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There is a need to set aside political rigidity for economic reality. The need for the right policy for the best outcomes for society is what is usually needed. Rather than one's ability to appear obedient in their ideological flock.
The federal government should not have bailed Spirit Airlines out, but they probably should have allowed them to proceed with the proposed merger with JetBlue. Those people championing the blockage are failing to see that they actually caused the worst case scenario. The market concentration, loss of an affordable provider, and even greater employment loss than if the combination was permitted.
Now, hindsight is 20/20, but it was a bit predictable that of the two, Spirit Airlines would be the entity that would not survive. JetBlue has experienced its financial issues, but has solid services and could have expanded its offerings with the growth afforded with the acquisition of Spirit. A lost opportunity to allow a low cost provider the ability to expand offerings in an efficient manner.
There is no reason to pour good money down the drain with a bailout, which I explain below. But allowing a merger when there is already a competitive market is something to consider, if one entity is so clearly not positioned to exist on its own.
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