Re-regulation won't happen any time soon!

IMO, here's why...

Deregulation was a product of Jimmy Carter's administration. As a liberal Democrat, his party won't ever admit one of their own was wrong. They won't let any individual or group move to correct the problem.

Republicans, with an easily seen pro-corporate bias, won't move to re-regulate any industry. It goes against their party's political philosophy as well. They won't let any individual or group move to correct the problem.

Stalemate!

I don't think re-regulation is that out of the question. If the government has to keep stepping in to save airlines, both the elected officials and the tax payers will consider new ways to deal with the majors.

De-regulation was a lot more complicated than one administration. Ralph Nader and the consumerist movement brought to light the incredibly inefficient manner in which the airlines were operating. Loads were around 55% so to keep turning a profit, airline fares were quite high. Both United and American felt like they were being restricted by the anti-competitive rules. Both of the executives of those two airlines lobbied to end regulation and ended up biting of alot more than they could chew.

From a purely financial perspective, most airlines would benefit from re-regulation and most consumers would suffer from it. As with anything involving government, politics and big business the best decision is usually not the one made.

Flying in my opinion is cheaper that trying to drive half way across the country. Not to mention it saves time. As for re-regulation, why even bring it up? Our industry is better off without it, we just need to solve the problems at hand. Having a intervening third party would only prolong the inevitable.

Airlines were also loosing money during the regulated era. One of the reasons the majors wanted to be deregulated was so they could compete by adding new routes and frequency.