>There are 3 cities: A, B, C >There are two flights: x

You have to think of it as flying from A to C and flying from B to C. Almost always, when flying from B to C is more expensive than the former it's because nonstop demand is much higher.

You'll see this a lot in very highly connective markets on the other hand where demand for the nonstop might not be crazy high (look at a lot of UA flights from EWR to small outstations). They are driving mostly connections so they just put a premium on the flight knowing that anyone who's inflexible will pony up.

price discrimination

>>1075755
Competition on some routes but not others.

This could be a great opportunity for any airline willing to exploit it - see >>1077200

Supply and demand

>>1075755
it's a classic case of trickle down economics. you fucking idiot. you buffoon. it's so simple.

>>1075755
Airlines intentionally charge a premium on flights without stop regardless of cost. Also, competition.

capitalism doesn't want poor people to be able to afford anything beyond the essentials
they fleece you until you're out of wool

>>1075755
As others have pointed out: competetion and demand.

A good example how capitalism fails to put a correct price on a very damaging form of transportation.