Applying Marginal Analysis to United Airlines
Not what you're looking for?
The WSJ recently presented data suggesting that United Airlines was not covering its costs on flights from San Francisco to Washington D.C. The article quoted analysis saying that United should discontinue this service. The costs per flight (presented in the article) included the costs of fuel, pilots, flight attendants, food, etc used on the flight. They also included a share of the costs associated with running the hubs at two airports, such as ticket agents, building charges, baggage handlers, gate charges, etc. Suppose that the revenue collected on the typical United flight from San Francisco to Washington does not cover these costs. Does this fact imply that United should discontinue these flights? Explain.
Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary
Cost analysis seems to suggest that United Airlines is losing money by operating its Washington D.C. - San Francisco route. This solution looks more closely at the data and comes to a different conclusion.
Solution Preview
The WSJ's reasoning is incorrect. The cost calculation should not include a share of the fixed costs of running the two hubs. Those costs will not change whether United operates the SF to DC ...
Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Economics, Basic Concepts, Demand-Supply-Equilibrium
The quiz tests the basic concepts of demand, supply, and equilibrium in a free market.
Elementary Microeconomics
This quiz reviews the basic concept of supply and demand analysis.
Pricing Strategies
Discussion about various pricing techniques of profit-seeking firms.
Basics of Economics
Quiz will help you to review some basics of microeconomics and macroeconomics which are often not understood.
Economic Issues and Concepts
This quiz provides a review of the basic microeconomic concepts. Students can test their understanding of major economic issues.