Merged airline would be world's largest
Delta and Northwest airlines have agreed to join forces. If approved by unions, regulators and Congress, the merger would create the world's biggest airline. Jeremy Hobson looks into what this means for fares.
Delta jet readies for take-off (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)
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Renita Jablonski: Another thing moving higher -- the price of oil. This morning, another record -- almost $14 a barrel. Growing fuel costs are one reason why Delta and Northwest finally decided last night to go for a merger. Unions, regulators, and Congress all need to weigh in on this now. But we couldn't help wondering, if the deal does goes through, what does it mean for travelers? Jeremy Hobson reports.
Jeremy Hobson: When Delta CEO Richard Anderson announced the merger with Northwest, he laid out the benefits.
Richard Anderson: It will provide a strong capital base, improve customer service, stable jobs and returns for shareholders.
Notice what he didn't say: lower fares. That's because if anything, says Seth Kaplan of Airline Weekly, fares should rise with less competition. Especially in some markets.
Seth Kaplan: The areas where fares would be most likely to go up are actually certain smaller and mid-size places where Delta and Northwest together provide the most service. A place like, let's say, Lexington, Kentucky.
What could make fares go up across the board, he says, is further consolidation in the industry. After the news about Delta and Northwest, a deal between United and Continental could be imminent. And others may need to follow to stay competitive.
In Washington, I'm Jeremy Hobson for Marketplace.
