Repair-It

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzB5xtGGsTc

This is a great walkthrough of where airfare prices come from, and the history of coach, business, first class and so on.

He did out an example that a ticket back in the day is the same cost as a first class ticket now. This makes sense because in the 1950s, any flight was basically a luxury. What's changed is airlines have figured out how to substantially reduce per person cost and sell much cheaper tickets, post deregulation.

And to extend that, here's what happened with the Concorde:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1QEj09Pe6k

Fun fact: the Boeing 787 gets 104 mpg per person. That's actually pretty high fuel efficiency. The Concorde got 14.

More good stuff. 787 vs A380 discussion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlIdzF1_b5M

They really nailed it with this plane.

The expense of flying, broken down.

This guy does a good job.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Oe8T3AvydU

I'm currently sitting in business class in a 787 en route to Shanghai so this thread is worth revisiting. The American Airlines hard product is great on the 787. The service and food are so-so in comparison to their Asian competitors.

Are you there yet? lol

#LongFlightAmIRight?

I arrived yesterday afternoon, local time, which was like 3 AM EST on the day after I left. It's almost 5 AM in Shanghai and I just woke up, which isn't terrible for the first night. The second night is usually worse though in terms of jet lag, because I'm not as tired.

Bob wrote:The service and food are so-so in comparison to their Asian competitors.

United has the same problem, even when compared to their "Star Alliance" partner, ANA.