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.

Why is the pilot shortage considered a long-term problem?

What steps are airlines taking to address the pilot shortage?