What people are really saying about the USAir deal

[FDJ2]

GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

“I'm concerned about any additional proposals by large carriers. I don't think we need less competition. I think we need more. From the standpoint of consumers I don't think it's beneficial to see some of the largest carriers marry up.”
- Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Boston Globe, January 10, 2007

“Families have relied on Delta. It has played an important role in economic development of [the Bangor] area.”
- Maine State Sen. Joe Perry (D-32), Bangor Daily News, January 9, 2007

“You get another airline in here and that airline may not be servicing a lot of the areas that Delta now serves. So people basically would have to either go to another airport in order to fly out or virtually we'd really be stuck and scratching our heads as to how we can at least be able to compete in the worldwide market.”
- Baton Rouge Mayor-President Kip Holden, WBRZ-TV, 2 Eyewitness News, NBC Baton Rouge, January 9, 2007, 5:00 PM

“I just think if one airline is controlling 60% of all the seats out of Bangor it's either going to mean less options for travel, higher prices... I just don't think one airline with 60% of the business can serve this community.”
- Maine State Sen. Joe Perry (D-32), WLBZ2.com, January 8, 2007

“…While some members of the creditors committee may not care about our city or the cost of a merger to the consumer, public officials in Washington and Georgia have an obligation to step in if consumer choice is eliminated and there is upward pressure on prices…”

“…Expect to see the General Assembly commence hearings shortly to explore incentives to make sure Delta stands alone as an independent carrier and keeps its headquarters in Atlanta. The economy of our region and our state depends on it.”
- Republican Georgia State Rep. Mark Burkhalter, Opinion editorial: “An independent, vibrant Delta is worth state support,” The Atlanta-Journal Constitution, December 13, 2006

“If [they] merge you’re going to have immediate problems — secondary markets to Hartsfield such as Chattanooga, Augusta, Columbus and Savannah, all of which have multiple airline service to Atlanta, will go down to a single carrier.”
- Sen. Jonny Isakson (R-GA), Walker County Messenger, December 20, 2006

“I am opposed, categorically opposed, to a hostile takeover of Delta Air Lines. If this merger were to come to pass - it comes down to satisfying a group of institutional shareholders who invest in Wall Street or the families and the employees of this company who have worked so hard, I side with the families because the economics are there.”
- U.S. Rep. Geoff Davis, Cincinnati Post, December 20, 2006

“It looks and smells like a redundant merger, and generally speaking, those are anti-competitive and anti-consumer and prices go up and service goes down… We have a duty to protect Utah consumers.”
- Mark Shurtleff, Utah Attorney General, Desert Morning News, December 20, 2006

“A hostile takeover by US Airways upon Delta would not be good for the city of Cincinnati, would not be good for the state of Ohio, would not be good for the state of Kentucky and would not be good for the United States of America. Ladies and gentlemen, we must do everything within our power to oppose this hostile takeover.”
- Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory, Cincinnati Post, December 20, 2006


“Atlanta has the busiest airport in the world, and it’s one of the single-most important economic assets in Georgia…It’s vital that from our end we create interest in salvaging Delta and its jobs in Atlanta.”
- Georgia State Sen. Jeff Mullis (R-53), Senate Transportation Committee Chairman, Walker County Messenger, December 20, 2006

“If Delta doesn’t fly there, then I don’t need to go there.”
- Georgia State Sen. Jim Whitehead (R-24), Keep Delta My Delta Event in Augusta, GA, December 19, 2006


“Losing Delta would amount to a consumer tax increase in airfare.”
- Georgia State Rep. Mark Burkhalter (R-41), Associated Press, December 19, 2006

“This proposed deal is a good deal for US Airways, a bad deal for Delta, and we’re opposed to it.”
- Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), ALPA Rally, December 13, 2006

“I don’t want an airline that defaulted on $5 billion in pensions for its employees to buy an airline that fought to save theirs.”
- Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA), ALPA Rally, December 13, 2006

“While you have worked your way back, meanwhile sitting on the sidelines like a vulture in the night is US Airways. Let me tell you about them. Here is a company just coming out of bankruptcy with a merger that is problematic. They have two sets of pilots, two sets of reservations, two sets of fleets. That’s no way to run an airline. That is anti-consumer, anti-competitive and anti-American because US Airways buys their planes from a foreign country. There is no way we’re going to let this merger happen.”
- Rep. David Scott (D-GA), ALPA Rally, December 13, 2006

