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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

"'When you take into account fuel right now, yes, we've absolutely done a great job of recapturing a tremendous amount of that expense,' Isom said." www.fox9.com/news/major-a...

fox9.com

Major airlines adjust flight schedules as jet fuel prices surge

American, United and Southwest Airlines are adjusting flight capacity and schedules as higher jet fuel prices increase operating costs.

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Reposted by William J. McGee

American Economic Liberties Project @econliberties.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

A new rule from the DOT will make it so airlines are no longer held responsible for a number of disruptions. @wjm-air.bsky.social on the impact: This is really going to hurt consumers because you’re going to be given fewer rights in terms of compensation through meals, hotels and things like that.

usatoday.com

New DOT rule changes compensation for flight delays

Going into effect on Oct. 19, a new rule by the DOT will change what flight disruptions are in an airline's control. Here's what it means for flyers.

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

United CEO Scott Kirby still says a UA-American merger (capturing an unprecedented 40% marketshare) "'would be good for customers,' rather than raising prices...anticipating the first question antitrust regulators would pose." www.semafor.com/article/09/1...

semafor.com

The logic behind Scott Kirby’s long-odds bet on a United Airlines deal

The gambler-turned-CEO is making the case for consolidation while trying to build a brand that passengers love.

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

In the wake of Sean Duffy's ethically challenged Great American Road Trip, Joe Brancatelli of JoeSentMe.com dubs him the Worst.DOTSecretary.Ever.

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Good to see @afacwa.org fighting back against potentially violating employees' privacy as confidential information from defunct Spirit's database is sold off in a garage sale to Google. www.wsj.com/pro/bankrupt...

wsj.com

Spirit Flight Attendants Fight Google’s Data Bid for AI

The flight attendants want assurance that their confidential information will be removed from the sale of the defunct airline’s digital records.

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Last night I was honored to be at the premiere of FREEFALL, the new Boeing documentary by Rory Kennedy. She spoke beautifully about the work during a panel discussion. On this National Aviation Day...see it on Netflix; it's riveting.

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Airlines charging for overhead bin space is already happening in the Pacific Rim. What are the betting odds on this spreading to the United States? www.frommers.com/tips/airfare...

frommers.com

It's Happening! Airline to Start Charging for Use of Overhead Bins

The carrier will sell bin space as a paid upgrade starting in 2027. How will the new fee affect passengers?

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

FAA is "being 'nudged' to embrace 'more risk.'" That should scare the hell out of us. Because the alarm is being rung by an ex-FAA Acting Administrator. In America we tend to ignore aviation safety whistleblowers. Then later we say--How could this happen?? www.flyingmag.com/rocheleau-de...

flyingmag.com

Departing FAA Leader Says Agency Is Being ‘Nudged’ to Embrace Risk

Speaking at a drone industry event, the FAA deputy administrator says the agency is being asked to “lean into” new technologies.

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

"'Secretary Duffy has clearly shown himself to be on the side of airlines, particularly big airlines, and not passengers...' McGee told The Lever. 'He himself is a former lobbyist… and at times it appears he's continuing that work.'" www.levernews.com/airlines-are...

levernews.com

How Font Sizes Could Increase Your Travel Costs

Advertisers trick consumers into paying more by changing the font size of fees. Major airlines want in on the action.

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

With all the problems facing the airline industry, it's likely not many were thinking of supply chain shortages: "Boeing advised airlines to replace windows only when necessary rather than for other reasons, such as aesthetics..." www.reuters.com/business/aer...

reuters.com

Planemakers and repair shops take steps to conserve aircraft windows in tight market

Planemakers, airlines and repair shops are conserving aircraft windows after an incident at a key California factory worsened shortages of a part needed for both new aircraft and routine ‌maintenance...

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

"That would be astronomical." An analysis of enplanement costs at Washington/Dulles jumping from approx. $10.00 to $90.64. (!!) www.axios.com/local/washin...

axios.com

The hidden cost of Trump's Dulles overhaul

The $90 fee raising eyebrows over Dulles' future

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

From the Wall Street Journal. Airline consolidation can come through mergers and airline consolidation can come through bankruptcies.

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Recently @ashleynowicki.bsky.social & I wrote a paper (link below) noting Trump's 100% tax cut for billionaires buying private jets. Now Trump brags about a friend "buying a very expensive private plane" tax free "that he didn't need." Every working person in America should watch this.

