Airhead..
As I have said before, the market is not functioning properly and is distorted. The airlines have colluded to develop large fortress hubs which are effectively local monopolies. When monopolies develop, markets don't work. This is why they are regulated all over the world. However, in the US, the dependence of legislators on huge funds to get elected has resulted in a system in which large industries can buy a "free pass". A similar problem has arisen in the health care system. Only consumer pressure will change this.
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The problem is the comprehension of what exactly is the consumer buying. A safe trip from point A to B? Or a safe and comfortable trip from point A to B?
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If the airlines go out of their way to slice up the fare into many different components, then they create the perception that the customer has "purchased" that service. For example, if I pay for my luggage separately, then you create the expectation that it will be done competently and in a timely manner. This is a consequence of the strategy adopted by airlines to charge separately for each service.
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I am sure the number of passengers that don't complain greatly out number the ones who do but how many want to complain but feel their voice makes no difference? What is it about air travel that so many still buy tickets even though so many things don't go as desired?
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They have no choice.. and the consumers and airlines know this. The only solution is political. This industry has to be re-regulated.
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Take this forum for example, so many post regularly including myself all dedicated to airline complaints. Why is that? Is to improve the industry? To vent? Or inform?
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From my perspective it is to vent.. and perhaps spur people on to take political action. There is no value in "informing" the airlines.. they know perfectly well what they are doing. They pay millions to protect their rights to hold passengers hostage on planes for up to 11 hours for example. It is naive to think they don't get it.
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One final question, how has the market allowed for such complexity of an industry that has the basic job to provide safe air transportation from point A to B?
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Because the "market" is not operating.. these are complex monopolies, sustained by bribing legislators.