How the flight market actually works.
Eight short pieces, written by the desk to outlast a news cycle.
How fare classes actually work
Behind every published fare sits a single letter that decides almost everything — refundability, miles earned, upgrade chances. Here is the short version.
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Why one-way prices spike on Sunday afternoons
Domestic one-way fares climb on Sunday between 14:00 and 19:00 PT. The reason is not algorithmic — it is the corporate booking calendar.
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What basic economy excludes (and what it doesn't)
Basic economy has become the default lowest fare on most US carriers. What you actually lose depends heavily on which carrier you book.
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The case for premium economy
Premium economy on a transatlantic flight costs roughly twice an economy ticket and one-third of business. The math is more compelling than it sounds.
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Why hub airports are cheaper to fly from
Fare-aware travellers will drive past their local airport to reach a hub. Here is the structural reason that often makes the drive worthwhile.
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How airline alliances change your bag rules
A Star Alliance itinerary that touches three carriers does not necessarily share a baggage policy. The first marketed carrier sets the rule.
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What changed in airline change-fee policy
US legacy carriers permanently dropped most domestic change fees in 2020. The fine print kept several large exceptions.
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Saturday-night-stay rules — alive or dead?
The Saturday-night-stay requirement was once the most reliable trick to halve a domestic fare. Most carriers killed it. A few quietly kept it alive.
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