Spirit Airlines CEO says industry is like a 'rigged game,' US consumers are 'long-term losers'

Spirit Airlines CEO Ted Christie described the airline industry as a "rigged game" where U.S. consumers are the "long-term losers." He criticized the concentration of profits among the "Big Four" airlines and discussed the challenges smaller carriers face in achieving profitability. Christie also touched on the blocked $3.8 billion merger with JetBlue, which he believed would have challenged the dominant airlines and benefited consumers, but was halted due to regulatory concerns over its potential to reduce low-cost air travel options.