They don't have to hold "all the cards".

It's a simple fact that SkyWest is a well run company, with lots of money in the bank, and a sound business model (for an airline).

Yes, if it tanks any time soon, there's some bad stuff going on that will affect more than just SkyWest.

Of course, things could change down the road, as they did for Eastern, Pan Am, TWA, etc.