Flying Cheap

This episode of "Frontline" is about what they perceive are serious shortcomings with the use of so-called 'regional carriers'. In other words, to save costs, often major airlines contract with 'partners' (i.e., small independent carriers) to augment their income--and the cost savings are significant. However, the show points out that these carriers generally employ far less experienced pilots, pay their employees far less, have excessively long hours and, in a few cases, don't pay crews unless the flight is completed--pushing them to cut corners to do so. All this was spurred on by a recent crash of a plane from Colgan Air--a terrible tragedy.

This film really makes you think and does bring up many good points--and I am sure there is room to improve things. HOWEVER, regardless of the problems, one thing the show never really talks about is how incredibly safe all air travel is. It's STILL far safer than driving or about any other way to travel--though the show seems bent on scaring the viewer and seems to lack balance. To me, this makes this show far less watchable and perhaps was more agenda-driven than I might have preferred.