Ep 10. Flying Cheap

In season 28, episode 10 of Frontline, titled "Flying Cheap," the show delves into the world of budget airlines and their impact on the safety of air travel. The episode explores the rise of budget airlines over the last few decades and their emphasis on cutting costs to offer lower fares to passengers. However, this has raised concerns about the potential compromises made in terms of safety.

The episode begins by examining the crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407 in 2009, which killed all 49 people on board. The investigation revealed several issues with the airline's practices, including low pay for pilots and inadequate training. The crash led to new regulations for regional airlines, but some in the industry argue that budget airlines are still able to cut corners in terms of safety.

The show then looks at the case of Allegiant Air, a budget airline that has faced scrutiny over its safety record. The airline's planes have had a high number of mechanical issues and emergency landings, leading some to question if the airline is putting profits over safety. Frontline speaks to pilots and former employees of the airline, who describe a culture of pressure to keep planes flying even when there are concerns about their condition.

The episode also examines the role of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in regulating budget airlines. Some critics argue that the FAA is too lenient towards budget airlines and does not do enough to enforce safety standards. Frontline speaks to former FAA officials and aviation experts, who express concerns about the growing influence of budget airlines and the need for stricter oversight.

Throughout the episode, Frontline offers a nuanced look at the challenges of maintaining safety in an industry that is always looking to cut costs. The show interviews pilots, air traffic controllers, regulators, and other experts to offer a comprehensive view of the issues at play. It also highlights the perspectives of passengers, who may not be aware of the potential risks when flying with a budget airline.

Overall, "Flying Cheap" is a thought-provoking exploration of the trade-offs between affordability and safety in air travel. It raises important questions about the responsibilities of airlines, regulators, and consumers when it comes to ensuring that flying remains a safe mode of transportation.