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marmar

(76,982 posts)
Thu May 3, 2012, 08:35 AM May 2012

United Airlines: Another corporate crybaby that loves the free market -- until competition emerges


(Bloomberg) United Continental Holdings Inc. (UAL)’s grip on Houston, home to its busiest hub, is under attack from Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV)

Southwest wants to build an international terminal at Houston’s secondary airport, casting itself as a monopoly-buster that will serve Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America. United says that dividing such flights in Houston threatens the city’s main gateway, George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

Both carriers covet overseas travelers, who typically pay the highest fares. For United, the world’s largest airline, keeping those fliers lends urgency to its defense of a market it dominates. For Southwest, the biggest discounter, pulling some of those passengers to its base at the city’s No. 2 airport would help boost profit.

“United risks sounding like a bully that’s trying to squelch new competition,” said Henry Harteveldt, an Atmosphere Research Group LLC analyst in San Francisco. “The big question is, what does Houston feel is the best use of their money and what’s best for the community?” ...............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-03/united-fights-southwest-in-texas-to-keep-grip-on-busy-hub.html



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United Airlines: Another corporate crybaby that loves the free market -- until competition emerges (Original Post) marmar May 2012 OP
nobody in business really believes in free markets, they've just somehow KG May 2012 #1
Du rec. Nt xchrom May 2012 #2
There's nothing free about free market Major Nikon May 2012 #3
I'm reccing this JustAnotherGen May 2012 #4

KG

(28,749 posts)
1. nobody in business really believes in free markets, they've just somehow
Thu May 3, 2012, 08:42 AM
May 2012

convinced an army of mom's-basement dwelling doofuses to call into radio shows all day claiming the lack of free markets is why they're living in their mom's basement.

Major Nikon

(36,814 posts)
3. There's nothing free about free market
Thu May 3, 2012, 09:08 AM
May 2012

Corporations use government regulation to squash competition all the time, and nowhere is this more true than in aviation.

JustAnotherGen

(31,681 posts)
4. I'm reccing this
Thu May 3, 2012, 09:40 AM
May 2012

Because I hope Southwest is successful.

We spent three days in hell at the Belize in Balmopan this week because of an egregious mistake made by United.


Finally make it back in the wee small hours of the morning on Wednesday to New Jersey. We are waiting for our ride and one of the Town Car Drivers heard us raging about this and he said . . . "well, it's going to be your only choice for the Caribbean".

Now - American flies in there as well . . . but I've had horrible experiences with them to (traveled extensively for leisure and business over the years).

The more airlines to choose from - the better. At least I have PLENTY to choose from when traveling to Europe - but I'm soured on Central America until I have an option other than those two. And I really really really want to see Panama, Guatemala and Costa Rica in my life.

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