Originally Posted by
Ayaseth
Chocobos and airships in their current state might not be up to par in every players opinion, but at least we have them. What did we have about a week ago? Walking everywhere on foot and fighting to be resourceful with Anima. Its not going to stop inflation, especially since many players have small fortunes, as you yourself recognize. Look at it this way: You have traveling options.
Don't ride the airship if the fees are too much..use Anima or rent a chocobo(its far cheaper). Its not the end all be all of fixing the economy and I don't believe its meant to be the most epic of gil sinks.
Edit: To answer your question directly OP, you still have free travel~ Walking on foot and teleportation which cost you no gil. Also after you get your license, which again cost you no gil, you can travel for free via chocobo. With the airship, you are being charged for convenience. Its not trolling to say everything in the game can't be free, its fact.
We cried for options in traveling the Eorzea, SE has given us 2 great traveling options. When one drop from a mob can npc for up to 500gil, and the maximum cost for the airship being 5k gil..I'm sorry but I just can't be bothered to care that I'm being charged. Give them time, this is the least of the games problems at this time.