Quote from ShoeshineBoy:
Now you have me curious with this one. Southwest and a few other carriers built an empire with very cheap flights based on certain US airports. In contrast, I don't see cheap flights or carriers into any other country in the world. Do other countries really offer lower terminal costs for the airlines??
US airports have become a problem for international companies since sept 11th. Having your hub in the US means having plenty of delays, angry customers [who are being threated like criminals... great for CS] and adding $100 to every international ticket [since the US now charges passengers for the privilege of using their wonderful airports]. Ever since several companies have hubbed out of the US, like Iberia and Martinique. Even Air Canada is making direct flights to south america without landing on US soil; which I think is wonderful.