DOT Extends Mega Airline Alliance Reviews

The U.S. Department of Transportation today confirmed it extended by 30 days its informal reviews of proposed alliances between United Airlines and US Airways and between Continental, Delta and Northwest airlines. Both review periods were set to end next week.

It is the second time DOT extended the United-US Airways review, which now is set to expire on Oct. 23. The agency noted its examination could be extended even further regarding the codeshare aspect of the partnership, but it cannot extend for a third time the review of proposed frequent flyer reciprocity. The review of Continental-Delta-Northwest, meanwhile, now will expire on Oct. 22, unless extended for a second time.

"We have concluded that we need additional time to analyze the issues presented by the agreements," DOT said in both cases. "Those issues are important and require careful consideration."