Price gouging
 

AA fares on the RDU-DCA route have gotten astronomical. Two years ago were in the $200 range, now hard to get below $500. Yet RDU-LGA, almost twice as long, still in the $200 range. Is gouging pure and simple. And with USAir the only other major carrier on this route, likely to only get worse w/merger.
Grounds for stopping the merger?
Merger or no merger, this is UNFAIR PRICING and must be corrected.

Others agree?

This is precisely why these mega mergers take place... The hub system controls this market and prevents it from working effectively. Those lobbyists employed by the airlines are earning their money.

According to Google maps RDU to DCA is a 267 mile drive ... unless you routinely travel at 10 mph or your vehicle gets 3 mpg that would seem to be a practical alternative.