31.   He also said Delta is delaying new aircraft deliveries and said the number of layoffs would be smaller than those at other big airlines.

32.   However, big airlines complained.

33.   In addition, most industry observers think TWA needs to form some type of partnership with a foreign carrier, something most other big domestic airlines already have done.

34.   In April and early May, most big airlines offered discount fares on summer flights to Europe, and a few fare sales are still available.

35.   In the meantime Delta remains the least-unionized big airline, with pilots the only large employee group represented.

36.   In resuming such brand pitches, Delta joins big airlines like American, Continental, Southwest and United, along with smaller competitors like JetBlue and Spirit.

37.   Indeed, slackening demand for business travel and rising fuel and worker costs have big airlines searching for ways to nip and tuck expenses.

38.   Interstate highways, main-line railroads and big airlines pass it by, and so does much that is gaudy and vulgar in modern American life.

39.   It is the latest effort by a big airline to cater to the long-neglected coach passenger.

40.   It remains to be seen, however, how high prices will rise, and big airlines have long-term buying programs that cushion any immediate impact.