[shinsengumi]

Bailouts may be required, but it needs to come with a number of strings attached. I would look at some of the mechanisms that were used with banks after the financial crisis. 

From a financial standpoint, Congress should look at stress testing; no dividend and share buybacks without substantial reserve requirements; limits on executive compensation for a 10-year period; etc.

From a consumer standpoint, aggressive policing of predatory pricing on monopoly routes. Potentially look at passenger compensation requirements in case of non-weather delays (ala Eurozone). If you want to be a populist, throw in minimum seat pitch requirements and no baggage fees.

Lots of ideas out there. The US airlines have spent the last decade rewarding its management, employees and shareholders handsomely. Only waiting to be bailed out at the first sign of trouble.

[shinsengumi]

Bailouts may be required, but it needs to come with a number of strings attached. I would look at some of the mechanisms that were used with banks after the financial crisis. 

From a financial standpoint, Congress should look at stress testing; no dividend and share buybacks without substantial reserve requirements; limits on executive compensation for a 10-year period; etc.

From a consumer standpoint, aggressive policing of predatory pricing on monopoly routes. Potentially look at passenger compensation requirements in case of non-weather delays (ala Eurozone). If you want to be a populist, throw in minimum seat pitch requirements and no baggage fees.

Lots of ideas out there. The US airlines have spent the last decade rewarding its management, employees and shareholders handsomely. Only waiting to be bailed out at the first sign of trouble.