That's IF they go forward with this displacement.

There was talk of an international expansion (& other airlines are announcing capacity increases) which we are already staffed for. With the displacement we were going to be understaffed to deliver what marketing wanted. In effect, by canceling part of the displacement bid we are staffed for 07-08 flying levels, which is close to what was needed by marketing THIS year if they added a little capacity back to international.

The 88 and 737 were understaffed and a couple of 737's are coming with around 16 MD90's which will help take up the reduction in DC9 block hours.

Status quo would be a smart move. There is a rumor of a politically motivated mailing of "warn letters" to show the good Senators are costing jobs, but frankly I doubt the Senators care AND Delta would come across as being a bit of an insolent child if they used empty threats as leverage.

I'm still thinking some will get extended vacations this winter, but that has to do with modeling that evens out the ebb and flow of windfalls. Windfalls are rare in this business and even more endangered amongst Legacy carriers. A Virgin America type might have a good run, but that's a real risk.

For now, just maintain course. Sometimes on course is the best plan of action, even with storms of the port and starboard.