Originally Posted by
rickair7777
Yes, the math works. UAL is weak on domestic compared to the other two. Would dilute their retirement problem too.
AS + UA would be rough ballpark the same size as AA. Same for DL+AS. So might not be utterly improbable.
The risks associated with closing such a deal are a definite deterrent, although probably not an absolute deterrent. Fortune favors the bold; who dares, wins; yada yada
Not sure they would have to divest much other than SFO which anyone getting merged wouldn't notice at all. It would put UAL back in SEA and major competition for DAL. UAL gains pilots, airframes they both fly, boosts their route structure, strengthens SFO and SEA, instantly grows UAL and substantially grows their domestic market. I would argue that it actually makes perfect sense. But the nice thing right now is that you can make the argument for AS merging into almost any airline and have it make sense.