LSAT Explanation PT 31, S3, Q7: Passenger volume in the airline industry

LSAT Question Stem

Which one of the following, if true, provides the best reason in favor of the airports' timing of their planned expansions? 

Logical Reasoning Question Type

This is a Strengthen question. 

Correct Answer

The correct answer to this question is B. 

LSAT Question Complete Explanation

Let's first analyze the argument in the passage. The passage states that passenger volume in the airline industry has declined over the past two years, leading to fewer travelers and planes using airports (premise). Airport expansion is warranted only by increases in air traffic volume (premise). It will probably take at least five years before passenger volume returns to and exceeds its previous level (premise). The conclusion is that it seems surprising that airports are going ahead with plans to expand their passenger terminal facilities now.

To help understand this argument, imagine a shopping mall that has seen a decline in customers over the past few years. The mall's management believes that expansion is only necessary when there is a significant increase in customers. However, they decide to expand the mall now, even though they don't expect customer numbers to increase for another five years. This decision might seem surprising, given the current lack of customers.

An "Evaluate" question for this argument could be: "Is there a reason why expanding the airport facilities now would be more beneficial than waiting for the increase in passenger volume?"

The question type for this problem is Strengthen, and we are asked to identify the answer choice that provides the best reason in favor of the airports' timing of their planned expansions.

a) This answer choice suggests that financing major construction projects is more difficult during economic decline. However, it does not provide a reason for why airports should expand now, rather than waiting for the increase in passenger volume.

b) This is the correct answer. It states that low passenger air travel volume allows airport expansion with relatively little inconvenience to the public. This gives a reason for airports to expand now, as it would cause less disruption to travelers than if they waited for passenger volume to increase.

c) This answer choice talks about a rise in fuel costs affecting transportation, including airline travel. However, it does not provide a reason for why airports should expand their facilities now.

d) This answer choice suggests that airlines can initially absorb the increase in passenger volume without adding new routes or planes. However, it does not provide a reason for why airports should expand their facilities now, rather than waiting for the increase in passenger volume.

e) This answer choice discusses the potential failure of many airlines and the absorption of their routes by surviving airlines. While it might seem relevant, it does not provide a reason for why airports should expand their facilities now, rather than waiting for the increase in passenger volume.

In conclusion, answer choice B is the correct answer, as it provides a reason for airports to expand their facilities now (causing less inconvenience to the public) rather than waiting for the increase in passenger volume.