Flying in 2022 is the worst experience as a traveler in my lifetime. My sample size is about 24 legs. The cancel rate and interminable delays, gate routing, diversions, runway closures, and overall dysfunction is really amazing.
The model is unchanged since '19 with significantly less headcount for the same volume of flights. We're now at and past 2019 passenger rates Some combination of route cuts, new hiring and fare increases are the only path to improvement.
This exacerbated by pilot shortage already pre CV. I feel bad for the staff working arse off now. I've observed some amazing work by gate agents and flight attendants. One confided that b/t Vax mandates and early retirements, they are in a big hole on coverage. Many of these flights are canceled purely because crews are timed out. Not really a secret.
I don't know anything about your flight Utee, but I know this isn't a Holiday week where I'm not getting on a plane.