FAA's O'Hare Action Is a Win for Families Squeezed by Rising Prices


FAA's O'Hare Action Is a Win for Families Squeezed by Rising Prices


American families know the squeeze of rising prices all too well. Increasingly, we’re discussing with our friends and co-workers how there is “more month than money”. And unfortunately, there's little sign of relief in sight.

Last month, prices rose at their fastest rate since 2023, with surging fuel costs rippling through the economy and driving up the prices of basic necessities. And, as usual, as they say, when America catches a cold, the Black community catches pneumonia. A recent poll found that more than half of Black respondents had to tap into their savings just to cover routine expenses over the past year – including travel and vacation costs.

In this charged economic environment, every policy decision that helps hold prices down matters. That's why families across the country - not just in Chicagoland - should applaud the Federal Aviation Administration's recent action at O'Hare International Airport, a move that protects competition and helps keep airfare affordable.

O'Hare is a major connector to destinations throughout the country and around the world, and countless travelers pass through it on layovers. Therefore, what happens at O’Hare affects ticket prices and travel experiences far beyond Chicago.

Here's what prompted the FAA to act: After United Airlines aggressively scheduled over 200 additional flights this summer at O'Hare compared to last summer, the agency raised serious concerns about the stress being placed on runways, terminals, and air traffic control systems. The FAA warned that flights would likely need to be reduced to “prevent large-scale disruption.”

Those concerns were well-placed as O'Hare was already the busiest airport in the country – and the most delayed. The FAA ultimately ordered United to cut roughly 200 arrivals and departures, while American Airlines was directed to cut no more than 40.

Why does this matter for prices? Because airfare at O'Hare is directly shaped by competition. O'Hare enjoys the rare distinction of serving as a hub for two major carriers – United and American – and that head-to-head rivalry pushes ticket prices down. In fact, the average ticket price at O'Hare actually fell by 3.8 percent last year. In today's economy, how often does any price go down?

United's flight surge wasn't really about meeting traveler demand. It was about squeezing out competition and hoarding as many gates as possible. You don't have to take anyone's word for it. Just look at what United's own leadership has said. CEO Scott Kirby has stated he would add “as many flights as are required” to block American from gaining additional O'Hare gates, since gate assignments are tied to flight volume. Kirby has even openly expressed his desire “to someday take over those gates that currently have AA on them.”

Fair competition is a crucial principle in any civilized form of governance. Competition at O'Hare may not be advantageous for United's bottom line. But it's good for all travelers and their pocketbooks.

Just as the vacation season arrives, the FAA's flight reduction order has put a dent in United's plan to crowd out American and chip away at competition at one of the world's most important airports. But travelers will be the beneficiaries of the FAA's move to halt this anti-competitive tactic. With prices as high as they are today, that's a win for all families.

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