[airhead]

Back in the good ole days of government regulation, the price of the ticket (which was very expensive compared to today's standards) included all amenities. But the general public wanted a more diverse competitive industry so President Carter deregulated the industry with the help of many lobbyists.

In the 80s, the industry still operated under such premise of the old regulated theme. The ticket prices dropped a bit but the vast majority of Americans still could not afford to fly. Still, the airlines operated with a large profit. The few flying could appreciate open seats and free meals for the price they were paying.

In the 90s, technology advanced the reservation system and opened more doors to more markets. Competition grew but everyone still knew that the value price of the ticket included everything. Discount fares starting rolling out and many more people were attracted to flying. Many more could afford it since the economy was doing great.

2000, competiton became fierce and many airlines' profit margins began to shrink. September 11, 2001. A terrorist attack caused great losses across the board. Since airlines were making less profits, the availability to cash was reduced and many sought bankruptcy protection. Still the airlines wanted to provide something for the ticket price to entice more people to fly again.

2007, the airlines were barely regaining financial strength as record numbers of passengers were flying. tickets were really cheap at this time. But the strange weather patterns were once again exposing the weaknesses in the booking system.

2008, the price of fuel is up the roof and other economic problems plague the American people. As a result, less people are buying tickets. People are extremely price sensitive, yet the demand for flying is still greater than it was a couple of years.

The airlines respond by charging for things that were free for years to reflect the open market. Now passengers are complaining because they feel they should get the cheapest price possible price for a ticket but should still everything for free. Yet every other industry charges for add ons and since these other industries are not known for "giving stuff away" it is ok. The airlines now a have a reputation for cheating passengers but in reality it is only providing for services that are paid for just like any other company.

When GM introduced the Chevrolet, it was a bare bones model withnothing, yet is was the biggest seller. Americans seem only concerned with the cheapest price but when service is taken away, it causes a real stink. Why is that?