As an SLF who frequently changes planes mid-route, my main concern is not taking off on time, but arriving with sufficient time to make the connection.
I've often wondered something along these lines.
How much premium do y'all think people would pay to be guaranteed that they would arrive within a certain time frame of the expected arrival, and guaranteed to not miss a connecting flight?
Do you think it would be enough for an airline to justify having "spare" aircraft and crews?
I know people, for example, that when they go on a cruise, they book a flight to arrive the day before the cruise leaves, and then book a hotel, and a rental car, so they can be absolutely sure they get to the dock for the cruise before it leaves. If they could pay half the cost of the hotel and car and be guaranteed that they'd arrive on time, they'd probably do that....