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Passengers say flights from Charlotte often more expensive

By Mark Barber
By Mark Barber

CHARLOTTE, NC — Charlotte Douglas International Airport is expanding again, and its biggest carrier - American Airlines - is expanding with it.

When construction on the Concourse A expansion ends this summer, the airport will add seven new gates for American Airlines. But with that expansion comes growing concerns among passengers that the airline is monopolizing prices.

American controls about 90 percent of flights at Charlotte Douglas. Some passengers worry there isn't enough competition to keep flights affordable.

"Whenever there's competition, that's going to force everyone to lower their prices because now there's more than just one player in town," said passenger Zaneta Mowatt.

So, we looked to see if Charlotte prices are generally more than two of its biggest competitors in the southeast: Raleigh and Atlanta.

When you check round trip flights to Denver this time next month, Atlanta has four flights under $310. Raleigh has three, but Charlotte only has one.

When you compare similar flights to Miami, Atlanta has 17 flights cheaper than $300. Raleigh has two, but Charlotte just has one.

"Price certainly does play a big role," offered passenger Dora Stavrolakes.

We asked American if it's monopolizing prices and the company said in part:

"We do have a high percentage of business travelers, who tend to buy more flexible, last-minute fares, which are typically priced higher."

"Companies will be eating a lot of those costs, but those of us who actually live here and have made it more of a home - now it's something I'm thinking about like 'Wow, it's really expensive,'" said Mowatt.

In a response to Channel 9, American highlighted the positives their flights bring to Charlotte:

"The benefits to the community are access to the world's largest network as the second-largest hub for the world's largest airline, and the size of the airport is much bigger than the population of Charlotte would typically demand. Because of our high percentage of connecting travelers and an efficient and cost-effective airport, local passengers get access to a much broader network than they otherwise would." 

Charlotte is already American's most profitable hub, so travelers like Brittany Massie say they think it needs to consider families who can't afford business class prices.

"For families, it's really high, really expensive," said Massie.

American Airlines is one of Charlotte largest employers with approximately 11,000 workers. Officials at Charlotte Douglas say the airport generates more than $16 billion a year for our local economy.

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