Originally Posted by
spin88
I think that UA getting any more slots at EWR (where express jet and UA have a 60% share, and the actual is higher due to other RJ partners) would be anti-competitive. DOT may ignore it, but there is already a lot of concern about EWR fares/consolidation, and DOT may say no.
Yes, it is possible that the DOT might reject or impose conditions such as divestitures. But if conditions (slot divesting) at EWR are imposed, I'm not sure what the benefit would be for DL and UA to be proceed further in the slot swap.
My assumption is UA would still leave JFK nonetheless, and those UA held slots at JFK are either sold or leased to DL (or maybe another carrier) as a different transaction.