Our expectations of what airlines can do are unrealistic.

We have a very complex machine that requires a lot of training to operate. The plane requires a lot of fuel and maintenance. That maintenance requires mechanics, most of whom work the 10:00 pm to 6:00 am shift. The mechanics work under great stress to get the planes ready, yet follow all the safety rules for their repairs.

And then there are the airports. Lots of people work there. Lots of professional people, like controllers and tradespeople.

Then we expect the airline to always run on time and through all sorts of bad weather. We have government rules for when schedules are missed, the airline is responsible. The traveller takes no risk.

So when we pay $300 to travel 1500 km by plane, that price does not make sense to me. All airlines should be going broke. No wonder they are finding little ways to nickel and dime their customers.

In my world, there should be a legislated minimum price for each ticket, based on typical costs for running a plane and airport fees. This will ensure the airline has enough money to do the job without cutting corners.

Maybe we should add some costs for the externalities air travel causes. Like a good climate change tax.

If these costs are too much for many travelers, that would be good for the environment.