Originally Posted by HSLD
I think your missing the very important point of scope and that's "in the service of".
Your correct that an airline may "fly what it wants", but at the risk of destroying a marketing/code share agreement. Take any regional flying "in the service of" any major. They can't fly an aircraft in that service barred by scope of a pilot contract.
No I didn't miss that part. When ACA lost the united contract they also lost the delta contract because they decided to get the airbus's. No airline is limited to the size of aircraft but they may lose contracts with other airlines. It's their choice to fly whatever they want too.
I think it's funny when people believe the regionals should be allowed to fly bigger and bigger equipment for whom ever they fly for. They never seem to have a good answer when I ask why they should be allowed to take more flying from the majors.