Originally Posted by FLYaway3x

While the US government would gladly let one or two airlines disappear from existence (Southwest, Jet blue, USAir even). It not going to let one of its "flag" carriers - UA and AA fold overnight (or at least not without extensive leniency and toleration of their mismanagement). They are too important to American interests. They are both members if the two largest alliances, they fly to the most international destinations, they serve too much domestic travel. That being said, does a member of the DOT or FAA sit on the airlines Board of Directors? No. Absolutely not. But how tolerant was the US of UA in bankruptcy? How many did USAir get before anyone really cared about trying to turn it around? Airlines are terribly mismanaged here, but we won't let them fold without a fight; they serve "vital national interests." Would the British government let Virgin fold? You bet. BA? No way in hell. Would the Italians let Alitalia fold (even though they should!)? Nope.