Originally Posted by
Free Bird
I think it appropriate to have people who actually flew during the regulated era to comment on this. Everything else is mostly speculation.
However, one thing is for sure, the vast majority of our population can now afford to fly as they could not before. The pay and quality of life for airline employees is now significantly worse. Conclusion, lots of people now fly because the airline industry (employees) subsidize the fares. With the carnage of the industry post regulation I think it's safe to say that the industry can't support the current fares either.
All the airlines continue to struggle with no end in sight.
I don't think it's out of place to have an opinion about the pros and cons of a Re-Regulated Airline Industry. It all comes down to predictions and opinions, but we come to those conclusions based on what history has shown us.
I think in an ideal world, a Regulated Airline Industry would seem like a good thing for your average pilot, but we need to focus on the reality that would most probably come out of it. I cannot honestly say that our government would create a fair and equal airline industry if it were to take control. It's the same reason people are fearful of expanding government control of our nation's largest banks and finance institutions. The laws and rules of business, though unfair at times, need to be allowed to play out.
Yes, a regulated industry would mean more job security, but that security would come at the expense of pilot jobs. The government will not allow excessive competition on many routes because the price structures would be controlled. Less competition, equals less business, which equals less jobs anyway you look at it.