Wright Amendment Compromise . . . NOT!

So it appears that Dallas, Ft Worth, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and D/FW Airport have reached a compromise on the Wright Amendment which was enacted in 1979. My earlier post talks about the pros and cons and the whining of the opposition to repealing the out-dated amendment.

The city councils of both cities must approve the plan and Congress has until the end of the year to approve it before it will become effective. Here's what they've worked out:

1. Gates at Love Field will be reduced to 20 with Southwest getting 16.
2. Landing fee will be increased.
3. Southwest can start offering connecting flight service.
4. The Wright Amendment would be gone in 8 years (2014).
5. Love Field will be updated.

The opposition still contends that competition in North Texas would hurt the economy and struggling American Airlines. It's funny that Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York and everywhere else that Southwest flies hasn't had a problem. Perhaps the other airlines should take a cue from Southwest and learn to cut corners where necessary to make a profit.

Proponents for the Wright Amendment repeal are upset that we have to wait 8 years to enjoy the savings the rest of the country already enjoys. But it's only 8 years you say . . . Wrong it has been 27 years since the Wright Amendment was enacted and after 8 more years we come to a total 35 years since we've had low airfares and real competition here.

And That's What I Think.