Suppose two competing airlines that service passengers only between Bozeman, Montana, and New Haven, Connecticut would like to merge. These two airlines have the best chance of securing a merger if they argue that their market is for:

a. airline travel between these two cities
b. airline travel
c. travel between these two cities
d. all types of travel
e. none of the above, the FTC wouldn't allow it.

To answer this question, we need to analyze the market and understand the scope of the merger. Let's break down the options:

a. Airline travel between these two cities: This option suggests that the merger is focused specifically on airline travel between Bozeman, Montana, and New Haven, Connecticut. It implies that the airlines are targeting passengers traveling between these two cities by air. This is a specific market segment within the broader category of airline travel.

b. Airline travel: This option implies that the merger is focused on the overall market of airline travel. It does not specify any particular routes or destinations but encompasses all types of airline travel.

c. Travel between these two cities: This option suggests that the merger is targeting travel between Bozeman, Montana, and New Haven, Connecticut in general. It includes various modes of transportation such as air, rail, car, etc., which are used to travel between these two cities.

d. All types of travel: This option expands the scope even further and includes all types of travel. It encompasses not only airline travel, but also other modes of transportation like rail, car, bus, etc.

e. None of the above, the FTC wouldn't allow it: This option states that the merger would not be approved by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), regardless of the market justification.

In this scenario, the best argument for securing a merger would likely be a. airline travel between these two cities. By focusing on the specific market segment of airline travel between Bozeman and New Haven, the airlines can present a clear and targeted case that highlights the benefits and efficiencies of consolidation in servicing this specific route.