The deregulation of the airline industry in the 1970s was supposed to create greater competition and lower prices for consumers. You go to make a plane reservation, but there is almost no choice in airline carrier, and the fare seems unreasonably high, compared to other destinations. We all know what this means. As with all monopolies, the result is higher prices and bad service.
Realities dictate that there are a limited number of gates and landing slots at airports.
Without a slot and a gate, an airline cannot operate. Slots and gates are valuable commodities, but air carriers have tied up access with long-term contracts. As a result, there are few opportunities for low-cost competitors to enter an airport. This harms consumers first and foremost. The evidence indicates that consumers benefit the most when low-fare airlines enter a market.