View Poll Results: Is an American Airlines/US Airways merger good for the traveling public?
Yes
84
28.19%
No
214
71.81%
Voters: 298. You may not vote on this poll
Nov 12, 2013, 2:24 pm
Last edit by: aztimm
Note:
There is an existing thread in the AA forum that may be useful to US and AA Flyertalkers:
US-AA Merger: Just the Facts thread
As facts become posted, that should be the place to look.
Merger discussion, speculation, and other questions can be directed here, or the similar thread in the AA forum:
MERGER: US and AA 9 Dec 2013 and implications for AA flyers (new)
AA - US Merger Agreement / Announcement / DOJ Action Discussion (consolidated, and now closed to new posts)
There is an existing thread in the AA forum that may be useful to US and AA Flyertalkers:
US-AA Merger: Just the Facts thread
As facts become posted, that should be the place to look.
Merger discussion, speculation, and other questions can be directed here, or the similar thread in the AA forum:
MERGER: US and AA 9 Dec 2013 and implications for AA flyers (new)
AA - US Merger Agreement / Announcement / DOJ Action Discussion (consolidated, and now closed to new posts)
US/AA merger- MASTER DISCUSSION THREAD/incl 'when will US leave STAR'
Nov 13, 2013, 6:23 am
#2086
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,033
Hopefully not, but both AA and US have vastly superior redemption charts --for now-- than DL and UA (as of 2/2014). In a 3 man race, logic suggests that the new AA will seize the opportunity to raise redemption rates. I would much rather have a small US balance and a large AA balance (or vice versa) locked in at the current levels than a combined account that features sky high prices.
Nov 13, 2013, 6:44 am
#2087
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Programs: United MileagePlus Silver, Nexus, Global Entry
Posts: 8,798
So long guys, it's been good to know ya - Not looking forward to having to go 100% United...
Nov 13, 2013, 7:03 am
#2088
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 755
The cynic in me says the DOJ was only concerned about DCA.
The reductions at LGA just means paring down the slot holding flights to PHL, and a couple shuttle flights at off hours, none of which really amount to anything. Probably did the new airline a favor in that regard as prices on the remaining flights will go up.
OTOH, screw the consumer, so long as the politicians get better flights for themselves. The gate reductions elsewhere amount to "we got something out of them", nothing more.
Typical Washington enlightened self-interest.
The reductions at LGA just means paring down the slot holding flights to PHL, and a couple shuttle flights at off hours, none of which really amount to anything. Probably did the new airline a favor in that regard as prices on the remaining flights will go up.
OTOH, screw the consumer, so long as the politicians get better flights for themselves. The gate reductions elsewhere amount to "we got something out of them", nothing more.
Typical Washington enlightened self-interest.
Nov 13, 2013, 7:14 am
#2089
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: BWI
Programs: AA Gold, HH Diamond, National Emerald Executive, TSA Disparager Gold
Posts: 15,180
At the DOJ press conference today, Bill Baer said
There is no way in my opinion to draw a straight line from these concerns directly to the points mentioned by Baer later in the press conf. but he referred to the settlement as a “game changer” and said that it “opens up the marketplace as never before.”
There is no way in my opinion to draw a straight line from these concerns directly to the points mentioned by Baer later in the press conf. but he referred to the settlement as a “game changer” and said that it “opens up the marketplace as never before.”
(I sat thru the press conferences today so I heard this all first hand…)
Nov 13, 2013, 7:20 am
#2090
Formerly known as I_Hate_US_Airways
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Just South Of North
Programs: My Loyalty Programs? I now VOTE with my wallet!!!
Posts: 2,568
Seriously???
Not sure which merger YOU are referring to BB...but the one I am referring to is the merger between US Airways & American. And THAT one is now a "done deal" sir!
Nov 13, 2013, 7:20 am
#2091
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: CLT
Programs: AA ExPlat, Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,551
Discussion of US / AA post-integration miles, awards, and preferred status thread
Sounds like January 7 will be the big day...
Nov 13, 2013, 7:22 am
#2092
Formerly known as I_Hate_US_Airways
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Just South Of North
Programs: My Loyalty Programs? I now VOTE with my wallet!!!
Posts: 2,568
Bye Bye...
Hope you really ENJOY your UA experiance (-:
Nov 13, 2013, 7:26 am
#2093
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: BOS
Programs: Marriott LTG, HHonors Diamond, Nat'l Exec
Posts: 3,581
Nov 13, 2013, 7:44 am
#2094
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: SEA
Posts: 3,955
Whoever said it'll be a drawdown match between PHL and JFK, I think I disagree there - both will probably remain major hubs. Some int'l feed will probably shift to JFK, but both are major O&D markets, and more importantly, both are pretty much at capacity with respect to airspace/ATC. New AA can't simply decide to shift 25% of its hub operations from PHL to JFK (or vice-versa) without causing major airspace problems. Rather, I think you'll see some of the international flights during prime hours move to JFK, with some of the off peak leisure timeslots heading to PHL.
Now, CLT vs MIA, I can see that being something - but if anything MIA probably shrinks. It just doesn't make sense to connect through MIA for most domestic flights when CLT is much closer. I've been pretty loyal, but there's no chance in hell I'm flying PWM/BOS-MIA-CHA for business, for example. Right now I can connect through CLT and DCA and I'm not looking to add another 2 hours to that route.
Now, CLT vs MIA, I can see that being something - but if anything MIA probably shrinks. It just doesn't make sense to connect through MIA for most domestic flights when CLT is much closer. I've been pretty loyal, but there's no chance in hell I'm flying PWM/BOS-MIA-CHA for business, for example. Right now I can connect through CLT and DCA and I'm not looking to add another 2 hours to that route.
Nov 13, 2013, 7:45 am
#2095
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: SEA
Posts: 3,955
Nov 13, 2013, 7:51 am
#2096
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Stuck Between the Moon and CLD or SAN, Your local Taco Bell
Programs: AA EXP/LT PLT, DL PM, UA Silver, SPG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,510
They fixed that glitch... now they'll sell TODs to elites who are on the waitlist at check-in. Monetization, baby.
Nov 13, 2013, 7:51 am
#2097
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: West Palm Beach
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 791
Nov 13, 2013, 7:54 am
#2098
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: SEA
Posts: 3,955
Actually, my upgrade rate as a US Silver on UA is 33%. I was flying BOS-EWR-DCA (had time, was cheap). The inbound for my first segment was late, so I walked over one gate - flight also headed to EWR - and asked if they'd switch me. I guess I was nice because the GA put me in F for that 45 minute flight, when the guy in front of me who did the same thing got a coach seat.
Nov 13, 2013, 7:57 am
#2099
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,485
WestJet dollars® are awarded on American Airlines® marketed and operated flights (including American Eagle® and AmericanConnection® flights) based on distance flown, plus class of service bonus, when applicable.
Nov 13, 2013, 8:02 am
#2100
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: SEA
Posts: 3,955
The real hit to AC flyers is losing US as a partner - one of two where AC didn't charge TATL YQ on awards. Now you need to look for UA partner space, otherwise you're going to Europe on AC, LH, LX and basically paying a coach ticket in fees.
I bet where possible, folks who can pick WS will at least entertain the idea.
I bet where possible, folks who can pick WS will at least entertain the idea.