In announcing their negotia tions, officials of both airlines emphasized that "certain terms" of the merger agreement had not yet been negotiated and said it is possible they would fail to reach agreement.
Instead, Mr. Lakefield told analysts that the airline would emphasize direct flights to and from airports in Boston, New York, Washington and Philadelphia, its busiest destination, using aircraft freed up by the elimination of most connecting flights through Pittsburgh.
Airline officials emphasized that these were not just normal delays and that major gateway cities outside New York did not have similar problems.
Mr. Chealander, a former airline captain, emphasized that the board was in a "fact-gathering stage" and would not analyze the data now.
In a new ad campaign aimed at distinguishing itself from low-cost competitors, the airline is emphasizing the in-flight perks included with a standard ticket.
The airline spokesmen emphasized that so long as passengers check in ahead of deadline -- 30 minutes or so before flight time, when all remaining seat assignments are released -- they should get on the flight.
The airline is emphasizing the greater leg room on its 162-passenger Airbus A-320 planes, which include all-leather seats and television monitors at each seat back with 24 channels to choose from, as well as the less-crowded traffic at J.F.K. compared with Newark and La Guardia Airports.
And, as miles become less attractive, some airline cards now emphasize added benefits like free baggage checking or other perks formerly reserved for elite-status customers.
Airline executives, instead, now emphasize the need for the industry to be profitable on a sustained basis.
Ms. Kudwa, of US Airways, said its legal department had contacted the Mecklenburg County district attorney's office to emphasize the airline's desire to seek prosecution.
The airlines have also emphasized that the new regulation treats their industry differently from other businesses that routinely advertise prices without including taxes.
