American Airlines-US airways merger FAQ: What it means for travelers

While the bigwigs at American Airlines and US Airways maneuver, cajole and haggle over the details as they attempt to create the country's largest airline, it is worthwhile looking at what the merger, if it goes through, would mean for travelers. Here's a consumer FAQ on some of the hot-button issues: What would happen to fares? One thing is clear for consumers: Expect fare increases. Combining the two airlines means there are nearly two dozen routes in the U.S., including many that feed through the two airlines various hubs, where competition would be significantly reduced. The Department of Justice will ultimately take a look at competition issues, and American might have to give up some slots or make other concessions here and there, but the loss, in effect, of a legacy carrier means that capacity will be taken out of the system, and raising fares would be easier. In that regard, airlines such as  Delta, United, Southwest, and JetBlue are cheerleading for the merger, too.