“We are very concerned about the potential effect that this merger could have on Delta, its presence in Salt Lake City, and also about the antitrust implications of this merger, were it in fact to go through.”
- Rocky Anderson, Salt Lake City Mayor, The Salt Lake Tribune, December 4, 2006

“A combination of carriers of this magnitude should be scrutinized in the public domain. Mergers reduce opportunity for competition and thereby increase costs to travelers.”
- Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-Minn), U.S. House Transportation Committee, Incoming Chairman, The Wall Street Journal, November 16, 2006

“The unsolicited bid from US Airways to merge with Delta causes us great concern, considering the excellent progress Delta has made in its corporate transformation, its importance to the State of Utah in terms of jobs and overall benefit to the economy, and the potential economic harm a takeover attempt might bring to Utah’s citizens, Delta employees, and Delta passengers.”
- Reps. Chris Cannon (R-UT) and Rob Bishop (R-UT), News release statement by Bishop and Cannon, November 20, 2006

“Along with many Delta/Comair employees in Kentucky and other leaders in our community, I am very concerned about the significant loss of competition and the likely impact on air fares this merger could create.”
- Rep. Geoff Davis (R-KY), Letter to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters, December 1, 2006

“We are seriously concerned that if the US Airways proposal comes to fruition, the economic harm to the economy of the State of Georgia, Georgia’s citizens, and Delta’s employees and passengers around the world would be immeasurable.”
- Reps. David Scott (D-GA), Charlie Norwood (R-GA), John Lewis (D-GA), Jack Kingston (R-GA), Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA), Phil Gingrey (R-GA), Sanford Bishop (D-GA); Georgia Members of the U.S. House of Representatives; Statement; November 17, 2006

“As Mayor of Atlanta, I strongly oppose the proposed merger. I support Delta’s stated desire to remain autonomous as it emerges from bankruptcy… Higher consumer costs would not be the only problem of such a merger. Customer service might suffer as well.”

“Atlanta and Georgia gains tremendously with Delta’s emergence from bankruptcy as a stand-alone airline serving the region, nation and the world’s travelers. Join me in supporting Delta by letting your voice be heard in the media and in Congress.”
- Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, Opinion editorial: “Delta too valuable to city for merger to fly,”The Atlanta Journal–Constitution, December 4, 2006

“Since the deregulation of airlines we have seen too many mergers. Now we have more concentration and less competition, which translates into higher prices for consumers.”

“Since Travelers in rural states are especially hard-hit with less competition and airline hubs that are dominated by major carriers. If you live in a rural state it is likely you will spend twice to three times as much to fly half as far than if you live in one of America's major cities. Additional mergers in the airline industry will exacerbate that problem, rather than correct it.”
- Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND), letter to the incoming chairman of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, December 15, 2006

 

[FDJ2]

US AIRWAYS EMPLOYEES
“We are very skeptical of the company’s ability to put together a three-way merge when they can’t even be successful with a two-way merge.”
- Tania Bziukiewicz, US Airways pilot/spokeswoman for America West pilots, East Valley/Scottsdale Tribune, December 3, 2006

“They have said ‘We want you, we need you,' but they don't demonstrate that. It's like they think, ‘We're so smart we don't need anyone's help.”
- Mike Flores, President, US Airways Unit of the Association of Flight Attendants


“Parker is very personable and very likable, but talk is cheap. We will judge him on what he does, not on what he says. We have been very disappointed by the lack of action and realistic proposals at the negotiation table.”
- Jack Stephan, Head, US Airways Pilots Union, Fulton County Daily Report, November 20, 2006

FREQUENT FLYERS, CUSTOMERS
“[T]he only people who think this is a good idea are the executives of US Airways. It seems like those folks are a lot more interested in the takeover business than the airline business. I've read several times about the poor ratings US Airways has in many areas. Taking over a company so much bigger might look good on paper, but it won't improve the airline from a customer's point of view. US Airways should get their feet solidly planted on the ground from last year's takeover before they go for a really big fish.”
- Max Cowley, Casa Grande, Ariz., Letter to the Editor, The Arizona Daily Star, January 10, 2007

