I don't think most carriers, at least the regional ones, consistently made a profit. Northeast rarely made a profit. The regionals (Southern, Allegheny, etc.) were heavily subsidized so any profit they made was not a real profit. I believe 100% in free market economics. If an airline (or any company) cannot survive without marketplace competition, then it should not survive. Flying today is much safer than it was during the regulated error mainly due to the aircraft themselves. With high tech, the aircraft just about tell the mechanics what is wrong with them. No, going back to a economically regulated industry would not be a very bad mistake. You would not have any of the low cost carriers such as Southwest or JetBlue. David R > damiross2@xxxxxxxxx writes: > > > had nothing to do with being the safest > > In those days most carriers made a profit and didnt have to scimp/cut > maintainance like the do today-I think the system then in place made for > better maintained acft and safer flying. > Dennis