Originally Posted by UAL Mechanic

The true price of an airline seat has been very low for a long time. Since deregulation the compition has forced airlines to keep prices down. Some sell seats at less than it costs to fly them from one point to another. This is why there has been so many airline bankrupcies and shut downs. Well poor management has really been a big part of it. I think there is a growing movment towards re-regulation but I don't think it will ever happen.

It seems the airlines hate their emplyees almost as much as they hate their passengers. I lost my pension and have taken 3 pay cuts over the last 10 years. Now with the mergers the only thing the execs seem to think about, and their huge bonuses, little attention is paid to just what you are getting for your flying dollar.

The plane you are getting on has been overhauled over seas in South America, Korea or China, by 400 unlicenced workers over seen by one certified mechanic. They do not drug test or do back round checks on their employees and if the FAA wants to inspect their facility they need to get permission from the country and give the company 6 months notice. How safe do you feel now?

The system has lots of safety built in but safety is like traction on road. You are driving along on a dry day and you are doing great. It starts to rain but your car acts just the same even though your traction has been reduced. When someone swerves in front of you and you try to a void a crash you have gone beyond the limits of the traction and your in a skid. You did not know that you conditions changed until it was too late.

The good news is that there are many dedicated mechanics, flight crews and even executives that keepthings working. I love aviation and I am a 3rd generation Airline worker. The wonder of flight and travel has been a great joy to me.