Here it comes...

[kyshel]

Pilots approve new contract with American | Airlines and Aviation | Dallas Business, Tex...

AA and USAir are getting closer to a possible merger.

[danielboldea]

If the negotiations do got through, I wonder which frequent flyer program they will stick to...
One World or the Star Alliance?

[kyshel]

Good point Daniel. But that's only ONE potential conflict--two different pilot unions will be the biggest challenge. Even execs can't make it happen. The union unification issues is HUGE. I don't think this can be a merger. I believe itwill have to be a takeover/purchase and it could be ugly for one group.

[[email protected]]

United/Continental was almost the same problem with the unions, however, they did do the merger. All the Continental folks I spoke with right afte rthe merger were very unhappy since United union rules ended up winning out and many long time Continental employees lost time, benefits, etc.

In the long run, all these mergers will hurt the public since it usually causes higher fares due to less competition, layoffs of employees (can't have all those duplicate departments), etc.

[kyshel]

United/Continental was almost the same problem with the unions, however, they did do the merger. All the Continental folks I spoke with right after the merger were very unhappy since United union rules ended up winning out and many long time Continental employees lost time, benefits, etc.

In the long run, all these mergers will hurt the public since it usually causes higher fares due to less competition, layoffs of employees (can't have all those duplicate departments), etc.

There are usually several unions involved w/a large carrier--not just pilots, but FAs and mechanics, but otehrs behind the scenes. Incompatibility issues are frequent.

Airline business is just that--business. It's not a public service--the airlines are in business to make money--aka profit. I realize some people might actually think they are like PBS or a charity. But, really, what does it matter, when fares go up and people lose jobs initially? A strong corporation will grow and increase in the future. Weak companies get gobbled up by others.
We'd all love for everyone to have a job and get a paycheck, but that's not reality. Maybe the solution is to get the government to take care of everyone. Make all US based airlines a new entitlement program. Maybe that will make people happy? Oh, wait, someone has to PAY for those entitlements. Gee--that means some of us...

Every major corporation merger has the same fallout--airlines are not different--they have the same kinds of consequences for consumers ultimately. I can't possibly agree with you on this, DH, but we all need to hear people with differing opinions. You are always posting great information sources and we appreciate that sharing!

[jsattapr2]

Pilots approve new contract with American | Airlines and Aviation | Dallas Business, Tex...

AA and USAir are getting closer to a possible merger.

Please tell me it is not true. USAir and American Airlines!

[bonniejoy03]

Will it really matter??? We seem to have some good experiences and some bad experiences. I am getting to the point it is just the luck of the draw.......just lower prices and get rid of all the stupid extra fees!!

[jsattapr2]

Well, whatever eventually happens, I'm comfortable Mr. Horton and his fellow suits will do quite well. I, on the other hand, as a consumer will probably not benefit.