The summer travel season has become more challenging for airlines due to shifting demand, capacity cuts, and increased costs, leading to higher fares and unpredictable booking patterns. Airlines are adjusting their schedules earlier in response to changing school calendars and travel trends, with some expecting a better balance of supply and demand in the coming weeks.
Southwest Airlines plans to slow its capacity growth in 2024 due to moderating travel demand and a shift back to pre-pandemic booking patterns. The airline expects to expand its flying by 10-12% in Q1 2024, down from a previous forecast of up to 16% growth, and aims for 6-8% growth for the full year. This adjustment comes as airlines have expanded their flying this year, leading to lower airfares. Southwest's net income in Q3 2023 dropped 30% from the previous year, while revenue increased 4.9%. Other low-cost carriers, such as Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines, also reported losses and forecasted negative margins for the fourth quarter.