Unless the total collapse of the airline industry continues, there is no way the DOJ allows LUV to buy ALK. How much overlap do the two airlines have? The entire west coast would be dominated by the new Southwest.

And what if the MAX never gets certified? Or what if it does get certified but requires a different type rating? That alone destroys the "1 type philosophy" at Southwest. Alaska would be foolish to get rid of its airbus before a decision is made on the max and Southwest would be foolish to buy an all 737 operator before a decision is made on the max. Even if there will be a bunch of used 737's on the market, they will be at a serious cost disadvantage when competing with NEO's and CSeries.

Southwest is much more likely to be allowed to buy Jetblue but they will wait for a decision on the MAX. I pray it doesn't happen.