I have attempted to remain cautiously optimistic regarding the merger, policies will stay one step behind UA (marginally better) in the industry race to the bottom.

For the most part, Parker and Kirby have given reason for hope, with one glaring exception - the lack of an announcement to add MCE, restore IFE, seat power outlets to US metal. They have been quick to reduce Y seat pitch, number of MCE and F seats on AA metal, no excuse for the apparent foot dragging. One possible explanation: they may be waiting until the expected early 2015 consolidation of the award programs, harmonizing of elite levels, which seems like a weak excuse. Sure - current US Airbus seating configurations have very generous exit row legroom, available to AA and US elites, but that does not justify the continued delays.