“The first thing I thought about is that it’s going to be an even bigger nightmare than (America West) merging with US Airways.”
- Sam Eichner, Medical Supply Salesman from Cave Creek, Ariz., Desert Morning News, November 30, 2006

“They're not even close" to working the kinks out of the America West/US Airways merger…"There's a ton of work to do.”
- Rod Budnick, US Airways frequent flyer, The Arizona Republic, November 28, 2006

“After experiencing service on each airline, Delta is the only acceptable carrier for my family. Delta is a diamond in the rough, and has the experience to remain that way if left as an independent company.”
- Delta Frequent Flyer


“A merger of this type would not be good for the flying public because it would offer less competitive fares and poorer customer service. Delta is an airline that was brought up on values most of them mirror family values.”
- Delta Frequent Flyer

“20% of my business is due to Delta employees over the last twenty years, I support Delta and their employees, Keep Delta, Keep Atlanta.”
- Delta Frequent Flyer

EXPERTS
“[Delta] Management believes that is has a solid plan, which seems feasible to us, to be competitive as a stand-alone carrier. The plan is impressive.”
- Ray Neidl, Analyst, Calyon Securities, Salt Lake City Tribune, December 19, 2006


“If you put US Airways together with Delta, and there's no additional strength there, that's all about reducing competition…It's Wall Street wanting to make money that's driving the merger talk.”
- Michael Boyd, President, The Boyd Group, The Christian Science Monitor, December 15, 2006

“Because Delta’s main hub, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is only 240 miles from Charlotte, a US Airways-Delta merger is a particular worry for Charlotte, which has nonstop service to 123 cities – a high number for a city its size. Without the hub, the number of daily flights drops from 600 plus to about 240.”
- Jerry Orr, Charlotte Aviation Director, Charlotte Observer, November 16, 2006

"Forget the capacity canard: Everything is already full... If we take another 10 percent capacity out, that means airlines will carry fewer people and charge them more.”
- Michael Boyd, President, The Boyd Group, Christian Science Monitor, November 17, 2006

“There are many cities in the East and Southeast where Delta and US Airways are the two biggest competitors, so I believe you will see fares rise…The government approval process will worry a lot about this.”
- Robert Mittelstaedt, Dean, Arizona State University’s W.P. Cary School of Business, The Business Journal of Phoenix, November 26, 2006

“If the combined companies reduce the number of flights offered in routes where they overlap, you could see higher prices for consumers.”
- Robert W. Mann, Aviation Consultant, The New York Times, November 16, 2006

 

[FDJ2]

EXPERTS
“[Delta] Management believes that is has a solid plan, which seems feasible to us, to be competitive as a stand-alone carrier. The plan is impressive.”
- Ray Neidl, Analyst, Calyon Securities, Salt Lake City Tribune, December 19, 2006


“If you put US Airways together with Delta, and there's no additional strength there, that's all about reducing competition…It's Wall Street wanting to make money that's driving the merger talk.”
- Michael Boyd, President, The Boyd Group, The Christian Science Monitor, December 15, 2006

“Because Delta’s main hub, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is only 240 miles from Charlotte, a US Airways-Delta merger is a particular worry for Charlotte, which has nonstop service to 123 cities – a high number for a city its size. Without the hub, the number of daily flights drops from 600 plus to about 240.”
- Jerry Orr, Charlotte Aviation Director, Charlotte Observer, November 16, 2006

"Forget the capacity canard: Everything is already full... If we take another 10 percent capacity out, that means airlines will carry fewer people and charge them more.”
- Michael Boyd, President, The Boyd Group, Christian Science Monitor, November 17, 2006

“There are many cities in the East and Southeast where Delta and US Airways are the two biggest competitors, so I believe you will see fares rise…The government approval process will worry a lot about this.”
- Robert Mittelstaedt, Dean, Arizona State University’s W.P. Cary School of Business, The Business Journal of Phoenix, November 26, 2006

“If the combined companies reduce the number of flights offered in routes where they overlap, you could see higher prices for consumers.”
- Robert W. Mann, Aviation Consultant, The New York Times, November 16, 2006

COMMUNITY LEADERS
“The loss of jobs, the vacant real estate and the loss of tax revenue will be huge if US Airways is successful in its takeover bid of Delta, which is trying to work out of bankruptcy.”

