Are airlines overcharging or just making profit? Your Say

A recent wave of airline mergers and lower jet fuel costs prompted a discussion about the industry and airfares. Comments from Facebook are edited for clarity and grammar:

Consolidation of an industry never leads to more competition. Why are people surprised that airline fees are rising?

— Dave McKenzie

I've been watching airlines increase their prices, reduce their seats and charge extra for bags for several years now. What's new is the lower fuel prices, which are a major part of an airline's expense. Travelers thought they should get a break from the higher cost of flying, but airlines decided that things are fine. They are stuffing our cash into their greedy pockets. I've decided to avoid flying.

— Richard Wilson

Wow, what a concept! A business wants to make money. A few years ago, the airlines were losing money, going bankrupt, and employees had their salaries and benefits slashed. But now that airlines finally are making a profit, it is a big conspiracy and something the government needs to look into.

— Aaron Bowen

The only problem I have is the fact that they created the baggage fees because of the spike in oil prices, but when oil tanks, those fees aren't reduced or cut.

— Jay Jeffcoat

Apparently, some people don't understand the laws of supply and demand. If the planes are full, why would airlines lower prices? They are in business to make money, but when they do, it's as if they are doing something wrong.

Dave Parks

Planes are full because airlines have reconfigured seating and eliminated seats as well as flights. Sure, it makes no sense to have flights that are half-full. But airlines said prices were going up because of fuel costs. Well, we know the scoop on fuel costs these days.

— Todd Gac

Letter to the editor:

Airlines recorded big profits for 2014. Now, apparently some passengers feel that they should benefit from those profits ("Airline profits soar, but fliers get no relief").

If memory serves me right, most businesses are in business to make a profit. Apple just reported a record $18 billion profit for just the past quarter — that's three months. Everyone seems impressed and views it favorably. Yet I know that if I go into an Apple store tomorrow to buy a new iPhone 6, the price will be the same as it was yesterday. Customers will not get a price break even though Apple's profit was huge. I live in the heart of the Marcellus Shale region. Natural gas is flowing with no end in sight, yet winter heating bills have not fallen.

It seems as if everyone simply loves to hate the airlines. Perhaps it's time to just lighten up.

Scott C. Kerr; Butler, Pa.