Two European airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Lufthansa, admitted to raising the prices of fuel surcharges on passenger flights as much as 12 times the regular price during one 18-month period. This should be __ because it is __ A. encouraged; part of free market operations B. discouraged; monopolizing C. reported; collusion D. encouraged; perfectly legal E. ignored; business

## Step 1<br />This problem is about understanding the principles of free market operations and the legality of business practices. The question asks us to determine whether the actions of Virgin Atlantic and Lufthansa, which involved raising the prices of fuel surcharges on passenger flights up to 12 times the regular price over an 18-month period, should be encouraged, discouraged, reported, or ignored.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />Option A suggests that such actions should be encouraged as part of free market operations. This implies that businesses should be allowed to set their own prices based on market conditions.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Option B suggests that such actions should be discouraged as it implies monopolizing. This means that the airlines are trying to control the market by setting prices higher than usual.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />Option C suggests that such actions should be reported as it implies collusion. This means that the airlines are working together to set prices, which is illegal.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />Option D suggests that such actions should be encouraged as it is perfectly legal. This means that the airlines are within their rights to set prices based on market conditions.<br /><br />## Step 6<br />Option E suggests that such actions should be ignored as it is part of business. This means that the airlines are just doing their business, and it's not a big deal.<br /><br />## Step 7<br />Considering the principles of free market operations, businesses should be allowed to set their own prices based on market conditions. This is perfectly legal and part of free market operations. Therefore, the correct answer is D.