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