A huge potential source of savings for the industry would be a merger or two among major carriers.

Before it started service recently, the one-way fare on the same route among major carriers was $390.

Each airline holds about 17 percent of the market among domestic carriers.

Pricing for basic plans varies greatly among service areas and carriers.

Among major carriers, Eastern's record for the period ranked in the median.

"Right now, you really can't make meaningful distinctions among individual carriers," he said.

But the new rule, which became effective last November, has increased competition among carriers.

Competition among the state insurance fund and private carriers kept premiums low.

These planes will help it lower operating costs, now about average among large carriers.

Second: measures taken in this area must not interfere with competition among airports and carriers, which is natural to the free market.