Hmm, let's see is 4% commission on a $1,000,000 more or less than $500? Geez I think it's more. Game, Set, Match!
Not quite game, set, match.
You would have to factor in ALL the variables. You seem like a pretty sharp guy, so I am sure you have.
The likelihood that airline "X" will suffer a cancellation or delay.
Whether or not airline "X" has a schedule such that they can still get you to your meeting.
The possibility that airline "Y" with its interline agreements will be able to get you protected on somebody else's flight.
Whether or not anyone else even flies into city "Z"
How likely is it that an airline delay will jeopardize the business deal? You know, even the luxurious legacy carriers with their sporadic beverage service and indifferent FAs (not referring to the U folks) and 30" of legroom in the euphimistically named "main cabin" suffer from delays and cancellations...especially if you end up on one of their less reputable commuter partners. I've even read on this board that some of the planes operated under the U banner by certain affiliates are a crapshoot at best. Even if you gave airline "Y" $9,000 for your ticket for a 300 mile ride, things can go wrong. But some folks, even if they stagger into a meeting unshaven and smelling of booze, are sufficiently charming to clinch a business deal despite tardiness.
Nothing in life is certain except death. You could charter your own jet, but it might break. Airline Y and Airline X both have mechanicals. Seems like I've even heard on this board that the new wonder aircraft, the E170, has a mechanical every now and then. If Airline Y's airplane suffers a mechanical problem, they may try to reroute you, but there is no certainty they will...especially if you are on your way to Dubuque or Zanesville. You could drive your own automobile but you might get hit broadside by a station wagon full of nuns. You just never know what Fortuna has in store for you.
Like I said, it all boils down to choice. If it's worth it to some to buy the higher priced ticket, then by all means, that is what they should do. Others may be just as happy as clams pressing their luck (big bucks big bucks no whammies) on ATA or...God forbid....the omnipresent turd brown bus.
It helps if you have a healthy Calvinistic sense of predestination. If the plane you are on was meant, in the great big scheme of things, to break down or cancel, it will. If you were meant to arrive late at a meeting, then that is what will happen.
