How does merger seniority get handled?

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02-20-2026 | 08:11 AM

#141

FlyPanAm

On Reserve

Joined: Apr 2024

Posts: 154

Likes: 12

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClncClarence

If by NYC you mean JFK/LGA - the airports in New York City - then UA is not even close to AA/JB.

Are you including Newark? I’ve read many posts by your colleagues on here that assert EWR is definitely not the same market as JFK/LGA and that’s why UA can definitely just swoop on in and pick up gate space if a theoretical JB/UA merger happens.

Which is it?

Of course that counts EWR.

02-20-2026 | 08:17 AM

#142

jerryleber

Line Holder

Joined: Jul 2022

Posts: 1,592

Likes: 153

From: 787 FO

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClncClarence

I’ve read many posts by your colleagues on here that assert EWR is definitely not the same market as JFK/LGA

EWR serves the NYC market, but it is a different airport than LGA or JFK, obviously.

02-20-2026 | 09:14 AM

#143

holiday

On Reserve

Joined: Nov 2024

Posts: 99

Likes: 27

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdt30

9.42 billion in cost savings for UAL by letting Alaska buy Jetblue

I don’t think it’s as simple as just looking at the debt. You have to include the assets as well. JBLU still has more assets than liabilities on the balance sheet.

02-20-2026 | 09:36 AM

#144

jdt30

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Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 985

Likes: 65

Quote:

Originally Posted by holiday

I don’t think it’s as simple as just looking at the debt. You have to include the assets as well. JBLU still has more assets than liabilities on the balance sheet.

You’re trying to convince a pilot group (UAL) that respects the pilots at JetBlue, but wants nothing to do with JetBlue that merging is a good idea.
JetBlue has gates at JFK that UAL wants to use for SFO and LAX premium passengers. That’s it.

Now if Wallstreet wants a merger between the two of us then it’ll be nice flying with you guys.

Sorry for being cranky, but I’ve had multiple JetBlue pilots at ALPA events ask me how long I’ve been at UAL after discussing how we’re merging.

02-20-2026 | 10:10 AM

#145

pilotpayne

Gets Weekends Off

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 3,255

Likes: 52

From: 190 captain and “Pro-pilot”

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdt30

So how long have you been there?

02-20-2026 | 11:18 AM

#146

holiday

On Reserve

Joined: Nov 2024

Posts: 99

Likes: 27

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdt30

I’m not trying to convince United pilots that it’s a good idea. I’m just saying that it is probably not as simple as some make it out to be. There are many factors besides “JB has too much debt” or integration costs. It will be nice flying with you too, I’m looking forward to it

02-20-2026 | 12:05 PM

#147

Flyby1206

SDQ Base Chief

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 6,057

Likes: 34

From: 320 CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClncClarence

Yes, EWR counts as NYC MSA and CSA. And if it doesn't count then you can bet your bottom dollar that Kirby will be buying JB any moment now. And beyond that, if you look at just JFK/LGA market share then a combined AA/JB is the same % as DL, so no forced divestitures for UA there either...

https://www.panynj.gov/airports/en/s...eral-info.html

Last edited by Flyby1206; 02-20-2026 at 12:17 PM.

02-20-2026 | 12:20 PM

#148

jdt30

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Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 985

Likes: 65

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyby1206

And if it doesn't count then you can bet your bottom dollar that Kirby will be buying JB any moment now.

Again why is JetBlue so valuable? BILLIONS for gates at JFK so we can compete with our selves in EWR?

02-20-2026 | 12:29 PM

#149

JimmyDean

EWR - BQN

Joined: Jun 2023

Posts: 70

Likes: 14

From: UA 737 CA

UA wants about 25 slot pairs to do what it wants at JFK. It’s got 7 so far starting next year. They don’t need to buy JB to get the other 18.

02-20-2026 | 12:32 PM

#150

Flyby1206

SDQ Base Chief

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 6,057

Likes: 34

From: 320 CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdt30

Again why is JetBlue so valuable? BILLIONS for gates at JFK so we can compete with our selves in EWR?

So while EWR and JFK are both in the same NYC catchment area the argument can be made that they serve largely different areas without a lot of overlap. You can draw a line north-south down the middle of Manhattan and there isn't a ton of crossover for JFK/EWR airports. If you live in Suffolk County then you're most likely using JFK/LGA and not EWR, same with Essex county. The NYC catchment area is the most lucrative premium market in the country and UA as a premium carrier likely wants to have a presence east of Central Park. If not? That's fine and maybe AA or some other carrier will see value in a JFK presence, just don't be surprised if UA's future JFK gate plans get rugged from underneath them.