The current economic upsets (both in banking and oil) afflicting both the USA and Europe are likely to fairly quickly impact on discretionary leisure and business travel in those economic regions, and this will have a direct effect on all airlines in these areas. As a result, Virgin's battening down of the hatches is looking particularly prescient, and is looking unlikely to be relaxed in less than the pre-announced 18 months. It's highly likely that other European and US longhaul airlines will take similarly cautious steps in the near future. Accordingly, I advise all those hoping to leave the loco/charter lines for Virgin/BA in the near future to perhaps extend their horizons to the East, or think a little longer term!