Points, profits, and packed planes, with Gary Leff

Complex Systems with Patrick McKenzie (patio11) · Mar 20, 2025 · 1h 31m

Patrick McKenzie (patio11) is joined by Gary Leff, the author of "View from the Wing", to discuss the economic systems behind airlines and loyalty programs. They discuss how airlines manage to stay profitable despite razor-thin margins, the economics of frequent flyer programs, and why these programs often generate more value than the airlines themselves. The conversation explores why many irrational airline policies reflect deeper economic realities and competitive constraints that shape flying today.

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Full transcript available here…