Why Flying Sucks Now
Southwest just swapped its most customer-friendly policies for more fees and charges, But it’s not just Southwest. Flying on any airline has gotten worse as a result of deregulation. And options are limited — today just four airlines control 80 percent of the market. Trump’s Transportation Secretary says travelers should just “dress up” and “be in a good mood” if they want a better experience. There’s a better, more radical solution that could help: nationalizing the airlines.
Producer: Sanya Dosani
Video Editor: Marielena Planas
Motion Designers: Gerald Lane, Marielena Planas
Videographer: Jack Belisle
Video Production Manager: Isabel Atalaya
Video Production Coordinator: Jodi Clemens
Video Editing Fellow: Daria Nastasia
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@Raisenbread
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
Wish they brought back smoking
@zichenglong6992
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
Is it just me or is this just how every companies make a profit nowadays, by being a bank? Starbucks also has their point system that essentially turn them into a bank…
We are being rule by the financial sector, aren't we…
@jzplayinggame
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
come on guys flying is 1) safer than ever, 2) cheaper than ever (adjusted for inflation), 3) more efficient than ever (TSA has laid off post 2001)
@rickycarandang665
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
But nationalization is the biggest sin in the Darwinian profit-above-all ethos of American oligarchy.
The rulers will never allow it.
@Pepeelsueltomd
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
Deregulation making everything worse for the consumer? Who would’ve thought?
@mrcoconut7568
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
I was with her until she said nationalizing airlines would mean airlines are accountable to us… As if any nationalized anything has been accountable to us lol. Military, TSA, USPS, none of these things feel accountable "to us", why would airlines be different.
@jar1345
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
Interesting video. I tend to disagree, but the area that I think needs the most change is the airport control slots. That more than anything blocks out competition and is the furthest thing from a free market. I also think airlines need to stop being bailed out. If delta hadn’t been bailed out the planes wouldn’t have disappeared, they would have been sold at a discount in bankruptcy allowing other smaller companies to buy them and fill the void. Those two things more than anything have led to consolidation, not deregulation.
@lllSASlll
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
I used to believe in trains too…but then I realized anything in America is doomed to this same fate. If they ever did make them (which they wont) it would be the same situation as this.
@robertmoar8588
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
The GF had a business trip to Victoria, BC. Went with her to visit an old friend. My sister is a 25 yr employee of an airline. So I paid $60 return. Both flights where absolutely miserable. My 12th flight. Never again. If I can't drive there, I'm not going.
@richning
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
What an idiot stupid idea! When has nationalizing anything ever worked? When has the government Ever, even once, been able to offer decent service for less than the free market? Such ignorance!
@Freetaxman
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
Nationalized airline? With this government? I’d trust a regional airline like say Northeast Airlines, or PNW Airlines.
Also we need more trains.
@Freetaxman
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
That’s a crazy difference. Bank gets the mile for 1¢ and values it at $1.
@thepvpchannel-oq7nq
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
Every day people is getting closer to the realization that PRIVATAZATION OF THE STRATIGYC ECONOMIC SECTORS IN A NATION ITSA A HUGE MISTAKE
ONE DAY YOU ALL WAKE UP AND UNDERSTAND
The free entreprise system its a mask to USURP THE FEDERAL GOVERMENT.
but we are getting close………..
@mikalpatric6703
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
18:12 – "Regulations would have offered lower fairs than the free market"
Isn't the free market more like the Hunger Games for companies, the winner becomes a monopoly and makes the life of everyone worse for company profit ?
@noire.5573
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
Worst part too, this is only unique to North American airlines. I've flown in Asia and Europe and none of these issues seemed to occur: tickets were relatively inexpensive, and we always got free food (even if it was a domestic flight).
@quinlanradcliff7924
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
Not to mention airlines handicapping a cities economy when they abandon a hub. Think St Louis/ Pittsburgh/ Memphis/ Cincinnati all of which have lost many businesses due to the lack of global connection
@murphygay7606
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
time to return to TRAINS!!!
@evandwright
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
Corporate greed. The same reason everything sucks now
@40Kfrog
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
0:30 Wait, wait, wait. Who the hell thinks open seating is a good thing? I don't want to have to push and shove to get an aisle seat. Of course, I don't fly economy anymore either which has really sucked money-wise. We've started taking cruises instead of flying to get to places because a suite for two with a balcony is cheaper than a single business class plane ticket.
@hellogoodbye4728
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
The problem with nationalizing is the “company” wouldn’t be profitable. The post office for example costs $10B per year, so I don’t think it would be “better” as you say.
