Some dopey alleged airline passengers are suing to prevent the Northwest/Delta merger on the grounds that the merger will result in fewer and more crowded flights.

Earth to plaintifs -- the price of oil will result in fewer and more crowded flights.

Northwelta is just trying to find a way to survive fuel costs that are double their worst-case business model. Blaming the merger for the increased crapitude of the flying experience is like blaming Thanksgiving for cold weather. There is an association between the two, but not the one being claimed.

The plaintiffs appear to believe that the airlines have an obligation to provide services that lose money and threaten the very survival of the airlines.

Being that fiscally dimwit is the government’s job.