The airlines are huge users of fuel. Fuel costs are higher than even the cost of the aircraft. Surcharges are up to the highest point in the history of the airlines along with the fuel costs at an all time record cost. Airline tickets and airlines live and die on their ability to number one fill up planes and number two, manage their fuel costs. Discount Airlines have been able to keep flights full in order to order to cover costs and keep prices low, but are hurt in quarterly earnings every time fuel prices increase.
When fuel prices stay high, you often see massive downward spirals and negative sector rotations in Airline Stocks. Again it is all about the cost and flow of fuel. It is of interest when we hear talk of our National Debt and how important that is.