Originally Posted by
smxflyer
Likely because the barrier to re-entry is too high. They would need to buy slots again, re-allocate fleet, crew base, terminal space, etc. Don't be surprised if UA if back at JFK at some point.
This is exactly the point. They sold the slots too cheap (at least in cash terms - you could argue that the real value was to be connected with tieing up EWR) and the price has gone up since then. However asset prices go up and go down - my guess is that they will wait for a dip in prices (someone else pulling out, perhaps) and buy in again.