Originally Posted by
Sink r8
You can?
I can't guarantee a thing, but I would imagine we reach a deal with DOT on the slot swaps way ahead of any of this. The DOT has carried JetBlue's water (blue water...) as far as it can on this issue, but LUV taking AAI's slots in DCA and LGA just about guarantees that DOT can't take this any further. It didn't make any sense before, and it won't make any then.
When you consider that JetBlue's very, very well connected, and when you consider the fact that this merger reduces the number of LCC's, it's actually possible to see the slot swap being agreed to in a manner that makes JB happy, AND the Merger of Love put in question.
I just keep having a overwhelming sense of preferable treatment to SWA.
I definitely agree it will strengthen our case in court, and looking at the circumstances it would be even harder for the DOT to defend it's position of protecting customers in LGA.
Maybe your right, perhaps this whole merger will allow this slot swap to go through with less slot divestiture on behalf of DAL and LLC. I have a feeling though the DOT will push back with resistance against us and if anything drag it out for us while weakening our competitive position in NYC.
I hadn't really thought about JB's role in the process, but it's definitely something to think about.
I guess when you start playing favorites, eventually your gonna be stuck be a rock and a hard place.