Originally Posted by
m907
Exactly. The midwits defending Southwest like to appeal to market economics. The airline industry is one of the most tightly regulated, second only to perhaps the medical field, and probably has the highest barrier to entry. It's monopolistic with little consumer choice. Airlines don't charge extra for bags because it enhances the experience or improves their operations; they do it because they can get away with it.
Its OK if you dont like WN's new policies. But for you to simply peddle false narratives helps no one. You posted the same inaccurate statement before and I had posted a reply to it. Posting it here again for others' reference. Not sure how posting inaccurate info helps anyone.
Her you go :
Airline deregulation refers to the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, a U.S. law that removed government control over fares, routes, and market entry, replacing it with a free market system. And this is what happened after deregulation :
Increased competition and lower fares: The removal of government controls led to more airlines competing, which drove down prices. Inflation-adjusted fares fell significantly after 1978.
Growth in passengers: With lower fares, air travel became more accessible, and the total number of passengers more than doubled.
Industry consolidation: Many smaller airlines and some legacy carriers went out of business or were absorbed by larger ones, leading to a more consolidated industry.
Decline in service to small communities: Many smaller airports lost service because the government no longer mandated it, and the subsidies were phased out. This was a negative consequence for smaller communities.
Improved safety: Despite initial concerns, airline safety has improved since deregulation. The number of fatal accidents per million miles flown decreased after 1978.