Are we searching for the utility minimizing solution? There are times when I wouldn't choose $1,350 to have my flight delayed by 30 minutes, and times when I'd

Are we searching for the utility minimizing solution? There are times when I wouldn't choose $1,350 to have my flight delayed by 30 minutes, and times when I'd happily take $100 to have a 2 hour wait shifted to before my flight rather than after my flight. Auctions maximize utility for the sellers and buyers of the inconvenience. A fixed price means that there will be a surplus or shortage of willing passengers. That means there will be some situations where an airline pays more than it should and people are disappointed they weren't chosen, and some situations where there are irate passengers that inevitably result in violence. JumpCrisscross did well, by definition, because JumpCrisscross is happy with the transaction. A lot of people would be very unhappy with $1350 for a delay depending on the day. Considering that $1000 was a positive outcome, I fail to see how $13.50 (1% chance of being chosen for $1350 award) is preferable.