When American took over for USair, leaving Philly with essentially one option, I think it was funny that they had the gall to say that the consolidation would lower prices.
We did get a decent price on tickets this year, paying a little less than $3000 RT for the two of us (I'm a big guy, can't take flying in coach, so I cough up the extra for 1st). we bought for our November trip in February this year, and the couple of times I've checked since then, the prices keep rising.