The fact that this hasn't happened has been pure politics. Southwest got their hands in the mix last summer and spoiled this deal on account of WestJet gate and slot losses. The "Lobby" rules and the fact the DOT approved the deal but got their hands in issuing the breakdown is a joke. It's taken some time to get this reorganized but this will be approved. Southwest now operates out of Newark and will put the pressure on the domestic New York market accordingly. This deal is good for both companies, but puts many more questions into play involving the future of USAir and how they could be a potential piece of a JetBlue American jigsaw puzzle assembly project.