Originally Posted by
BER Flyer
In the USA it seems that the big 3 have an silent "gentlements agreement" not to attack the others home base(s). Under european conditions the lowest fares ex ATL would always be set by AA/UA/US and DL would lead the market by price ex ORD for example.
Maybe not silent agreements, but UA is copying DL at every move. If it isn't the devaluation of miles, it is PQD (MQD). And now, suddenly this limo gate-to-gate service.
Besides, with only three major carriers providing oligargic TATL service, is there really any "competition"?
The airline situation in the US reminds me a bit of the mobile phone situation. Three major carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-mobile) dominating the landscape. Result: sky high monthly payment plans, whereas in Europe the monthly fees are MUCH lower.