USA Today published an op-ed found HERE on the honesty of code shares that exist between major airlines and their regional partners.   Noting the safety issues that appear to exist in the regional airline industry, they call it a problem for truth in labeling.  Is it?

 

The truth is that the issues that the public has been focused on for the past several months with respect to regional airlines does and does not exist.  It depends entirely on the regional airline and the relationship it enjoys with its partners.

 

Certainly there exists an issue with fatigue and experience among airlines.  However, those problems don’t exist simply because regional airlines exist.   Even if regional airlines didn’t exist or if they were operated directly by major airlines, those problems would still exist.  The problem of fatigue exists because of the existing system of rules governing rest for pilots.  Even pilots working for major airlines are enduring more fatigue as a result of work rules.  

 

Experience does count but the perceived problem of experience is a greater problem because we put brand new pilots into situations that require them to fly schedules in and out of busy airline hubs as much as 5 times in a duty shift.   A new pilot is potentially flying more hours and flying in and out of busier hubs more often than an experienced pilot working for a major airline.   That will only be solved when we require more experience to become a captain. 

 

Unfortunately, pilots (and cabin crew) are tied to a legacy seniority system that they are unwilling to give up.  Pilots get upgraded to larger aircraft and into the position of captain on the basis of seniority rather than experience or merit.  

 

For more information on pilots, fatigue and the reason for regional airlines, read these posts HERE, HERE. HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE.

 

Airlines use regional airlines differently and according to the agreements they have with their own unions as well as according to their needs for service in various areas.  Some airlines own their own regional airlines such as American Airlines who owns American Eagle and Delta/Northwest who owns regional airlines such as Comair, Mesaba and Compass.  Other airlines such as United or US Airways contract with independent companies more often. 

 

Now, I think *any* regional airline operating in the United States is operating to a fairly high degree of safety.  We have too many laws and regulations in place for any to slip too far down the ladder.  However, I do think that independent regional airlines operate with a bit more aggressiveness towards both their operations as well as their personnel.  I would point to the independents as having a bit more opportunity to fail in safety than those owned by the major airlines. 

 

In fact, I would regard our regional airlines as generally being more safe than the major were in the early 1980’s. 

 

To call code shares deceptive is a stretch in my opinion.  Airlines and travel websites do a pretty good job of revealing both the type of aircraft being used as well as the fact that regional flights are being operated by regional airlines in partnership with the major airlines.   A quick check on AA.com, Delta.com, Travelocity.com and Orbitz.com shows that to be true. 

 

If a problem exists, it really exists with the consumer who is either ignorant or unwilling to be an informed purchaser of the services being offered.  If the consumer is neither ignorant nor uninformed, then they may also be a bit selfish and lazy by choosing not to act in their own best interests when purchasing a flight.  

 

You really do invite trouble into your life when you purchase your travel based almost exclusively on price.  If you could pay $20 more to travel through a hub that is less congested or prone to trouble, wouldn’t that be a small price to pay?  If you could pay $20 more to travel on regional airline owned and operated by a major airline, wouldn’t that be a small price to pay? 

 

When you become a slave to one airline through frequent flier miles or the idea that a non-stop flight is always best, you put yourself at risk.   Consider whether or not it is better to fly on American Eagle from DFW to Milwaukee non-stop or if it might perhaps be better to do it via Southwest Airlines making one connection and only on a 737.   The American Eagle flight will be a cramped regional jet that is prone to being weight restricted operated by an airline that doesn’t exactly have a sterling record for caring for your baggage.  The Southwest flight will be flown by the most experienced pilots available in the US using a 737 and your baggage will be handled by people who have an excellent record and who care about their customers.  That Southwest flight might take add an extra 45 minutes to your trip and may even cost $20 more but your assurance of a positive experiences goes way up.

 

Sometimes taking the longer view when planning your travel is best.  Particularly when you plan your leisure travel. 

 

If safety is a concern, become an informed consumer.  Don’t become prejudiced on the basis of what kind of airplane you’re getting onto.  Become interested in what kind of airline is operating that aircraft.  There are fantastic regional airlines with fantastic safety records and there are major airlines who are marginal at best with merely OK safety records.   Be proactive and enjoy a better travel experience.

Filed under: Airline Service by ajax