AAG announces changes at DCA and LGA

[WorldTraveler]

as much as you would like to think we live in a 3rd world country where the gov't can make up rules on the fly, the US is a country based on the rule of law.

The DOJ said that preference in the slot divestitures would be given to LCCs, specifically B6 and WN, over DL and UA.

There has to be some legal basis for the DOJ to make that statement and there is no legal basis.

Ironic that some here don't have the foresight to realize that the rules of a banana republic can just as easily come back and bite you as it can someone else once you allow the rule of law to be thrown out the window.

DL saw the legal flaws in what the DOJ said on the day the DOJ's ruling was announced and I am certain they have been pushing behind the scenes to ensure that a legally defensible solution to the slot divestiture is executed.

The issue is far more about the rule of law than who gets what for slots.

 

[MetalMover]

as much as you would like to think we live in a 3rd world country where the gov't can make up rules on the fly, the US is a country based on the rule of law.

The DOJ said that preference in the slot divestitures would be given to LCCs, specifically B6 and WN, over DL and UA.

There has to be some legal basis for the DOJ to make that statement and there is no legal basis.

Ironic that some here don't have the foresight to realize that the rules of a banana republic can just as easily come back and bite you as it can someone else once you allow the rule of law to be thrown out the window.

DL saw the legal flaws in what the DOJ said on the day the DOJ's ruling was announced and I am certain they have been pushing behind the scenes to ensure that a legally defensible solution to the slot divestiture is executed.

This is not your father's DOJ anymore!

 

[WorldTraveler]

this is MY US of A that was built on the rule of law and it equally belongs to all who recognize the value of what has made us strong.

There are riots and protests in countries around the world today because the gov't is free to do what it wants irrespective of the legality or impact on people. We don't want that here.

 

[700UW]

Like I stated, show us the laws that prevent the DOJ from doing what they are doing?
 
Where is the lawsuit you said DL was going to file?
 
Last time I checked someone who worked in revenue management is not an anti-trust lawyer.
 
DOJ has the authority, has exercised it in the past and will again, they do it in all industries, not just the airlines.
 
The DOJ made InBev limit their market share in their purchase of Modesto.
 
Glad to see you know all the inner workings of a company that you dont even work for nor have access to their confidential dealings.

 

[WorldTraveler]

the issue is not divestiture. The issue is dictating who can and cannot obtain divested assets.

There is a 60 day comment period to the DOJ's ruling. We are still within that period. If parties object to what the DOJ has ruled and cannot resolve it, a lawsuit can happen. The chances are that lawsuit won't happen during the 60 day period.

I may be wrong but I wouldn't be surprised if the reason for the delay in announcing the rest of the asset divestitures is because of objections.

 

[700UW]

There is no delay, US/AA filed the slot divestitures with the DOJ only about two weeks ago.
 
And like I said, show us the law on the books that says the DOJ cant do that?
 
Its just like DCA, they DOT chooses whom gets the beyond perimeter slots.
 
Last time I checked the Federal Government is in charge of air travel in the US.

 

[MetalMover]

the issue is not divestiture. The issue is dictating who can and cannot obtain divested assets.

There is a 60 day comment period to the DOJ's ruling. We are still within that period. If parties object to what the DOJ has ruled and cannot resolve it, a lawsuit can happen. The chances are that lawsuit won't happen during the 60 day period.

I may be wrong but I wouldn't be surprised if the reason for the delay in announcing the rest of the asset divestitures is because of objections.

Of course the delay is because of objections..If interested parties did not have the legal right to object, there would be no need for the court system, let alone the justice department.
If that were the case, BK would take a day to approve.
 
But the way you make it sound is that just because it's DELTA, then they MUST get what they ask for.
Oh what an injustice because DL is involved.
Certainly they can object and be heard, but it does not automatically award them a win nor does it mean that their objections are valid.

 

[AirbusA310]

I just want to know why WN is able to to bid on DCA slots when they control most of BWI and yet B6 was not able to bid on LGA slots because of their large JFK presence...
Also all the routes that US/AA are cutting in DCA (some should be kept) you would think they could utilize some of the slots better, so far I noticed that BDL and PVD are gaining one extra flight each this spring. No other cities that have no service or are losing service could use some of these slots?

 

[MetalMover]

I just want to know why WN is able to to bid on DCA slots when they control most of BWI and yet B6 was not able to bid on LGA slots because of their large JFK presence...
Also all the routes that US/AA are cutting in DCA (some should be kept) you would think they could utilize some of the slots better, so far I noticed that BDL and PVD are gaining one extra flight each this spring. No other cities that have no service or are losing service could use some of these slots?

Because this all part of Delta's plan to dominate the world.

 

[700UW]

No one said JetBlue couldnt bid on the slots.
 
The DOJ suggested that DL and UA dont as they all ready have a large slot presence at LGA.

 

[MetalMover]

this is MY US of A that was built on the rule of law and it equally belongs to all who recognize the value of what has made us strong.

There are riots and protests in countries around the world today because the gov't is free to do what it wants irrespective of the legality or impact on people. We don't want that here.

You should convey your concerns on behalf of Delta to Eric Holder.

 

[FWAAA]

I just want to know why WN is able to to bid on DCA slots when they control most of BWI and yet B6 was not able to bid on LGA slots because of their large JFK presence...

BWI is not slot-restricted, and thus, any airline is free to begin as many new flights at BWI as they choose.   Against that, what difference does it make that WN has lots and lots of flights at low-fare BWI?   DCA is where the scarce resources are located.   
 
I did not know that B6 was prohibited from bidding on the LGA slots this time.   B6 successfully bid on LGA slots in the DL-US slot swap divestitures.   

 

[MetalMover]

this is MY US of A that was built on the rule of law and it equally belongs to all who recognize the value of what has made us strong.

There are riots and protests in countries around the world today because the gov't is free to do what it wants irrespective of the legality or impact on people. We don't want that here.

I suppose they did a hell of job not opposing the DL/NW and UA/CO mergers....

 

[700UW]

No where did it say B6 was not allowed to bid on slots, no airline was restricted to bid.
 
B6 is large at JFK I dont see them really wanting to grow at LGA.

 

[MetalMover]

This goat rodeo isn't over and DL might well see value in pushing legal challenges or else forcing the DOT to set a precedent which DL could use to then acquire another carrier and retain their slots or gates.

So after the DOJ challenged AA/US.....Delta should easily be able to purchase or merge with, let's say JetBlue or SWA. I'm sure the DOJ would bless DL's purchase of JB and own JFK.