A PYMNTS Company

US: Airline industry slowly feels shift of US, American merger

By  |  December 8, 2013

While it will take several months for US Airways and American Airlines to full integrate into a single airline, reports say their merger will officially close today.

As that process continues, the rest of the airline industry will feel its effects. Southwest Airlines and Virgin America have reportedly gained the airport slots at LaGuardia Airport following the merger.

Those slots were up for grabs following a settlement made with the US Department of Justice ordering American Airlines to divest the takeoff and landing spots. Slots at Washington Reagan National were also surrendered.

Reports say Southwest Airlines additionally acquired control of 10 slots it has currently leased from American Airlines.

In the continuing months American Airlines and US Airways will work to coordinate flight schedules, booking processes and frequent flier programs.

Full Content: USA Today and Travel Weekly

Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.