We all like to complain about the annoyances and uselessness of the TSA (EDIT: and other post 9/11 security changes) or the cramped seats and extra fees that come with a standard economy ticket, but not enough attention is paid to how much safer and cheaper flying has become over the last few decades.

Or maybe allows tourists to have more disposable income to spend, not having to divert it to paying for travel?

^ this indeed.