I expected the usual airline industry handwringing about macroeconomic uncertainty, geopolitical turmoil, and demand elasticity on the Delta Air Lines first quarter earnings call this week. What the flying public, bracing for an uncertain peak summer travel season ahead, got instead was something closer to a victory lap … at least as much as one can manage when jet fuel has roughly doubled since the start of the year.
Yes, let’s not ignore the $2 billion fuel headwind. But there’s also a sense of “so what?” in terms of Delta customers willing to pay higher fares. At least that’s what the Delta C-suite is saying.
“The higher-end consumer, the premium consumer is candidly immune or becoming more immune to the headlines and not delaying their investment in the experience economy,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian said on the call while also noting corporate travelers were similarly not flinching in the face of higher fuel costs driving up airfare.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Luxury Travel Advisor.
