Originally Posted by SSlow

Agreed. Plus it keeps their contracted labor source somewhat adequately staffed in the meantime to fuel profits and keep investors happy. What is really going to suck for these poor folks is when the retirement flood gates open and the strong economy is still humming along. At that point AA will either have to A) flow everyone (spoiler alert: that will never happen), or B) merge with one of the smaller LCC/ULCC airlines - the more likely scenario for a multitude of reasons.

At that point the "flow thru" will be more like a "stay put in your RJ for another five years" and all of the 90s babies will be p*ssed because for the first time in their careers things won't be all rainbows and butterflies.