Mike,
Only just read your post, so I want to catch one thought.
Don't we, and the airlines, and the pax, all of us, pay taxes to pay for an organisation (be it DGAC, FAA...) that makes sure that we (the SLF) CAN "assume flights operate under a set of guidelines that are there for their safety." ???
If a flight is really "LoCo", OK...
- I'll accept limitations on carry-on.
- I'll put up with the long walk to the only skybridge they can afford, or even just walk through the rain to board on the tarmac (ditto on arrival, been there, done that),
- I'll put up with limited leg-room.
- I'll pay for the beer and peanuts.
- I'll have a laugh at the CC selling scratch cards...
It all helps to get me, as an SLF, a cheap ticket.
BUT, I still expect my "LoCo" to be operated under certain rules... be it flight operations, maintenance, flight crew qualifications, or cabin crew safety training.
They are not just a matter of the "bean-counters".... they are supposed to be supervised by the 'authorities'.
Once that supervision goes......