I would argue that EWR based folks have a few more options. The nice thing about the NYC area is that no one carrier monopolizes the air travel. Between the three major airports, there is a fair amount of competition.

In the end, it's changes like these that make me reconsider having a 100% travel job. The problem is that these changes directly impact the traveler, in this case the frequent travelers. Pissing off the actual travelers, the ones that are putting money in your pocket, not a good idea. Post 9/11 when traffic slumped, it was due to companies cutting costs, but a person who still wanted to travel found a way (i know i did -- many times). So the determined traveler still traveled and gave the airlines business. Now, you're pissing off the actual traveler so they are much more inclined to a) find an alternate way to get to their destination or b) just reduce travel and find alternatives such as video conferencing and such.

In the end, biting the hand that feeds you is dangerous. When UA did this change, i moved all my SAN-SFO flights to VX. Now, in the northeast I'll take Amtrak... In the end, one way or another, while cutting this "cost" CO is also going to cut revenue through this change.

So, who's going to start up saveonepass.com?