They can always go on Grabaseat for example and buy $1 fares which turn up from time-to-time. Being in the industry I get a pretty good deal, but not that good. Flying's never been cheaper, but you almost always get what you pay for. Try Jetstar, see how that one turns out.
tricha complains that if you have a family emergency, you're screwed. Welcome to the real world, should the airlines subsidise those with family problems? Hard to believe a comment like that on a capitalist website, you just have to pay the money. tricha probably thinks AIR should subsidise the provinces and main trunk pax pay more.