It seems the nosedive gas prices have been taking this year are benefiting everyone, including all your favorite airlines.
The International Air Transport Association released a report Wednesday which estimates airlines are expected to post a collective global net profit of almost $20 billion for 2014. The association thinks that number will rise to $25 billion in 2015.
To be fair, the airline industry hasn't had much place to go but up since 2011, when net profits for the year hit a disturbingly low $4 billion. They've steadily increased every year since.
But the real question is, will this surge in profits for Southwest, American and the like be of any help to us, the ones buying the tickets?
"We're expecting to see the cost of air travel and cost of air freight fall," says IATA Chief Economist Brian Pearce.
According to IATA, this will "substantially" lower prices for consumers in 2015. The association expects prices to fall by 5.1 percent next year, potentially making your $300 plane ticket $275.
But not everyone is convinced the prices will actually fall. Why? Because they don't have to.
As The New York Times notes, "Many flights are full, and carriers are reinvesting much of their profit in the business."
"The airlines insist they're using record profits to improve the customer experience upgrading airport terminals, installing Wi-Fi systems and buying new planes — 317 this year alone," a reporter for NBC says.
While the IATA represents most of the airline industry, it does not include all players. The association body represents 250 airlines, accounting for 84 percent of global air traffic.
This video includes images from Getty Images.
