AA and US Airlines merger imminent

The proposed American Airlines and US Airways merger has been approved by the US Justice Department. 

The merger is expected to close on December 9 — yes, three days from now. 

Here’s what you need to know — The new company will be called American Airlines. Even though US Airways is the stronger financially of the two airlines, American has the stronger brand recognition.

American will become the world’s largest airline in terms of passenger traffic.

The new American will belong to the oneworld alliance rather than the Star Alliance. Oneworld’s members include British Airways, Cathay pacific and Qatar among others whereas the Star Alliance included Air Canada, United and Air China as part of its membership. 

Don’t expect new signs and a combination and rebranding straight away. Over the course of the next year you can expect the gradual departure of the US Airways brand as it gives way to American. 

American currently flies to Bermuda from New York and Florida and that will likely continue. US Airways currently does not have any flights to the island but past cities have included Philadelphia, Charlotte and Washington DC. There is a good chance that Philadelphia, which is currently a hub for US Airways, will likely be downgraded at some point in the future after the merger. 

American also announced that you can now check in for your flights to and from Bermuda via any WiFi enabled device. 

You will be allowed to check in two to 24 hours in advance at www.aa.com. You also be allowed to select or change seats and request upgrades when available.