The State of Airlines in 2026 | Cranky Flyer’s Brett Snyder Breaks It Down
Are airlines finally stable—or just catching their breath before the next disruption?Industry analyst Brett Snyder (Cranky Flyer) joins Travel Again to break down the real state of the airline industry.In Season 4, Episode 3 of Travel Again Presents, hosts Mike McCormick and Ed Silver sit down with Brett Snyder, founder and CEO of Cranky Flyer and one of the most respected airline analysts in the industry.From record airline profits to rising labor costs, shifting demand patterns, and geopolitical uncertainty, the airline industry is navigating one of the most complex moments in its history.Brett returns to the show to deliver what we jokingly call the “Cranky Airlines State of the Union.”In this episode, we explore:• Why airlines are financially stronger than ever• The growing divide between premium and economy demand• Why ULCC carriers are struggling right now• What Southwest’s strategy changes really mean• How geopolitical risks and fuel prices could impact airlines next• Why consolidation and scale now dominate the industryWe also dive into Brett’s Cranky Network Awards, which celebrate the airline network planners quietly shaping route strategy across the industry.If you want to understand where the airline industry is heading next, this conversation provides one of the clearest perspectives available.