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Reposted by William J. McGee

FactPost @factpostnews.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Trump: I have sold more Boeing planes than anybody in history. You know what I got for that? Nothing (Trump owns over $10 million in Boeing stock)

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

As an FAA-licensed dispatcher & former airline ops manager who delayed, rescheduled, & canceled flights daily, the opportunities for intentional malfeasance and corruption here are endless among airlines, airports, TSA, ATC, passengers, etc. How absurd. www.wsj.com/business/kal...

wsj.com

Kalshi to Offer Contracts Predicting Flight Cancellations

The contracts will allow users to predict the percentages of flights canceled at an airport within a given timeframe.

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Delta's CEO said it loudly in April so it's no surprise now--fares go up if fuel goes up, but fares stay up if fuel goes down. When airline CEOs tell you who they are, believe them. Also worth noting: US airfares were rising BEFORE the war & fuel spikes. www.foxnews.com/travel/airli...

foxnews.com

Airline CEO sparks backlash after revealing what’s really driving sky-high ticket prices

Airlines face backlash over high fares after Delta and United reportedly signaled ticket prices may stay elevated even if fuel costs eventually stabilize.

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Reposted by William J. McGee

The Atlantic @theatlantic.com · 05/07/2026

Extended tarmac delays—the most torturous delay in all of aviation—are getting more common, Nicholas Florko reports. He explores why:

bit.ly

Prepare for Airplane Purgatory

The chances of getting stuck for hours in a grounded plane are soaring.

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

"'Marie Antoinette would feel very comfortable on any of the Big 3 airlines these days,' said William J. McGee, Senior Fellow @econliberties.bsky.social. 'But instead of saying, "Let them eat cake" in the back of the plane, she would say, "Let them eat Biscoffs."'" apnews.com/article/airl...

apnews.com

US airlines are redesigning travel around their highest-paying passengers

America’s biggest airlines are expanding their premium cabins and adding more luxury perks to attract high-paying passengers.

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Gee...one of the Big Four oligopoly carriers is cashing in on the shutdown of an ultra low cost carrier. And Wall Street cheers. Who could have seen that coming? www.thestreet.com/investing/st...

thestreet.com

Southwest Airlines leaves rivals flat-footed as bankrupt carrier folds

Southwest is grabbing routes, gates, and demand left behind by a budget airline's collapse, and Wall Street thinks rivals still haven't caught up.

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 03/07/2026

Meanwhile, at Mach 1.0... www.transportation.gov/briefing-roo...

transportation.gov

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

Sure, you've already signed on to all the Substacks you need to read. Only you haven't. Because my pal Andrew Postman's latest--OKAY, WHAT ABOUT THIS?--tackles it all. It's the Substack about...well, everything. The trivial and the critical. Give it a glance. okaywhataboutthis.substack.com

okaywhataboutthis.substack.com

Okay, What About This? | Substack

Ideas and observations maybe worth considering; staring us in the face (or not); possibly absurd...but more absurd than what we've got now? Click to read Okay, What About This? on Substack. Launched 7...

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

DOT reports that in the first quarter of 2026, average U.S. domestic airfares rose 4.7% over the previous quarter, from $409 to $428. Year-over-year, fares rose 7.7% since Q1 2025. www.bts.gov/newsroom/fir...

bts.gov

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

This is how we do things in America. A company fails, thousands of employees are out of work, and thousands of passengers are stranded. But 3 senior execs at Spirit Airlines are likely to receive $1.9M in bonuses. Nothing to see here... [PAYWALLED] www.law360.com/bankruptcy-a...

law360.com

Spirit Gets Initial OK To Pay Exec Bonuses Amid Wind-Down - Law360 Bankruptcy Authority

A New York bankruptcy judge on Wednesday said he was likely to approve Spirit Airlines' request to pay three executives up to roughly $1.9 million in potential bonuses as Spirit works to sell its rema...

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

DOT's Transportation Consumer Price Index is out and--surprise!--overall transportation costs rose 37.2% in May 2026 compared to May 2025. Airfares rose 5.8% and gasoline rose 30.7% during the same period. More to come, of course. www.bts.gov/newsroom/tra...

bts.gov

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

UA-AA is STILL in the news: "A merger would require support from unions, customers, shareholders, regulators & management team. 'I think we can get four of those five,' but UA needs the support from AA's management, 'and we don't have that,' Kirby said." aviationweek.com/air-transpor...

aviationweek.com

United CEO Quells Consolidation Chatter, Stays Bullish On American Merger | Aviation Week

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby doesn’t see a rush for consolidation in the US but still believes in the virtues of a merger with American Airlines.

