Air Travel Costs More, Has Fewer Options This Holiday Season

Flight costs during the holiday season are significantly higher than last year, driven by inflation, high fuel costs, and a persistent pilot shortage. Airlines face challenges in training new pilots, a process that takes years, contributing to reduced flight availability and increased prices. The pilot shortage stems from early retirements during the pandemic, and airlines are establishing schools to train new pilots, but it will take time to meet demand.

What are some of the factors contributing to the increased cost of flights during the holiday season?

• Lower fuel costs

• Decreased inflation

• More available flights

• Increased demand and worker shortages

How does the pilot shortage affect the number of flights available during the holiday season?

• It reduces the number of flights

• It increases the number of flights

• It has no effect on flight availability

• It only affects international flights

Why is the pilot shortage taking a long time to resolve?

• The training process for new pilots is lengthy

• There is no interest in becoming a pilot

• Airlines are not hiring new pilots

• Pilots are unwilling to work

What did airlines do during the pandemic that contributed to the current pilot shortage?

• They allowed many pilots to retire early

• They increased pilot salaries

• They reduced flight routes

• They hired more pilots

What is one of the steps airlines are taking to address the pilot shortage?

• Reducing pilot training requirements

• Establishing schools for pilot training

• Increasing the number of flights

• Hiring pilots from other countries