Susier,
What if? Well without a significant increase to, for example, fuel prices I really don't see airfares rising to the equivalent levels we had in the 70s and 80s. Even then the network airlines (who all interlined with each other at fixed prices) were dogged by the less expensive 'charter' airlines.
It's not going to happen though. Point-to-point is the new model, and is the least expensive to provide.
Which is the most profitable airline in Europe*? (Probably the best business measurement). They are also one of the airlines with the best safety record.
We are just going to have to live with the lager-louts, and be happy that we can afford to travel to just about anywhere we want to go, whenever we want to. Even the longest journey is going to be over with in no more than a day, or two.
*Almost a rhetorical question. It's FR