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

As per Kayak, note that average airfares started rising in 2026 before the war began in Iran.

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Reposted by William J. McGee

American Economic Liberties Project @econliberties.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

"We've already seen in the weeks since Spirit has shut down that fares have gone up on those routes. There are folks that are not going to be able to fly at all with the death of Spirit." @wjm-air.bsky.social joined Vox to discuss how the downfall of Spirit impacts airfares👇

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Good luck to @afa_cwa flight attendants; claims from workers & passengers usually rank way below the banks after airline shutdowns. My first airline went Chapter 7 in 1985 while some of us were on the road, grounded without pay & hotel reimbursements. www.sun-sentinel.com/2026/05/30/e...

sun-sentinel.com

Ex-Spirit attendants seek millions for late layoff notices; contract worker seeks class-action compensation

Ex-Spirit flight attendants asked a bankruptcy court to order the payout of millions for late layoff notices while a contract worker sought class-action status for his lawsuit.

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

It'll be very interesting to hear from the airline executives who have been strong supporters of this administration but also have major hubs in these cities.

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 24/05/2026

In 2024 Congress told DOT to ban US airlines from charging fees for families with young kids to sit together. We worked with Sen. Markey on promoting this legislation, but after 16 months in office Sec. Duffy has not acted. This letter urges him to do so. www.markey.senate.gov/news/press-r...

markey.senate.gov

As Families Begin Travel for Memorial Day Weekend, Senator Markey Demands DOT Ban Expensive Airline Family Seating Fees | U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts

Letter Text (PDF) Washington (May 22, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), member of the...

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford is scheduled to testify before the Senate Commerce Committee tomorrow, so it will be good to get some clarification on the ever-changing targets for air traffic control staffing. avbrief.com/air-traffic-...

avbrief.com

Air Traffic Issues Solved: Let's Cut 2,000 Controllers - AvBrief.com

How a business management theory is supposed to fix a chronically understaffed ATC system.

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Quantifying the rise in airfares everyone has been seeing lately. Recent government inflation figures indicate fares were up 20.7% in April, year-over-year. simpleflying.com/us-airfare-s...

simpleflying.com

US Airfare Surges Over 21% In 4 Months, And It’s Only Getting Worse

As Iran war tensions escalate, US airfares soar 20.7% in latest government inflation figures, with warnings prices could climb further.

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

In less than two weeks, two low fare domestic airline brands have announced departures. Spirit via bankruptcy, Sun Country via a merger fast-tracked by DOJ. Spirit launched in 1992 and Sun Country launched in 1982. www.startribune.com/allegiant-su...

startribune.com

Allegiant completes $1.5 billion deal to buy Minnesota’s Sun Country Airlines

The Las Vegas company tied up the deal after receiving speedy regulatory approvals earlier this year.

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

"'Even if you don't like Spirit, and even if you never flew on Spirit, if you were flying on routes that Spirit flew…you benefited from their presence,' said William McGee, Senior Fellow for Aviation & Travel at American Economic Liberties Project." www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...

theguardian.com

Spiritless summer: Americans feel squeeze of costly fuel amid busy travel season

Soaring oil prices have left many Americans with higher costs and fewer options for travel amid the Iran war

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

"But each time Spirit marketed a low fare, it changed the competitive dynamics on the routes it served." The same is true for all the low fare airlines, even the smallest players. fortune.com/2026/05/07/s...

fortune.com

I litigated the JetBlue-Spirit merger. A few thoughts on the future of antitrust in the airline industry | Fortune

A former DOJ Antitrust Division attorney who worked on the JetBlue/Spirit case argues that Spirit's collapse wasn't inevitable.

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William J. McGee @wjm-air.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

This should include a warning from the DOT that price gouging will not be tolerated. That would clearly be an unfair and deceptive practice. www.axios.com/2026/05/01/s...

axios.com

Rival airlines "stand ready to assist" Spirit Airlines customers

Several major airlines said Friday that they'll aid Spirit Airlines customers if the budget carrier suddenly goes out of business.

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