Federal policy and the traveler

Chapter 2 warns the travel journalist of the cost of traveling. In addition to price the travel journalist should be concerned with United States Federal policy. According to Adie Tomer and Robert Puentes from Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program,

federal regulations restrict competition and complicate travel in and out of the country. Even with major deregulation in 1978, the United States still prohibits international airlines from operating domestic routes. With domestic airlines consolidating routes and leaving many communities with fewer direct flights, does it make sense to restrict carrier options for these communities?

These are some of the major federal policies that affect travelers. Policies eventually trickle down and affect pricing. The frugal travel journalist should also beware of the laws and regulations that dictate where they are allowed to travel.