In a message dated 9/12/2003 10:14:52 AM Pacific Daylight Time, mmontano@xxxxxxxxx writes: << Because the most profitable carriers have labour contracts which allow them to fly bigger birds with cost-structures that only exist within the regional 'arms' of the majors. If Air Canada/United/USAirways/Delta had the per-seat-mile labour costs that their subsidiary/affiliates have like AC Jazz/AirWisconsin/Comair/Mesaba etc then they would be more competitive (note I said more, not 'as') with the companies you mentioned. >> Um, WN is the most organized airline in the US (according to a captain no less) and their crews are paid on par with anyone else in the industry. B6 actually pays its F/As higher than WN (citing the fact that they are based in NY) and the pilots are competitive too (and if they want to keep unions out, they will soon get comparable to WN). Labor cost is a misconception (come get me Grant, as you love to defend over priced carriers) as what keeps costs down for major low fare carriers in the US. They keep costs down in other areas, like fleet commonality and catering