Originally Posted by
cmd320
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.
True, but again irrelevant to the subsidy issue. Funny how people respond to the subsidy allegations by complaining about how bad the US carriers are. It seems like people decide which party they like better, and then believe the facts that support that side.
Originally Posted by
cmd320
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.
None of this is about consumers. Of course it's better for US consumers, in the short run at least, to have their flights subsidized by foreign governments. This is about the US industry and the jobs of US workers. If you're looking at it solely from the consumer's perspective, then of course the more subsidies, the cheaper the flights.
Originally Posted by
cmd320
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.
Wow.