I remember when Southwest started getting the 737NG. It gave them an airplane that they could load up and fly nonstop from the short runways at MDW to anyplace on the west coast. It was a huge blow to UAL and AMR operating out of high cost ORD to all the west coast destinations. The transcontinental markets were hit next.
As the airplane capabilities change, so does the market. The assault on the US domestic markets by the LCCs is bound to be repeated on the international front. However, I still support ALPA trying to keep the worst of the schemes off the table. The period of relative industry calm we are enjoying is bound to give way to another industry crisis. It is only a matter of time, as this industry has proven over and over again.