What an airline merger might mean for you

NEW YORK — While American Airlines and US Airways have started merger discussions, it would be several months — if not years — before passengers see any real impact. 

Passengers with existing tickets on American or US Airways — and members of both frequent-flier programs — shouldn’t fret. No changes will come anytime soon.

Assuming quick merger negotiations, American’s parent company, AMR Corp., would still have to work its way through the bankruptcy process. Then, the Department of Transportation and the Justice Department would have to sign off on it. Finally, once a deal closes, the new company could operate two separate airlines for a number of years.

If the airlines finally merge, here’s what passengers can expect:  http://www.dispatch.com