达美航空、美国航空和联合航空等主要航空公司正调整业务重心，将战略重点转向高付费的高端旅客群体。为此，这些公司正在重新设计飞机客舱及机场设施，旨在扩大商务舱和头等舱的比例 [1]。这一转型策略意在利用高端座位的高利润率来抵消燃油成本上升带来的压力，导致经济舱乘客面临更严格的收费和服务差异 [1]。
达美航空首席执行官 Ed Bastian 表示：“我们不能通过提供最低价格获胜，必须通过提供最好的服务获胜。”[1] 前达美总裁 Glen Hauenstein 也指出：“过去的高端产品是亏损领导者，现在它们是最高的利润来源。”[1] 麦肯锡分析显示，在大西洋航线上，商务舱票价的收入几乎等同于经济舱乘客支付的票价和费用总和 [1]。
在具体实施计划方面，达美航空下一代空客 A350-1000 飞机预计于 2027 年投入运营时，近一半的客舱将用于高端座位 [1]。美国航空则计划在 21 世纪末之前将其高端客舱规模扩大 50%[1]。纽约旅行顾问 Mary Auteri 指出，自伊朗战争爆发以来，燃油价格飙升导致机票和附加费上涨 [1]。
Major U.S. carriers including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines are shifting their business focus toward high-value premium passengers by reconfiguring aircraft cabins and airport facilities to increase the proportion of first-class and business class seats [1]. This strategic pivot aims to leverage the high profit margins of premium seating to offset rising fuel costs, a trend that is resulting in stricter fees for economy cabin travelers [1]. Delta CEO Ed Bastian stated, "We can't win on lowest price; we have to win by providing the best service" [1]. Former Delta president Glen Hauenstein noted that while premium products were once loss leaders, they are now the highest profit generators [1]. According to McKinsey analysis cited in reports from AP News, revenue per seat mile for business class tickets on transatlantic routes is nearly equal to the combined fares and fees paid by economy passengers [1]. To support this shift, Delta plans that its next-generation Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, arriving in 2027, will feature almost half of their cabin dedicated to premium seats [1]. American Airlines intends to expand its premium cabins by 50% before the end of this century [1]. Travel advisor Mary Auteri attributed recent surges in ticket prices and ancillary fees partly to skyrocketing fuel costs following the outbreak of war in Iran [1].