Originally Posted by
cbn42
Customers don't care, but governments do (and should). Customers will usually buy the product that represents the best value. The national economy is not their concern. The government, however, has an obligation to make sure that treaties are being followed and that there is a level playing field in the marketplace.
The government already allowed the US airline industry to tip in favor of the mega-carriers by letting them condense and not blocking a single merger. In that respect the government already failed the consumer.. Ignoring the petty and unsubstantiated complaints of US(AA)/DL/UA regarding ME airlines is a small way of giving the consumer some form of hope. Realistically we need foreign competition in the domestic market. US airlines should have all failed long ago, but limping them along with Ch. 11 bankruptcies we've allowed somewhat decent airlines to turn into an oligopoly of overpriced garbage products and services.
Originally Posted by
cbn42
It's easy being an armchair CEO, isn't it?
I would argue that the only easier job in the world is being a real US airline CEO. It requires less knowledge and common sense, but pays a decent bit more.