Delta reportedly plans to pack planes tighter and raise fares

Despite 2015 being a year of record-low fuel prices and record-high airline profits, it doesn't seem like fliers will be paying less (or getting more legroom) anytime soon – in fact, with Delta Airlines it's looking to be quite the opposite. Instead of expanding its fleet in 2016, Delta is reportedly going to focus on filling planes even more and selling more expensive seats.

According to Reuters, the decision is a result of the strong dollar and low demand from foreigners to fly U.S. carriers:

Wall Street analysts, noting stagnant foreign demand for U.S. carriers, have pushed them to shrink international service so fewer discount fares are necessary to sell out flights. A strong dollar has hurt foreigners' spending power in the United States for months and lowered the value of foreign sales in dollar terms.

Delta does itemize the cost of some of its amenities, like priority boarding, so it's still unclear how exactly fare hikes will shake out. All in all, the whole situation's not great for consumers, as 80% of U.S. domestic flights are owned by just three airline carriers – Delta, United and American. If one raises ticket prices, what's to stop the other two?

Road Warrior Voices reached out to Delta for comment, but they declined stating, "As a matter of policy, we do not comment on future fares or fees."