mergers

Airlines are a classic case of free market versus regulation, competition versus monopoly, and consumers versus business. Thursday's Senate Judiciary hearing on the pending United-Continental merger laid out the issues. Airline executives touted lower costs, better travel options under "an unparalleled global network," and more stable employment for its workers. The Consumers Union charged consumers would face less choice and fewer flights, loss of service to smaller cities, higher fares, reduced quality of service, and the creation of another "too big to fail" corporation. My recent travel experiences -- fewer available and more costly seats plus annoying extra charges for my first bag, for poor food, and for an Internet connection -- support charges of growing monopoly power for the four major U.S. carriers that would remain if this merger goes through. We're awaiting a Justice Department decision.