Other airlines contend that the two are trying to squeeze out competition by dominating the reservation business.
But the airline contends that customers have said the service is as good or better because the flight attendants appear busier.
Some airlines and elected officials contend that squeezing out smaller planes would eliminate routes to small communities.
More serious are the repairs mechanics say they have had to make to jets the airline contends were damaged by the departing strikers.
The airlines contend that the new fees are unfair and unreasonable, and constitute an unconstitutional burden on interstate travel.
The airlines also contend that operating costs per mile for the upstate flights, typically about 250 miles, are higher than for longer flights.
The airlines that have eliminated the passes contend that this change has not slowed their check-in or boarding procedures.
The airlines contend that it becomes, in effect, a new ticket.
The airlines, several in bankruptcy or near it, contend that anything that raises the cost of travel decreases demand, and thus their prospects for profitability.
The airlines contend that increasing the landing fees at Los Angeles to $1.56 per 1,000 pounds of aircraft, from 51 cents, was unfair and unreasonable.
