Wrong Azstar, monopoly refers to where one entity exercises sufficient control over a market as to determine or control the access or pricing within that market. It does not mean there is NO alternatives. Don't take my word for it... here is the wikipedia definition...
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In economics, a monopoly (from Greek monos / μονος (alone or single) + polein / πωλειν (to sell)) exists when a specific individual or an enterprise has sufficient control over a particular product or service to determine significantly the terms on which other individuals shall have access to it. (This is in contrast to a monopsony which relates to a single entity's control over a market to purchase a good or service. And contrasted with oligopoly where a few entities exert considerable influence over an industry)[1][clarification needed] Monopolies are thus characterised by a lack of economic competition for the good or service that they provide and a lack of viable substitute goods.[2] The verb "monopolise" refers to the process by which a firm gains persistently greater market share than what is expected under perfect competition.
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The legacy carriers have effectively divided up the country into regions and taken dominant positions in these markets, either by acquisition, merger or anti-competitive behaviour. Delta controls over 68% of the passengers using Atlanta. By anyone's definition that is a dominant position.
For comparison, the US DOT initially rejected the BA/AA collaboration on the North Atlantic routes because of BA's dominant position at LHR. At the time, BA controlled 38% of the slots at LHR.
These fortress hubs are replicated throughout the US. You get very little choice who you fly with if you fly from Minneapolis, Charlotte, Denver, Salt Lake City, Newark, etc..
Once they have a controlling position, any competition is entirely at the margins... it is exactly what the robber barons did and exactly what the airlines are doing. Azstar, you are naive...