Question

Deregulation, like all changes in government policy, always has pluses and minuses. What do you think some of the minuses might be for airline deregulation?

Short answer

Some of the minuses of airline deregulation might include the creation of market monopolies, decrease in service quality, safety concerns, and job losses. Market monopolies can lead to fewer choices for consumers and higher prices, while decreased service quality can result in diminished passenger experience. Safety concerns arise from airlines potentially cutting corners on safety measures to reduce costs, and deregulation might also lead to job losses as airlines cut staff or outsource jobs.

Step-by-step solution

Understand deregulation

Deregulation refers to the process of reducing government control or intervention in certain industries, allowing for increased competition and market-driven advancements. In the context of the airline industry, deregulation typically results in the lifting of restrictions on route monopolies, fare controls, and market entry.

Market monopolies

One potential downside of airline deregulation might be the creation of market monopolies. When there are fewer restrictions on routes and price controls, larger airlines with more capital might dominate certain routes, driving out smaller competitors. This can result in fewer choices for consumers and higher prices due to reduced competition.

Decrease in service quality

Another negative aspect of airline deregulation could be a decrease in service quality. In an effort to lower operational costs and compete with lower-cost carriers, airlines might cut back on various services such as in-flight meals, baggage allowances, and legroom. This reduction in service quality can lead to decreased passenger experience and satisfaction.

Safety concerns

A further potential downside of airline deregulation is safety concerns. With less government oversight, airlines might be tempted to cut corners on safety measures to reduce costs further. This could result in an increased risk of accidents and incidents, ultimately putting passengers' safety at risk.

Job losses

Lastly, airline deregulation might lead to job losses within the industry. In their efforts to remain competitive, airlines may reduce staffing levels or outsource jobs to countries with lower labor costs. This could result in significant job losses for workers in the industry, leading to negative social and economic impacts. In conclusion, while deregulation can certainly bring benefits to the airline industry, such as increased competition and lower prices, it also has its downsides. These may include market monopolies, decreased service quality, safety concerns, and job losses. It is important to consider these potential negative consequences when evaluating the overall impact of deregulation.