Originally Posted by
RippinClapBombs
No not really. United would be “taking one for the team” essentially. UA/JB would have to give up slots in BOS/JFK/EWR to AA and DL (organic growth is significantly cheaper). The big 3 together would gain pricing power.
BOS does not have slots, no divestitures there. UA isn't giving up anything in EWR. Divest 80 slots in JFK still leaves UA with ~100 which is plenty. DL wouldn't be allowed to bid considering they are the largest carrier, AA can't even use the JFK slots they already have so I can't see them buying more. That leaves AS, WN, F9, NK, MX types which might be interested.