The airline business, circa 2002, is all about flying smaller planes longer distances. You see it everywhere. No matter that there aren't enough bathrooms, and people are coming off these things with blood clots in their legs from cattle car seating, these guys have binged on too many planes, and bloated salaries for talented people who seem to never want to work. To compensate for their inability to control these variables, they have apparently decided self discipline comes in the form of smaller packages. Evidently, $238 roundtrip transcon fares, many sold via discounters, has nothing to do with their economic problems. As for the 757's, nearly half of those operated by USAirways are the oldest ever built. Operational problems seem to be increasing on these jalopies, and as a result of putting older engines back on them, that situation has become more pronounced. You will recall that these were going to AA if the UA sale had gone forward. Givebacks aside, the economics of a regional carrier are very tough. Even with the UA hookup, this dog will have a tough time hunting, and Delta isn't going to sit there and watch it all (not to mention the discounters), so fare pressures won't go away. There's a reason why US wants 400 RJ's. It's not a good omen for tall folks, I fear.