Come to think about it. Now is the perfect time for a buyout.

The two main domestic partners AS has is DL and AA. AA would love to buy AS, but no way with the US merger in danger. AA still in bankruptcy.

DL on the other hand has the cash or credit to buy AS. DL could use the west coast flts AS has, as well as the flts to Hawaii and to Mexico. They would also offer the most flts within Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.

UA still is having big problems with the CO/UA merger, so don't see that. DL take a shot. Now is the time.