World's biggest: American, US Airways vote to merge

[brooklynite]

Source: USA Today

American Airlines, a storied but struggling carrier that sought bankruptcy protection 15 months ago, has agreed to merge with US Airways, creating what will be the largest carrier in the world.

After weeks of discussion and speculation, the boards for the two carriers voted on Wednesday to combine, a person close to the discussions but who was not authorized to speak publicly told USA TODAY. The deal, the particulars of which weren't disclosed, will be announced Thursday. It would still need the approval of the bankruptcy court overseeing American's restructuring, as well as federal regulators.

American Airlines spokesman Mike Trevino said the carrier had no comment. US Airways spokesman Todd Lehmacher also wouldn't comment.

If the tie-up is approved, the marriage of US Airways and American would represent the last significant merger in the U.S. airline industry.

Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/2013/02/13/american-usairways-merge/1916961/

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For those worried about increased ticket costs, keep in mind that there's still competition from Alaskan, Jet Blue, Frontier, Spirit et al., and given the state of the airline economy, one or both of these airlines might have otherwise gone out of business in the near future.

[unblock]

1. it's been a long road (or should i say runway?) for agony airlines....

then it was m-i-c / k-e-y / m-o-u-s air.

what will they be known as next?

[DollarBillHines]

2. At least my earned points won't evaporate

AA bankruptcy would have hosed me.

[enlightenment]

4. All mine are on USAir

they had better not screw around with them.

[brooklynite]

3. The one sad point is...

...assuming they go with the AA name, we'll lose US Airways homage to its predecessor airlines:

[enlightenment]

5. I heard on NPR that they will go with the AA name

Those are very cool pictures - neat bit of history in one post! Brava!

[My Pet Goat]

6. It will be sad, I love those liveries....

I appreciate livery designs from the 60's and early 70's. They look so sharp, clean and FAST.

Strangely though, I like the radical new American Airlines livery, which I assume will be the colors of the merged fleet.

[Blue_Tires]

11. Great shots...I never knew US ever painted those

I love old liveries...Piedmont (along with Eastern) was actually our "family" airline when I was a kid...

[bluevoter4life]

7. This is a bad bad bad move

Anti-competitive in so many aspects. We went from 7 major carriers, (in nor particular order, AA, DL, CO, UA, US, NW, SW) down to 4 almost overnight. Many of the passengers who regularly fly Cactus won't fly Spirit, Allegiant, etc. Not to mention, USAirways badly screwed up the America West merger, many of the ramifications are still being felt today in the attitude of the pilots and flight attendants who were forced to merge into the new carrier. I think this merger may eventually spell the end of American. They must proceed very very carefully.

[Javaman]

8. And it will still cost me 6 bucks for a crappy ham sandwich during flight. nt

[brooklynite]

9. So don't buy it...

I find it amazing that people insist on the lowest possible fare when offered alternatives with higher levels of service, and then complain about the service they get. Remember when American offered "more legroom in coach"? Remember when Midwest Express offered wider seats and fresh-baked cookies? They failed because they couldn't compete with other airlines that lower their fare by $10-$20.

[Javaman]

10. I don't.

I also remember when airlines didn't treat people like cattle. When was the last time you flew on a international flight? the service is absolutely remarkable in coach. It's comparable to how flying used to be 20+ plus years ago.

Here in the states we have chosen to tolerate crappy service all because the airlines want to save a buck and "pass the savings" and misery down to us.

I commented to my GF the other day, if I could pay a little bit more for "upgraded service" (not first class or business class) I would do it in a heart beat.

Southwest (of which my sister has worked for 25 years) service has gone down hill and my sister is the first one to make that same claim. My brother in law who was a pilot for American West for 17 plus years and Northwest Orient prior can't believe what we the flying public put up with now. Pressure by fuel prices not withstanding, the general service for all American based airlines is horrible.

Europe has the same competition and instead of going for the lowest common denominator they offer better service as an option and they not only have to compete against other airlines but against rail.

It's amazing how we in this nation choose crappy service at a lower price instead of better service by paying a little bit more. What we get is paying more for crappier and crappier service.

[brooklynite]

12. The "golden age" you remember...

...was a time when air fares were regulated by the Government, and a lot higher than they are today. The only way airlines can compete in an unregulated market is to reduce prices, because that's all the market will accept. I would also pay marginally more for marginally better service, but the rest of the customer base won't. Hence, with only pricing as a market driver, the airlines have to cut costs to support the lower competitive fares.

[Javaman]

15. Good point

Sadly, because our rail system here in the US sucks, people have virtually no alternative when traveling long distances.

As I offered the concept of a higher price for better service, I think that would work on a limited basis. Offering a "premiere" flight experience on certain coast to coast flights or certain flights like NYC to Chicago or LA to Chicago, I honestly believe people would jump at the chance.

It will be interesting to see what happens in Europe no that competion will be allowed regarding the rail service. I will be interested to see how it effects the airline industry over there.

Cheers.

[hughee99]

13. Just think of how many people they'll be able to leave trapped in Detroit for 16 hours

with a "Well, I guess you're outta luck" now.

[brooklynite]

14. Well yes, but the good news is...

...their luggage will be in Phoenix.