@carmabis432
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
Frontier or bust, ill never pay more than $150 for a ticket and bag.
I think the last time I used them it was around $70. I haven't even flown in years, would rather drive my car and pay gas.
@C3Think
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
I don't like how modern airlines are ran. I also don't want the airlines to be ran like USPS lmao
@AJ-ev3hj
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
…when it's my turn to be an adult
@JW-ud7us
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
lol – nationalize the airlines = government ownership. Can you imagine the government owning the airlines? Sure, the present owner sucks, the government is about the only way to make it worse
@ericmedlock
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
"now" like it's a recent thing…😂😂😂😂
@SerLaama
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
damn girl
@gyurmarajzfilm
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
It cost zillions a year to pay people to scan hand luggage and confiscate your yoghurt. That money comes from either commercial sale at the airport, or landing fees that airlines consequently pass on to you, the traveller. Jokes aside, airports have to comply with just about a thousand regulations in order to operate. That costs a LOT -> your flight ticket and anything you buy at the airport will cost a lot.
@bryguy15
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
I'm all for regulation, except I'm 100% against Trump Airlines being a thing.
@draco9746
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
when i tell you capitalism literally sucks. sucks everybody’s bank accounts, people’s fun, and even SAFETY and RELIABILITY. Its private equity and shareholders being so greedy, they will take any shortcut … yes your own safety, just to make enough money to NOT fly the airline they invest in, and take a private jet of their own. Literally why do we support capitalism and these people?!?
@davidagainstgoliath2969
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
If your argument is that deregulation caused air travel less comfortable, you are sadly mistaken. Sad, I thought this video would really explain things.
@Sandybestdog
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
With you guys it’s always big businesses fault and the solution is for the government to control everything. That literally never works. Amtrak has no competition, is often more expensive and slower than flying and still manages to lose money. This utopian world you dream of doesn’t exist.
@dawnslight98
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
I love paying more than ever for an increasingly terrible experience. For everything.
@captainviluce
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
As with all industries deregulate and stop the bailouts. National airlines all over the world are a burden on the taxpayers, more prone to accidents and are more expensive on their than subsidized routes. This is an industry I know from within and if this is a reflection of the rest of your investigative work it leaves a lot to be desired and throws your credibility on the floor.
@MiguelGarcia-px8he
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
It reminded me of the concept of natural monopolies. And indeed it is a hybrid system as many factors act as natural monopolies in air travel: the airport, the airspace, and serving remote routes. When there are no good, affordable options to choose from, everyone suffers. Sounds like living in a poor communist country, ironic.
@kierannelson2581
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
Nationalising will either increase costs, substantially increase subsidies or not provide any of the benefits you claim. We are in the situation we are in because people, without fail, will en mass, choose price over comfort. Otherwise no-one would choose low cost airlines and no-one would choose economy. They would always choose premium economy or business/first. You said it yourself earlier on. A first class domestic fare in the USA is cheaper than an coach seat in the glory days of regulation.
@WolfLivin
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
Asè
@rustyshackleford4117
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
Can we please bring back the knee high boots and gogo pants? I think it's aged incredibly well.
@brianvernaglia9449
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
Solution: Pay pre-deregulation rates to fly in first class.
@fahadkelantan
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
90% of this video is stupid. You don't follow economic laws of demand and supply. The only real problem was the goverment allowed the mergers of the companies. In an open market, the rest of the issues wouldn't happen.
@namanbhandari3636
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
Was with you until the nationalizing part at the end. It would be an incredibly expensive endeavor as a national airline would have no incentive to be efficient. It would be a huge jobs program paid for by taxpayers with terrible quality. Think of your average experience with the IRS, DMV, or Post Office.
@HorridBeing
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
Wasn’t People’s Express the first nationwide service?
@theeuda
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
TL:DR Reganomics and deregulation from the mega wealthy took away our toys and we continue to vote assholes into office to take more of our freedom and nice things away.
@InsightThoughtSystems
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
Well done piece. Thanks.
@yourmommashouse
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
WHY DONT YOU ALLOW YOUR VIDEOS TO BE ADDED TO THE WATCH LATER PLAYLIST ?????
@mankle30
February 11, 2026 at 4:56 am
I can't understand how you can suggest nationalizing the airline industry? I'm sure it would be better for the consumer if it was run by a responsible, socially conscious oversight board. But as a non-American, I can't believe how much faith you have in the US government to regulate any industry. Even the previous government cowtowed to industry and let them do whatever they wanted. It's only gotten worse. I have no trust in any industry or government anymore to do what's in the best interest of the consumer.
Comments are closed.