Presumably the consequence of regulators making canceling and delaying flights expensive is that airlines pay more to reduce the likelihood of that happening and fares go up as a result.

Whether that's good or bad is a matter of perspective I guess. Regulators could implement a lot of rules that would make flying more pleasant. But prices would go up.

Yes, you can choose a more expensive airline but let’s not pretend Delta, United etc don’t also have huge delays and failures from time to time. Up until now Southwest’s reputation really hasn’t been bad, they’re no Frontier. No matter, there should be avenues for compensation.

https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/at...

Southwest did lose 10% of its market value overnight, so it seems the market is punishing them. Given how much executive compensation is in stock, a lot of senior level folks at Southwest are likely feeling some pain (or, least, as much pain as any very rich person ever feels).

> Instead what people do is find the lowest fare possible, all other considerations be damned.

That's an over-simplification. Yes, passengers are very price sensitive. But whenever I talk to friends and family about travel, it's become increasingly clear that they factor predicted quality of service in to their choice.

I don't fly United and try to avoid American. I'm certain that many many people will hesitate to fly on Southwest after this. People aren't stupid and no one wants to roll the dice on an entire vacation just to save twenty bucks.

A couple of VW execs went to prison and it cost the company 30 billion, that feels like getting hit hard enough by governments. What more do you want?

I can only hope the car I replaced it with also cheated on the emissions, because I'd love to sell it back for more than it's worth, too.