Things can be done to make change, but it does require political will. I am not convinced that passengers or the public confront politically the unfairness they face on a daily basis from airlines. Although I think she is a nut, Kate Hanni did succeed in getting the rules changed about airlines holding passengers hostage, often without food, water or access to toilets. It took persistence, political engagement and lobbying every bit as effective as the airlines own lobbying efforts.
In Europe, despite screaming from airlines which predicted widespread bankrupty, unfair competition with non-EU carriers and disaster, the protections were considerably strengthened for passengers travelling on flights which originate or arrive in Europe. It can be done. Not sure what happens in Canada, but unless someone is lobbying parliament, nothing will change.
Airlines control a vital part of the infrastructure of the nation. The air traffic system in the US enjoys massive public subsidy. They are protected from competition and enjoy special ownership rights and enjoy anti-trust immunity. They have been allowed to form mega-mergers, driving a coach and horses through monopoly regulation. Their priviledges allow them to abuse passengers. It is time a new balance was struck and that with these rights there should be responsibilities. The US model is broken and it needs to be fixed. In bad years, the airlines lose huge sums of money, file bankruptcy and start over....leaving investors and employees empty handed, and customers are royally screwed. The only winners are the fat cat managers.
Wake up and smell the coffee America.
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