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The Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 fundamentally transformed the airline industry in the United States, marking the shift from a regulated environment to one driven by market forces. This act aimed to eliminate government control over routes and pricing, which proponents argued would enhance competition and lower fares. However, the immediate aftermath saw increased exploitation, reduced service quality, and a series of monopolistic behaviors as major airlines struggled to maintain profitability amidst new, low-cost competitors. The promise of improved consumer experience through deregulation ultimately led to a more constrained market, where a few dominant airlines retained significant power over routes and pricing.