Everyone has tales to tell about the ups and downs of air travel. The industry has been deregulated for nearly 40 years. Over this time, few airlines have consistently earned profits. Though competition has kept airfares low, many consumers have not been happy with the travel experience and the countless fees. Over the last decade, mergers and consolidation have been the norm in the United States.

In 2013, the US Justice Department approved the merger between American Airlines and US Air, making the combined entity the world's biggest airline. Utilizing information drawn from the business press and other sources, (1) present the economic case in favor of the merger; or (2) make the economic case against the merger. In your view, should the merger have been approved?