The US Department of Justice has released its tentative decision approving the American Airlines/British Airways (also Iberia, Finnair and Royal Jordanian) application for immunity from portions of US anti-trust law.

In essence (and it's pretty complicated) if AA and BA agree to release 4 slot pairs between the USA and Heathrow (i.e. allow someone else to use those landing/takeoff timings) then they will get a green light for broad code-sharing, combining services, reciprocal frequent flyer programs, and other benefits now prohibited to them (but enjoyed by much of their competition in the Star and Skyteam alliances.)

Two of the slot pairs apparently have to come from Boston (i.e. AA and/or BA would have to drop two flights between BOS and LHR and let someone else operate them) and the location(s) other two are evidently at the discretion of the airlines.

Lots of details, but this is probably as good an outcome as AA could have wanted.

http://www.regulations.gov/search/Re...00006480a9285f

HOT DOG!! I've waited years for this. YAY!!

Good for them. This is the right choice. Regardless of how one feels about ATIs in general, this was the only fair move, given that they have already given the same approval to the other major alliances. FWIW, SkyTeam and Star Alliance have a much greater concentration at CDG and AMS, and FRA, respectively.

The Europeans, though, are looking at some of these ATIs warily. Myself, I think that 3 strong competitors is at least as good for consumers as a handful of relatively weak competitors.

Curious as to who picks up the BOS slots if this goes through. Delta would probably be my guess, or possibly either United or Continental.

<b>Done Deal</b>

The EU gave final approval to the ATI application a few days ago; today the US DOT did too, so it's now official. Awaiting the details from AA and BA; evidently their plan is to have many aspects of the ATI and Joint Business Venture up and running by the autumn.

Now if they can only merge FF programs soon I can book biz tix to Europe for the whole family for next summer using both AA and BA miles. Otherwise the kids are stuck in the back.

Kids belong in the back. It helps build their survival skills. Think of it like "boot camp."

Thanks for the update Gardyloo.