過去 20 年，美國廉價航空憑藉低票價搶攻市場，成為航空業一股不可忽視的力量。然而，隨著通膨壓力和傳統航空的反擊，美國廉價航空的營運面臨的困境：
- 傳統航空推出基本服務機票，在票價方面對廉價航空構成威脅。
- 傳統航空在國際航線和會員哩程方面具有優勢，更能滿足旅客的需求。
- 航空業缺工潮和燃油價格上漲，導致廉價航空成本上升。
搭機民眾也意識到，搭乘廉價航空的花費可能比預期的還要高。機票價格浮動，熱門時段的廉價航空票價與傳統航空價格差距可能不會太大。無論飛行時間長短，幾乎所有廉價航空都要求乘客支付額外費用，例如機上餐點與托運行李等。許多廉價航空，降落的機場都遠離市中心；從這些機場乘坐計程車或其它交通工具的費用可能很高，某些情況下或許超過搭廉價航空所省下的錢。
2015 年起，美國三大傳統航空聯合航空、達美航空和美航陸續推出基本服務機票，以較低的票價吸引對價格敏感的旅客。這些機票雖然座位無法提前選擇，而且在更改機票、退款方面設有重重限制，但在通膨壓力下，仍具有一定的吸引力。傳統航空在國際航線和會員哩程方面也具有優勢。特別是疫後報復性旅遊風潮下，美國民眾更傾向出國旅遊，而國外長途目的地，只有傳統航空才有提供航班。
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The challenges faced by the US Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs) in today's market
Low-cost carriers (LCCs) have been capturing market share with their low fares over the past 20 years. However, they are now facing a number of challenges that could threaten their future growth.
- Traditional carriers have begun to offer their own basic economy fares that are similar to LCC fares. These fares typically come with restrictions, such as no advance seat assignments or change/refund fees, but they can still be attractive to price-sensitive travelers.
- Traditional carriers also have an advantage in terms of international routes and loyalty programs. LCCs typically have a more limited network of international routes, which can make it difficult for them to compete with traditional carriers for long-haul travel. Additionally, traditional carriers offer loyalty programs that can provide valuable benefits to frequent travelers, such as free upgrades and lounge access.
- The rising cost of fuel and labor is also a challenge for LCCs. Fuel is a major expense for airlines, and the recent increase in fuel prices has put a strain on LCCs' profitability. Additionally, the airline industry is facing a labor shortage, which is driving up wages for pilots and other airline employees.
When flying with a LCC, passengers often find that the total cost can be higher than expected. Ticket prices change a lot, and during busy times, the price difference between low-cost and traditional airlines might not be that big. Almost all LCCs, no matter how long the flight, charge extra for things like choosing your seat, food on the plane, and checked baggage. Many LCCs land at airports far from city centers. Getting from these airports to the city center by taxi or other transportation can be expensive and sometimes costs more than the savings from the low-cost flight.
