Question

The federal government recently considered a proposal that all babies flying on domestic airliners be required to be seated in an infant seat occupying an airline seat. At present airlines allow infants to share a seat with a parent, by sitting on the parent’s lap, where they are more vulnerable to an aircraft crash than in an infant seat. Economists argued that the new law would result in more deaths of babies, not less. Briefly outline how an economist might arrive at that conclusion. First explain what happens in the transportation market by applying the federal government proposal. What economic concepts and parameters would be relevant?

Answer 1

The babies have equal opportunity for safety while traveling on an airplane. The Federal government has made a new law to make babies seat on the infant seat rather than seating on the lap of their parents as they will be vulnerable to any kind of mishappening. There is a very minimum chance that the car seat is referred to as the infant seat to save the baby from any kind of severe mishappening. The infant seat can save at the time of turbulence or some time a heavy landing and at this the infant seat is more secure that babies seating at the parent's lap. If this federal government proposal is taken then the airlines would result in losses as the children who are up to two years of age don't have to pay any kind of charge. Also, the children who age between 2 years to 11 years are given a discount on the airfare. This is one of the economic concerns regarding a separate seat for infants. The seats will be occupied without any extra fare and this is not in the favor of the airlines. This is the economic concepts which are associated with giving the seat to infants.