Posted Nov 30, 2011, 9:03 AM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Chicago
Posts: 3,212
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I'm not sure there isn't more pressure on UA to keep its ORD fares in check if it has one big hub rival, AA, compared with having small presences of other carriers. Duopolies are bad, but often it's not difficult for an 800lb gorilla to squeeze competition by temporarily lowering fares or temporarily adding hourly flights, etc.
Also, there's benefit in Chicago business and travellers having easy access, via ORD as a hub, to both Star Alliance and Oneworld networks. Note that if Jet Blue and/or Virgin grow at ORD, they are (and/or are likely to be) Star Alliance carriers.
Besides, haven't the gate shortages already been alleviated to some extent, beginning to open the door to more entrants?
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