Concorde would probably struggle in the post-9/11 airport security world; the days of showing up at the airport just before the flight are long gone for most folks.
A 2-3 hour reduction in flight time is appealing on its own, but probably not at a significant price increase.
> days of showing up at the airport just before the flight are long gone for most folks
I show up 20 minutes before boarding, often later, at my small-town airport. For international flights out of JFK, I’ll show up 2 to 3 hours before, but there is still a world of difference between a lounge you can walk around and shower in and even the most luxurious lay-flat suites.
NYC > SFO is 2 hours at Mach 1.7; if I’m not checking a bag that’s an entire day returned both ways.
Boom isn’t gonna be at small town airports anytime soon.
The lounge thing, IMO, is also a challenge for Boom. It’s gonna be a cramped plane. The folks shelling out that sort of coin for a flight expect certain amenities on it.
> Boom isn’t gonna be at small town airports anytime soon
If I’m carry-on only, I try to show up to domestic flights out of JFK an hour before boarding. Between Digital ID and Clear, it’s a fuss if security takes longer than 15 minutes from entering the airport.
> folks shelling out that sort of coin for a flight expect certain amenities on it
Less cramped than Concorde. At $20k NYC <> SFO, I could see it selling out. You’re only on board for 2 to 3 hours. At $10k or less (Concorde was $13k, inflation adjusted) it’s crossing into prices paid for a lay-flat seat as it is.
A 2-3 hour reduction in flight time is appealing on its own, but probably not at a significant price increase.