All of your articles are well curated and very in-depth. I would like to give my opinion about this one, so, with my respect, here goes :
I think that this article, as well as contributing to the steemit community, is the most important to those who have less air travel experience, and those interested in air travel. I believe that your points are all very well presented, concise, and you have done a great job at covering the different issues that arise from budget airlines.
I think that one addition, from an insider of the aviation industry's point of view, would be there there is also a difference in overall general safety, and particularly in staff training and also servicing of the aeroplanes, et cetera. When it comes to profit margins and the bottom dollar, backs will will be turned, from the manufacturing of the aeroplane parts and initial training of the pilots/crew at pilot school, to aeroplane issues and servicing, staff training on handling issues, and so on. These all affect the safety and smoothness of the flight.
I just wanted to say that I feel like it would have been worth mentioning, however, that issues such as, according to your text, "physical abuse", isn't going to be very common at all. You have given an example of an event that was made popular by the media, however, this is more of an exception than the rule. In addition, I feel like your article paints a more negative image, as many factors will need to be considered when purchasing a flight, and drip-pricing may or may not be relevant. Sometimes, full service airlines are the only choice, whilst other times, budget airlines are the only choice, perhaps because of when you need to travel, or who is flying those routes, or it could be any other reason.
As someone who has flown regularly, I've found that issues with flying are often the exception rather than the rule, and although budget airlines amplify the chance of an issue, I am worried that your article might scare off some people who were thinking of flying budget, when the chances of issues is still low. However, I really do agree and respect your article in regards to the fact that those issues need to be brought up, are real, and do need to be considered.
In regards to drip-pricing, it really is an issue! Some countries have laws to prevent such.. can we call it fraud? But of course, some things are now normal and commonly known, I accept that we should pay extra for a meal and extra baggage with a budget airline, because that's just what a budget airline is, but when there are even more hidden fees, then it's not so nice. But this is something that simply necessary to check when comparing prices.. Even things like if it takes us to a different airport, is the taxi/metro etc more expensive from that airport, how much time do I lose, etc..? And that needs to be calculated in.. But if we can check these things, other than being a pain when checking, shouldn't be seen too negatively.
In some cases, the budget airlines can still provide first class or high end seeing, such as Air Asia's premium flatbed.
Also, many of the problems are also beyond the control of the airlines, and are not related to the airline at all, such as the weather, aeroplane issues (however there won't be as many with full service airlines, as the people aren't the only ones getting a better service, so are the aeroplanes), problems at the airport such as air or ground congestion, late passengers (maybe more of a problem with better airlines) or loading of cargo and so on. As far as the pricing goes, politics can play a big part, such as the cost of airspace and airport taxes, the countries' competition laws and so on..
To summarise, I think that your article is great, I just wanted to share my opinion, not to oppose but to compliment your article. I still am looking forwards to my next flight with a full service airline, as they are usually a pleasure, but I do really fly both budget and full service, it really depends on many things.
Thanks all! Narayan.