No offense, but so I am paying for others to travel more cheaply at other times, instead of the airlines offering a more fair fare overall, how is that not gouging me?  My view is that the business model is to ensure more profit because they have leverage with an indispensable product, at a time when profits are already at an all-time high (not to mention, the other fees they charge).  I don't think that in these days of lower fuel prices and more efficient aircraft , they are losing a dime on off peak hours now  (whether cheaper seats or even empty seats).  Probably breaking even at worst on operating costs and not all the time, so my extra $600 paid for three tickets will ensure more to their bottom line profit.