Well, I don't think we will get an agreement on this. It is wrong to say
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The major airline has NOTHING to do with the regional flight.
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The regionals operate under contract to the mainline carrier. The mainline sets the standards of service, and the regional operates under license of the major. I am deeply unhappy at some of the practices of the regional airlines, and I have said before that I am concerned about the very low rates of pay for pilots which may compromise safety (Colgan) and some practices which I consider unsafe, including effectively selling the right hand seat by offering training slots. However, the mainline will not be aware of customer satisfaction with their affiliates unless you complain to them.
Delta is a bad example, because the standards of customer service in Delta are appalling. However, better I would expect the better carriers, such as Continental, to engage with their affiliates to ensure higher standards of customer service.
Incidently, it is not necessary for the regionals to be owned by the majors for this to work... I eat at a Subway regularly.. it is not owned by Subway, it is a franchise..but Subway ensure that the standards are met and are consistent. Furthermore, I can complain via their website and they will address any issue with the individual store. It is not for the customer to work through the labrynth of subcontracting companies and employees...