How Will driverless Cars Change Airlines?

This will happen,  how long it will take to become significant remains a question.  But every kind of mobility will be effected. Good piece on the topic.  Effects on the airlines?  Some straightforward models of demand and behavior could provide a start. Likely considerable unexpected side effects too. 

Driverless cars are coming for the airlines     By Stephen Rice and Scott Winter in Fastcompany

Our research has revealed just how much people’s travel preferences could shift with the advent of driverless cars.

As driverless cars become more capable and more common, they will change people’s travel habits not only around their own communities but across much larger distances. Our research has revealed just how much people’s travel preferences could shift and found a new potential challenge to the airline industry.

Imagine someone who lives in Atlanta and needs to travel to Washington, D.C., for business. This is about a 10-hour drive. A flight takes about two hours, assuming no delays. Add to that the drive to the airport, checking in, the security line, and waiting at the gate. Upon arrival in D.C., it may take another 30 minutes to pick up any checked bags and find a rental car–and even more time to drive to the specific destination. The average person would estimate a total travel time of four to five fours. Most people would choose to fly instead of driving themselves.   ... "