Safety has improved despite cost-cutting

Question: As airlines push for cost savings and to increase profit in every way (i.e. baggage fees, charging for drinks and seat upgrades, etc.), do you have a concern that the airline industry has or will start taking calculated risks with flight safety to increase profit?

— Submitted by reader Mike Mease, Gilbert, Ariz.

A: The airlines had to change their pricing model to meet the challenges from low-cost carriers and the Internet. The ancillary fees grew from a need to get the lowest ticket price during an Internet search, which is now the way most passengers book flights.

The accident and incident statistics show that safety has improved during the time that the fees have come into use. It does not appear that there are any calculated risks being taken. The airlines have powerful incentives to operate safely; the improving accident and incident rates show the commitment.

My experience is that the competitive pressure of modern airline operations has not adversely affected the operations, maintenance and training.

Q: Why haven’t the large domestic airlines (American, United, Delta) raised their ticket costs in exchange for “eliminating ” the cost of the first checked bag ? — Steve, Austin A: Because of the Internet, ticket pricing is very competitive. Even $1 can make a big difference in where a flight appears in a search return. The airlines have found it more advantageous to advertise the lowest possible fare but then charge fees for services.

Q: You have said that “a pricing scheme for cost by weight could theoretically be done, but I have never heard of it.” Perhaps you have; when I was a kid, the local regional airport offered “penny a pound” rides for kids to see what things looked like from the air! — Dave, Honolulu A: You are right; I have flown “penny a pound” fundraisers in my early years. I was referring to airline operations, but appreciate the reminder of a fun tradition.