Interesting....

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15726875/

$8 billion that is, hell, I'd do it for $8.

As with any child, will the result have the worst characteristics of both parents?

This is going to be ugly if it goes through....

Different corporate cultures, different fleets-- how will they merge?

And I'm with HKP-- the entity that emerges will have the worst traits of both airlines. I shudder at the thought...!

Something I forgot-- US Airways still hasn't managed to completely integrate the America West/old US Air networks into one airline. How does it think it will integrate Delta, which is much larger?!

Delta West Usair fraternity?

They can call it DUH

Yes, shuddering. Doesn't sound like a good idea for Delta at all!

And where does USAirways get $8 billion dollars after just coming out of bankruptcy recently?!?!?! I don't get it!

Bankers and investors.....

Simple rule of capitalism.

lynnejoel: The "US Airways" that we fly today isn't the "US Airways" that filed Chapter 11. America West bought the old US Air, then took its name for the new operations.

If Delta agrees to this merger, the new airline that emerges will be called....

Delta.

Since the "US Airways" name has mostly negative baggage associated with it, and the Delta name has a higher cachet with travelers, they will be smart to operate as Delta.

If US Airways does take over Delta, what typically happens with schedules & fares?

I have upcoming plans to Atlanta, and even though Delta has the best connection, I'm concerned about flights being cancelled. I'm also wondering if the takeover does go through, will fares go up or will there be a promos? Should I wait? Or should I avoid Delta and US Airways all together?

Faye - Nothing has happened, and the chance of anything happening isn't that high. DL's management is saying they aren't interested.

Stop worrying for now.

Not sure how much Delta's management has to say about it. In the end, it will be up to Delta's creditors (who currently effectively own Delta) and government regulators.

But there are still numerous hurdles involved.