“I hope this deal falls through. There are fewer and fewer major airlines now. Ticket prices will go up and choice will go down if this happens.”
- Aaron Harford, a Scottsdale-based Republican advocate, The Arizona Republic, January 1, 2007
“If Delta's service were eliminated, this takeover could result in a loss of nearly 5,000 jobs and have a $10 billion negative statewide economic impact. The Florida Chamber is committed to furthering economic growth and ensuring that we keep and create high-wage jobs in our state. Join us in supporting economic development and healthy competition in the airline industry. The Florida Chamber urges caution and diligence to ensure that more competition, more routes, more jobs and lower rates are the result of the proposal.”
- Mark Wilson, Executive Vice President, Florida Chamber of Commerce, Tallahassee Democrat, December 27, 2006
“What this is about is reducing choices and increasing prices and both of those things will be counter to what South Carolina wants to do and I would encourage you to keep Delta my Delta.”
- Howard Hunter, President of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, Keep Delta My Delta Event, Columbia, SC, December 20, 2006

“They (Delta) are such a crucial part of our economic development strategy. Whenever we can go to a country and talk to them about having a direct flight from there to Atlanta, that's an incredibly good sales tool.”
- Bert Brantley, Georgia Department of Economic Development, The Arizona Republic, December 12, 2006

“People like having a choice…We want to give our citizens the broadest possible choice in air service… A single airline would be a step in the wrong direction.”
- Cedric Johnson, Augusta Airport Commission Chairman, The Atlanta Journal–Constitution, December 10, 2006

“Monopoly airline service doesn't sound like a positive to us.”
- Scott McGregor, Vice President, Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, The Atlanta Journal–Constitution, December 10, 2006

“[A US Airways-Delta combination] clearly would be a dominant player at Logan, whereas in the past, nobody's ever really dominated. Thirty-four percent's a lot for Logan Airport, more than we've ever seen.”
- Thomas J. Kinton Jr., Executive Director, Massachusetts Port Authority, The Boston Globe, November 17, 2006

“If the merger goes through, it's very clearly going to affect passengers in Pittsburgh initially. There would be some pain because US Airways would most likely pull down flights in Pittsburgh.”
- Kent George, Top Executive, Allegheny County Airport Authority, Beaver County Times, December 12, 2006

MEDIA
“[Delta] wants to emerge from Chapter 11 Bankruptcy as a stand-alone carrier. It’s pilots want that. Its employees want that. Even some US Airways pilots have reservations about the deal. Should the merger take place (and there are lots of hurdles to surmount) it would create the nation’s largest domestic airline. What’s more, industry observers predict it would trigger a series of other mergers, mergers that could conceivably lead to fewer choices for the flying public and higher airfares.”
- Jerry Chandler, “New underwriter ups pressure on Delta to merge,” Cheapflights.com, January 9, 2007

“Likely winners: lawyers, investment bankers, airline executives. Likely losers: travelers, labor.”

“…Although West Virginia leaders can’t dictate the outcome of Delta’s bankruptcy, we hope that Delta is allowed to reorganize on its own and continue as a separate airline, to avoid a possible cutback in Mountain State service.”
- Ed Perkins, Reporter, “Air mergers,” The San Jose Mercury News, January 7, 2007

“Just before Christmas, Charleston leaders met at Yeager Airport to denounce US Airways’ takeover attempt. Merging the two into a single airline with gigantic debt probably would force the desperate operation to jack up prices and pare service. Already, US Airways has said the merger would require a 10 percent overall reduction. Opponents estimate that this would wipe out 10,000 jobs and 180 aircraft…”

“…Although West Virginia leaders can’t dictate the outcome of Delta’s bankruptcy, we hope that Delta is allowed to reorganize on its own and continue as a separate airline, to avoid a possible cutback in Mountain State service.”
- Editorial: “Air merger? West Virginia problem,” The Charleston Gazette, January 5, 2007

 

[Tejas-Jet]

I think this merger should be allowed to proceed with little or no government interference...and the pilots should merge their seniority lists by straight Date of Hire because as we all know, "Date of Hire=Unity=Date of Hire."

Plus, it would be good for me.

