Its not even the same product. When one consider the crowd level at airports, the lines at security, the size of airline seats, or size of food tray which matters specially on international routes.

Though I blame no one, if people want comfort they can pay more or travel less (if possible)

> Not included: Fees for optional services, such as baggage fees.

This entire article is about how airlines are unbundling their offerings and doing market segmentation through "optional" add-ons...

Average airfare isn't a useful stat in this respect. What would be useful is comparing fares for individual routes over the years, which would tell a different story.

Average fares are skewed by low cost carriers entering the market.