U.S. government, two airlines say open to settling merger fight

[CX880]

The DOJ apparently is unaware of the effect of internet ticket distribution has had on competitiveness in the airline industry. Airline seats are commodities, like milk. The DOJ is making all this noise so that the traveling public can still choose the color of the cap on the top of the milk jug. They do nothing about the cheesy lumps that come out when you pour.

Yea they're making all this noise so the public isn't stuck with the sour milk known as American

 

[jetflier]

I don't have a dog in this fight, but IMHO this has something to do with DCA slots. And somewhere there is an airline with strong Washington ties that is pulling some strings to get what it wants.

 

[Flopgut]

I don't have a dog in this fight, but IMHO this has something to do with DCA slots. And somewhere there is an airline with strong Washington ties that is pulling some strings to get what it wants.

I think you're right. DOJ is hoping the AA/US figure out which airline it wants to see benefit before they actually have to go to a courtroom.

 

[j-3]

somewhere there is an airline with strong Washington ties that is pulling some strings to get what it wants.

It must be Southwest, they can have the slots in DC and offer lower cost tickets to the public ;-)

SW have strong ties everywhere.

Plus, they might even get the Phoenix operation as a bonus

 

[drinksonme]

^^^^^I am curious why people assume that PHX is on the chopping block? I get that it is not the greatest idea to launch Asia/Europe flights from, but what else. Is US Airways going to close PHX if the merger goes through and not replace the flying? The way I see it, LAX is maxed out for flying as it is. So are they going to use DFW....another city could not support the total flying lost with a PHX closing. I can see a draw down, but shut down. They will cut routes that compete but are not profitable. So if PHX to wherever is better than LAX to wherever, why cut the PHX. Ever been to PHX at 900pm. It is like ORD. Tons of flights, tons of PAX. LAX can not fully support the West Coast and Mexico flying Phoenix does. Neither can DFW. So why do a lot of people think PHX is the most likely to get axed. Last I checked, US Airways competes well against SWA there. So you would not want a SWA "monopoly" there right.....just would like to know why people think PHX is so useless to the newAA.

 

[Metrojet]

It must be Southwest, they can have the slots in DC and offer lower cost tickets to the public ;-)

SW have strong ties everywhere.

Plus, they might even get the Phoenix operation as a bonus

So we are on final in BOS to runway 27 with a nice stabilized approached and the tower tells Southwest that they are showing 60 knots faster than us - so they ask US for minimal time on runway after landing - they don't tell Southwest to slow or s turn!

What a joke - and u say they might be the ones trying to block the merger

Metrojet

 

[ALGFLYR]

So we are on final in BOS to runway 27 with a nice stabilized approached and the tower tells Southwest that they are showing 60 knots faster than us - so they ask US for minimal time on runway after landing - they don't tell Southwest to slow or s turn!

What a joke - and u say they might be the ones trying to block the merger

Metrojet

So did they have to go around??

 

[SWA Bubba]

It must be Southwest, they can have the slots in DC and offer lower cost tickets to the public ;-)

SW have strong ties everywhere.

Plus, they might even get the Phoenix operation as a bonus

Don't tell Flopgut this; he might blow a gasket!

(Jes' kidding')

Bubba

 

[SWA Bubba]

So we are on final in BOS to runway 27 with a nice stabilized approached and the tower tells Southwest that they are showing 60 knots faster than us - so they ask US for minimal time on runway after landing - they don't tell Southwest to slow or s turn!

Good point, 'cause no other airline has ever been asked for minimal time on the runway for a guy spaced close behind them. I guess you assume that SWA pilots somehow don't know how far the guy ahead of them is, and want to be sent around?

So.... Did you dawdle and make them go around out of spite?

What a joke - and u say they might be the ones trying to block the merger

Metrojet

That's right-- Gary Kelly is in charge of the DOJ and all those states' Atty General offices now. Didn't you hear?

Bubba

 

[Metrojet]

Good point, 'cause no other airline has ever been asked for minimal time on the runway for a guy spaced close behind them. I guess you assume that SWA pilots somehow don't know how far the guy ahead of them is, and want to be sent around?

So.... Did you dawdle and make them go around out of spite?



That's right-- Gary Kelly is in charge of the DOJ and all those states' Atty General offices now. Didn't you hear?

Bubba

O k Bubba

We tried to make first turn off to help out - and they landed.

I was just really being light hearted on my post - and be honest - you know u guys get favors all over the system - except Philly - that's why you guys reduced flights there right? ??

And Gary Kelly is in charger of DOJ now you say? Maybe we can give u guys some international slots for the merger approval also then??

Metrojet

 

[SWA Bubba]

And Gary Kelly is in charger of DOJ now you say? Maybe we can give u guys some international slots for the merger approval also then??

Metrojet

Really?! That would be great! Tell your bosses thanks for me. Let's see... DCA slots, international... What else... Hey, how about throwing in some Philly cheesesteak, paying off my bar tab, and sending over any good-looking young Flight Attendants you may have left. You do that, and I'll call Gary and have him call of the dogs. Deal?

Bubba

 

[pave driver]

Leaked info - DOJ and US will settle next month. Will post more when received.

 

[xanderman]

Leaked info - DOJ and US will settle next month. Will post more when received.

I'd like to believe that, but next month? Why? Seems to me that's plenty of time for the settlement to tank...

 

[PGTB]

Leaked info - DOJ and US will settle next month. Will post more when received.

Heard from an FA? Or a senior jumpseater?

 

[pave driver]

Heard from an FA? Or a senior jumpseater?

None of the above my mensa colleague.