American Airlines last week dismissed a Wall Street financier's claim that mainline carriers are having no competitive impact on limited-choice carriers.

"This kind of 'analysis' flies in the face of the facts," said Roger Frizzell, vice president of Corporate Communications for American.

The Raymond James firm, which handled the initial public offering for JetBlue Airways, opined today that mainline carriers' competitive efforts versus limited-choice carriers are not working. Frizzell called the conclusion baseless.

"Our competitive efforts -- including our two-for-one fare promotion in Boston, New York, Florida and California markets -- boosted American's Boston- Los Angeles ridership to its highest levels ever in January," Frizzell said. Additionally, the promotion has attracted more than 13,000 new AAdvantage members and 150,000 enrollments, with more joining daily.

"The promotion is intended to remind customers that American flies to more destinations, more often than any other carrier, at competitive prices and with a frequent flier program that leads the industry. Obviously, our customers are getting that message."

FMI: www.amrcorp.com