Originally Posted by
EWRflyr
It's not the administration, DOT or DOJ who will have the ultimate say. It's the courts. There will be lawsuits by consumer groups or other entities no matter which airlines pursue mergers. The AA/B6 Northeast Alliance was essentially scuttled by a court. That's not to say a merger wouldn't make its way to SCOTUS, but I'm not aware of any merger objections getting past the District Court level. Despite he who thinks he's in-charge and can heal all as a "Red Cross doctor" the courts will look at any tie-ups and have the final say.
I feel like the B6/NK merger being blocked was a real precedent setting case. I don’t see how *traditionally* any airline merger passes after that. Yet here Alaska/Hawaiian and Sun Country/Allegiant seem to be going through with flying colors. Yes both those have LESS overlapping routes but they still have overlapping routes. Judge Young stated in his ruling that essentially if one consumer on one route is harmed then the merger should be blocked.
I don’t agree with Young’s ruling of course, but it’s there and setting precedent. I believe JetBlue and Spirit should have easily gone through.
If United wants to buy anything it better do it in this administration. It’s the chance to subvert our legal system and the precedent set.