A Bombardier Dash-8 Q400 is shown on it's acceptance flight at Pearson International Airport, Toronto, Ontario on June 10, 2008. A commuter aircraft similar to the one shown crashed into a home and exploded in Clarence Center, N.Y., Thursday night Feb. 12, 2009. Authorites say 49 people are dead after a commuter plane crashed into the home in suburban Buffalo and erupted in flames late Thursday. State police say all 48 people aboard the Continental Connection Flight 3407 are dead. Clarence Center emergency control director Dave Bissonet says the crash also killed one person on the ground. (AP Photo/THE CANADIAN PRESS - Andrew H. Cline)

Flying Cheap

February 9, November 29, and August 21, 2012 / 56m

Season 2010: Episode 10

Produced by:
Rick Young
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One year after the deadly airline crash of Continental 3407 in Buffalo, NY, FRONTLINE investigates the accident and discovers a dramatically changed airline industry, where regional carriers now account for half of the nation’s daily departures. The rise of the regionals and arrival of low-cost carriers have been a huge boon to consumers, and the industry insists that the skies remain safe. But many insiders are worried that now, 30 years after airline deregulation, the aviation system is being stretched beyond its capacity to deliver service that is both cheap and safe. [Explore more stories on the original website for Flying Cheap.]