Tejas-Jet

 

[400ADude]

I think this merger should be allowed to proceed with little or no government interference...and the pilots should merge their seniority lists by straight Date of Hire because as we all know, "Date of Hire=Unity=Date of Hire."

Plus, it would be good for me.

Tejas-Jet

I agree!

 

[Heavy Set]

Has Gotafly read any of these? Most of the quotes are from government types that could actually sway the deal, not analysts that will make money either way.

 

[ACL65PILOT]

It has been a little to quiet this time around on Virginia Ave.

 

[Caveman]

Interesting, but the majority of those quotes were from people that live in, near or are elected officials from SLC, ATL and CVG. Not exactly an unbiased selection. While their opinions and political influence certainly count they aren't the only opinions that count. I'm sure if someone took the time to research it they could create a list of quotes from the pro-merger camp. I'm not saying the quotes listed aren't meaningful because they are, There is a lot of opposition to this deal. There is also significant support for it too. You've just presented one side.

 

[Golden Falcon]

I find it sad that America West bought that rusty crap airline, USAirways, and lost it's identity and heritage in the process....sad indeed...

 

[AA717driver]

I find it sad that America West bought that rusty crap airline, USAirways, and lost it's identity and heritage in the process....sad indeed...

Ditto!. TC

 

[FDJ2]

Interesting, but the majority of those quotes were from people that live in, near or are elected officials from SLC, ATL and CVG.

It should be of no surprise that the elected officials of regions served by DAL would be the most vocal against this merger, that would be most of the U.S., particularly if their local airport is serviced by both DAL and LCC. I can't think of too many folks on Capitol Hill who support this deal.

Regardless, this deal will come apart like a wet taco on February 1st. After all Parker said it was only good until then, but wait, Parker said he wouldn't raise his offer, but wait Parker said he wouldn't pursue this take over without DAL management's support, but wait..........

 

[Noserider76]

Interesting, but the majority of those quotes were from people that live in, near or are elected officials from SLC, ATL and CVG. Not exactly an unbiased selection. While their opinions and political influence certainly count they aren't the only opinions that count. I'm sure if someone took the time to research it they could create a list of quotes from the pro-merger camp. I'm not saying the quotes listed aren't meaningful because they are, There is a lot of opposition to this deal. There is also significant support for it too. You've just presented one side.

Nice research there FDJ2. I'm not sure about any significant support for this merger. Unless you get quotes from Parker and posse, some guys who stand to make a fortune in the financial community, and maybe an second rate AZ newspaper, I think you would have trouble finding any support. A very few people will gain a lot while many will stand to lose a lot. Parker must feel like he's in the Alamo with so many guns pointed at this thing.

 

[Caveman]

Nice research there FDJ2. I'm not sure about any significant support for this merger. Unless you get quotes from Parker and posse, some guys who stand to make a fortune in the financial community, and maybe an second rate AZ newspaper, I think you would have trouble finding any support. A very few people will gain a lot while many will stand to lose a lot. Parker must feel like he's in the Alamo with so many guns pointed at this thing.

I refer you to the other thread on this topic with quotes supporting the merger. Looks like there are plenty of people that think it's a good idea. Now we have perspectives from both sides of the argument. It seems as though anybody connected with ATL, CVG, SLC and DAL is opposed and the business community in general is in favor.

To be fair, prior to posting in this thread I had not read the other thread with the pro-merger comments. My original comment that the quotes in this thread only supported one side were made not knowing that the other point of view was presented elsewhere. Apologies to FDJ2 for that.

 

[FDJ2]

I refer you to the other thread on this topic with quotes supporting the merger.

First of all, no apologies necessary. I'm not aware of any thread with quotes that suggest this merger would be good for the traveling public or Delta employees, other than quotes by LCC management. I am aware of no elected officials from the markets that are served that have come out in favor of this merger. There is, however, a thread with a link to an LCC site that does talk up this merger.

 

[Whine Lover]

"Regardless, this deal will come apart like a wet taco"

Hmmm, I dunno....I've seen some wet taco's that could take a lot of punishment and still remain user friendly.


YKW

 

[Tejas-Jet]

I find it sad that America West bought that rusty crap airline, USAirways, and lost it's identity and heritage in the process....sad indeed...

America West didn't have the money to buy any airline....but when presented with the opportunity, they said that they would like to merge....but only if someone else arranged the financing.

