggering 43% compared to the same month in 2019.
In fact, travel website Hopper revealed fares in October were averaging $430 for Christmas flying, which was 17% higher compared to 2019 and 53% higher than the same time in 2021.
While Hopper analysts expected prices to continue to rise, as of Tuesday, average fares were steady at $339 roundtrip, but last-minute tickets are expected to go for over $400.
"I don't think flying is going to get any cheaper next year," Scarola told Insider.
Small cities may lose even more airline service
In addition to increased airfare, Mike Stengal, senior analyst at consulting firm AeroDynamic Advisory, told Insider the pay raises, coupled with high fuel costs, could incentivize airlines to ditch more of their regional flying to smaller cities.
Specifically, he explained 50-seater planes are now even more expensive to operate, so parking them could further reduce airlines' frequencies to small markets, cutting or limiting connectivity to the rest of the US.
Britain's 'most tattoed mum' made an appearance on This Morning in nothing but a white bikini to show off all of her tattoos, but fans all say 'it's her choice'
Kevin Kennedy is most recognised for his role as Norman "Curly" Watts on Coronation Street, but now, the actor is preparing to make his return to the stage in an entirely new role
Zara Tindall has been left “shaken to the core” by her mother Princess Anne’s mystery encounter with a horse which left her with a brain injury that has resulted in amnesia, according to a report.OK! Magazine says that Zara, 43, has been left freaked out by the incident which saw Anne, 73, also known as The Princess Royal, struck by a horse while she was out walking, alone, on Sunday, June 23, at her home, Gatcombe Park, in the Cotswolds.She was treated at the scene and then hospitalized for fiv
The single biggest thing that happened over the last Parliament was the Covid crisis. It had an immeasurable impact on our economy and society. And Labour’s record in that period, especially during 2021, was appalling. Indeed it was sufficiently bad that at the time many people said Starmer’s errors ruled him out of any possible future as Prime Minister.
A royal commentator has claimed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are "two of the most unpopular figures in the US" after Prince Harry's latest award received backlash
As King Charles is reportedly urging his brother Prince Andrew to downsize his home from the Royal Lodge in Windsor to Frogmore Cottage, there are a few names being suggested as new residents
Women’s rights have figured far more prominently in this election campaign than Labour would have liked. Now, in what should cause considerable alarm, the issue seems to be gathering momentum, with rumours swirling that Harriet Harman, who is retiring as an MP, is set to be appointed as the new chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).
COMMENT: For his ‘one last push’ of the election campaign, the prime minister made an excruciating TV sofa appearance alongside Britain’s most-tattooed mum – but that wasn’t even the worst of it, says Ryan Coogan. Then, he was asked to name his favourite meal…
Prince William reportedly left his sister-in-law Meghan Markle feeling 'sore' after he shared a selfie with Taylor Swift following reports the pop star turned her down