This comment is unrelated to the main topic.
Snoopy, you are right that there are anti-trust issues involved in AA/BA sharing business information. However, this does NOT limit them from granting each other's FF members miles on trans-Atlantic flights. That is a private business decision by AA/BA to preserve their core programs. They can change that anytime WITHOUT anti-trust immunity being granted by the US govt. Anti-trust immunity is needed more for sharing pricing, market strategies, etc.