Hmmmmmm. I have a hard time following your logic. After reading your post, I hopped over to Delta.com and typed in a trip ATL-LAX-ATL leaving tomorrow and returning two days later. In other words, ATL-LAX on a Wednesday, return LAX-ATL on a Friday.
Prior to AirTran that fare would have been $1400 or more. It's pricing out today (one day advance purchase, mind you) at $264 roundtrip. And, of course, now it's upgradeable.
So, I would respectfully submit that the AirTran impact on Delta remains in full effect.
And, I would point out that AirTran made $100 Million in 2003, while Delta lost around $700 Million or so (I'm going from memory on this, but I'm close).
[This message has been edited by Robert Leach (edited Jan 27, 2004).]