The DOJ is investigating the major airlines for limiting seats to keep prices up. After 90 years its about time the airlines made a profit.

DOJ subpoenas airlines over keeping ticket prices high - CNNPolitics.com

I don't think they will find any smoking guns here. There are so few major airlines after the mergers that it doesn't take much to communicate an agreement without actually saying anything. American can cut a few flights to Denver and United sends a thank you by cutting flights to Dallas.

What the DOJ should investigate is the Majors controlling pilot salaries at the regionals. I think there is direct communication there and coordination between the majors and the regionals. The pay is so uniform. Additionally the majors help the regionals control the pilots by controlling the carrots. When the pilots at Republic threaten to strike, United sends out the message that they are "considering" moving flying away from Republic, or are "increasing" flying at regional X, etc in order to send the clear message to the pilots. The message it "take what your are given if you want to eventually get to a major." Also, make waves and we will take your flying away, you will be a FO for years!

Delta was able to payback the Comair pilots for going on strike by closing the airline down. They just moved the planes to Gojet and others. The Comair pilots who came to my airline went from making 120k per year down to 20k. In a few months to a couple of years they were able to upgrade to capt making 60k; still a long way from 120k. I think there was more than Comair not being competitive, there was payback to the pilots in order to send a message to the rest of us.

A captain on a crj-700 can make how much going overseas, 120k to start? I'm not sure so feel free to give me accurate numbers. I'm sure it is much more than here in the US where a captain starts at 60k.

Am I paranoid and full of crap or is there something here?