Originally Posted by
cova
...I think the FAA should make a rule, that for direct flights - if the originating flight is late, then the change of aircraft flight must be held. Otherwise the airline would be heavily fined.
Agree - the airline gets value (higher position on flight listings) from a direct flight (even with equipment change) than a true connection, so in return they should have to choose between holding the second flight or paying a fine.
Is UA really running out of flight numbers? If so, then go to 5 digit flight numbers for the EX flights. No one pays attention to their flight number on EX flights anyway, until they actually need the number to check the status.