CONSUMER VIEWS OF THE NEED FOR GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IN THE AIRLINEMARKET

Throughout the 1980s, policymakers debated the merits of continuing de regulation of the commercial airline industry. In this exploratory stu dy, public opinion regarding the need for renewed government intervent ion is analyzed. Particular attention is given to the roles that respo ndent characteristics and local airline market conditions play. Opinio ns about industry performance and the need for government intervention are related to local market conditions and to perceptions of trends i n airline safety. Findings indicate the majority of consumers favor ne ither government intervention in the setting of air fares nor in deter mining routes.