Was thinking perhaps:
(1) FR pax may be getting hacked off with the unreasonably high extra charges and aggravation on FR, so considering other carriers instead;
(2) the perception of extra charges and aggravation plus bad customer service may be driving new users to choose other carriers instead even if the fare is higher;
(3) U2 going after new types of pax, e.g. business pax rather than just leisure pax.
Think majority of people 99% know how to use the system to minimise cost...........perception of extra cost rather than reality has an impact.
As someone pointed out for August the number of actual cancellations across whole network was in single figures.
Most friends who fly more interested in getting there, when its said they will, no delays at aiports or strikes by staff but customers change.