[jimworcs]

They are still in business because, in collusion with the US government, they are immune from normal competitive pressures. They have built up huge fortress hubs, so that they don't have to compete in major markets, they have built huge alliances so they don't have to compete on international routes, they pay huge sums to lobbyists and in political donations to maintain the status quo.... and in that way, they stay in business whilst screwing the customer royally. Until something is done politically, nothing will change.