Claims of US airline collusion may not hold up

Washington

THE only thing worse than a crowded plane is the idea that an airline is making a profit from it. That, at least, appears to be the conclusion of the US Justice Department, which last week said it had opened an investigation into whether US airlines are colluding to limit seats on busy routes, thereby enhancing their pricing power.

For passengers who have grown weary of paying more for what feels like less, that might seem like justice. In reality, it's overreach.