Higher Prices And Fewer Flights: Possible Outcomes Of Airline Merger

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by Kirk Hawkins
Bio | Email | Follow: @kirkhawkins by Photographer Adam Stevens

Story Created: Feb 8, 2013 at 12:25 AM EDT

Story Updated: Feb 8, 2013 at 12:27 AM EDT

Charlotte, N.C.--The marriage of U.S. Airways and American Airlines next will will reportedly result in the world's largest airline. Frequent fliers like Kwasi Sarpong are bracing for the worst. Southwest Charlotte Resident Kwasi Sarpong said, "We're all trying to save a buck now so we'll probably cut down on the trips we make."

Charlotte Chamber of Commerce officials say Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the sixth busiest in the world, won't see many changes. "When we're recruiting companies to Charlotte,
they need to know they can get anywhere they need to get to in the world and they can, " said Charlotte Chamber of Commerce's Natalie English.

The airport is expected to remain a major hub and provide more access to more destinations overall. But, UNC Charlotte Economics Professor Peter Schwarz says passengers can expect headaches from customer service as the two airlines work to become one. He also says travelers from Charlotte can expect fewer flights to the Caribbean, South America, and Europe. Not to mention, higher ticket prices. "We may not have a happy medium but it does seem where we are
going to be for a while," Schwarz said.

Yanka Alo said higher prices isn't part of her itinerary, "Pricing of tickets definitely affects where I'm going  so if its too high, I'll probably find something local to do."

There are conflicting reports on exactly when the deal will be announced next week. It could take several months before the merger is complete.

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