Originally Posted by iahphx

The vast majority of customers choosing to fly to the fairly obscure places Emirates can take them too (India isn't the world's largest travel market from the USA, and that's the most important one Emirates serves from the USA) will likely choose airlines OTHER than Emirates. I would, given my high status in the major airline alliances. And I'm sure most other travelers would find a reason, too -- like better schedules, faster travel times, better known brands, avoidance of Middle East airlines, etc.