Bloomberg confirmed last week that the new Basic Economy fares have been hugely profitable and this new fare class is worth at least $1 billion in additional revenue.

Thanks to the ominous warning, 60 to 70 percent of buyers opt to upgrade to standard economy over basic.

Notably, this ‘lowest’ fare offering – which slashes services for the old price while raising the Economy fare – tends to raise your overall cost, because you get coerced into into paying more for your ticket.

If you think this sounds like replicating budget airline conditions, you’d be right.

We used to hold legacy carriers to a higher standard not that long ago. When a bare-bones Basic Economy class would never happen. Now, it’s “pay up or shut up”.

Among its many charms is that you can’t select seats until you check in, families are not able to sit together, you board last, no upgrades, no overhead bins and no earning mileage credits towards status.

Selling fear and uncertainty is a timeless strategy to increase sales. Customers are willing to pay more for a normal economy seat if there is something worse available, like Basic Economy.

Welcome to the Huckster Airlines of America

Today, Basic Economy fares have spread like the plague throughout the US major carriers and nearly every cheapest US airfare is Basic Economy.

It is also the flight class that Expedia and other web portals will automatically book you on by default – so beware!

This highlights again that the airline industry is in a race to the bottom and without regulation or more competition, we’ll just see more of this.

The government could also remove regulations that prohibit foreigners from owning US-based airlines. That way, foreigners like Richard Branson can start a US-based airline and create more competition in the industry. Additionally, if regulations are dropped against foreign carriers (like Cathay Pacific) from operating US domestic flights, it’d increase much needed competition.

What’s next in the airline sales – flight protection from being beaten up?

The FlyersRights® Insider Vol. 7 This month’s travel-related information tips and suggestions for our readers and members. How to survive the make-over of LGA http://www.cntraveler.com/story/how-to-survive-laguardia-airport-construction? JetBlue is testing facial recognition technology to replace boarding passes, etc. http://www.cntraveler.com/story/jetblue-is-testing-facial-recognition-technology-to-replace-boarding-passes-and-ids? For more in-depth and up-to-date information on these items, please see Conde Nast Traveler Magazine and the US State Department.

TIME SINCE CONGRESS HAS FAILED TO REACH A DEAL ON PASSENGER RIGHTS:

65 DAYS

Today is Day 65 and counting since Dr. Dao was dragged off a United flight. The airlines’ CEO and Chicago airport police have defended the violent removal of Dr. Dao for refusing to give up his seat. Then they apologized and made a secret financial settlement with a gag order. Hearings held by the House and Senate on May 2 and May 4 threatened new regulations, and yet the Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Agency have said and done nothing. US airlines say they want more power over passengers, control of Air Traffic Control and the authority to tax passengers. Wall Street bets United customers will forgive and forget. CEO Oscar Munoz says no United employee will be disciplined. He gets $14 million bonus and United stock rebounds.Enough is enough!

No joke -ride on your luggage?

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