That someone else was....US Airways. They went knocking on doors until they got the financial committments they needed. That was when AWA management said, they were in....

Tejas

 

[BIGGOAT]

FDJ2,

Great Post! Good Read!

Goat

 

[thebest]

When does a A senator/rep. know ANYTHING about aviation?

Requirment to be an airline captian: Flight time, of good moral character, back ground check, etc, etc, etc.....
Requirment to be an senator/rep: Age requirment and get elected!

 

[FmrFreightDog]

"Regardless, this deal will come apart like a wet taco"

Hmmm, I dunno....I've seen some wet taco's that could take a lot of punishment and still remain user friendly.


YKW

Wow! That's funny and dirty. Nice combo!

 

[General Lee]

Has Gotafly read any of these? Most of the quotes are from government types that could actually sway the deal, not analysts that will make money either way.

Nah, he doesn't want to read these, just like 400A....


Bye Bye--General Lee

 

[iflyhigh]

The only reason government officials are against any merger is because if their particular region looses any flying, they potentially will not get reelected. The politicians, at the end of the day, want to be reelected, they are not really worried about people's jobs.

Secondly, when blaming a company for giving up their pensions without a fight, aka USAirways, the government is just as much to blame for allowing this to happen. Why didn't the government work with companies to help save the pensions. Again, government only cares who is padding their cuffers for reelection and corporations and the ATA give alot of money to politicians. Plus USAirways is not the only company who dumped their pension on the government without a flight. Their a more, you won't go their.

The government is worried about competition and states are trying to attrack (AKA Florida) high paying jobs.

Since 9/11, high paying airline jobs are few and far between. Only ones making alot of money are the CEO's and upper management. Yes pilots make six figures, (Some), but the good paying mechanic job, decent FA wages and customer service agent jobs are all gone. Most of these jobs now pay 50% less and soon, after they raise minimum wage, McDonalds cashier will make more and be home every night.

Its funny how politicians have not figured it out, that if employees want raises, jet fuel costs go up and airlines what to purchase new aircraft, that fares have to go up. We can't charge forever charge $60.00 for one way ticket between the East and West coast and expect airlines to continue. It the politician in entitled to a cost of living wage, should the airline employees. Costs have gone up for them too. Its starting to get funny, when its cheaper to fly from NY to Seattle at 1980 rates, and Grey Hound has increased their prices 100%. Regardless what the government thinks, its costs more to keep the airplane running and in the air then it does a bus. (Not the Airbus)

They worry about competition.... This is a government who is considering letting foreign carriers fly within the US. True the measure is tabled for now, but for how long. Alot of foreign carriers pay less, and will only assist in bringing wages lower to the US Carriers, so they can compete. This government has already allowed cabotage in cargo via ANC. Its only a matter of time.

They talk about poor customer service....When the airlines were regulated customer service was alot better. People were happy to work for the airlines, they made decent wages and were respected. These days we have turned the airlines in Grey Hound buses. Customer Service agents are cussed at and called names. You can't blame them for losing their cool once in awhile. Crap some people should not even be allowed on an airplane.

I am not in favor any merger. It takes aways jobs. But to have politicians stand in front of me and say crap, is ridiculous. Since 9/11 the major carriers have lost more jobs, than any merger would get ridof. Where were the politicians then..........Trying to figure a way to save pension, sorry guys a few years to late.

 

[shooter]

I refer you to the other thread on this topic with quotes supporting the merger. Looks like there are plenty of people that think it's a good idea. Now we have perspectives from both sides of the argument. It seems as though anybody connected with ATL, CVG, SLC and DAL is opposed and the business community in general is in favor.

To be fair, prior to posting in this thread I had not read the other thread with the pro-merger comments. My original comment that the quotes in this thread only supported one side were made not knowing that the other point of view was presented elsewhere. Apologies to FDJ2 for that.

not true....the business community in DAL cities do not support the deal as they know the flight schedule will be reduced in their cities. Try telling the P&G reps they will now connect on their business trip rather than the direct flight they now enjoy. Or Kroger or Coca-Cola or Multi-Color or 3M or..... you get the idea. I don't know if they would even support a Northwest deal since DTW would easily dominate over CVG and now another connection.

Just local buzz from people I know who work for some of these companies.