Every airline needs to raise airfares !

[resistance]

I ask these very simple questions to all members who support deregulation of the airlines....

Can you count the number of airlines that started and went bankrupt since 1978?

Can you count the number of start-up airlines that formed after 1978 and remain in business today?

I think the airlines had much more stability before 1978 and pilot's lives and families were much happier.

 

[ivauir]

Why do the airlines exist?

To provide pilots with careers or to provide customers with a service? Fast cheap, reliable air travel has been the result for the consumer - the genie has been let out of the bottle and there is no way the public would put up with reregulated air travel and all of its built in inefficiencies.
As has been pointed out price fixing is illegal. Furthermore, the LCC would be hurt more by hirer fares as thier customers are more price sensitive. Instead the traditional carriers need to either cut costs to compete with the LCC directly (good luck) or offer something that entices the public to pay their rates. I think AA goes along way toward this: their seats have good pitch, 30 min prior show times, and overall I like their service. (Full disclosure I am a SWA poolie)