Panic time! I have already paid for two tickets to Paris on US Airways in April 2002 and have just learned that the airline was to have merged with United, but the deal fell through. If it cannot survive as a stand alone airline, US Airways may be sold off in pieces. What do ticket holders do in such a situation? Start swimming? Say it ain't so!

Kathleen. I am just curious. We travel US Airways frequently because we are near the PIT hub and we get the most non stop flights through them. But I was wondering if you do not mind telling me. Did you get standout deal on tickets to Paris to buy them so far in advance?

Sherry: I believe that particular midnight purchase was prompted not by frugal opportunism, but insomniac delirium. Just wanted to see Paris in April again, that's all. At the sure risk of inviting the ire of more informed travelers, I must admit the tickets cost $504. Each. That said, I repeat my question...what happens in event of an airline merger?

Kathleen. <BR> <BR>Your tickets are likely to be honored by someone. <BR> <BR>US Air has been a basket case for years. Its end is quite predictable in the eyes of many, but predicting "when" is much more difficult. Pan Am, TWA, Eastern, others ... all took much longer to disappear than many thought. <BR> <BR>Nonetheless, your tickets are quite likely to be honored by someone. <BR> <BR>twenj

And, for a "basket case" they seem to have a lot going for them meanwhile. The Airbus 330 that flies from Pitt, Philly or Charlotte is a terrific plane. Buying so far in advance you probably have reserved good seats along the "2" row (instead of 3 across or the center 5 across). I've flown USAirways for years because their customer service has been solid. With their good employees, reputation, equipment and routes, I suspect United will still pick up some of the plums.

Other airlines will not honor tickets of a defunct airline. That, of course, is assuming US Airways goes out of business. <BR> <BR>The worst-case scenario for you is if US Airways goes bankrupt. It will have to pay all of its employees and pay all of its debt to large creditors before it works its way down to ticketholders. You're likely to be left holding a worthless ticket. <BR> <BR>However, if US Airways is broken apart, it is likely that they will work out a deal with another airline. <BR> <BR>But remember, whatever happens, it's likely the process will take quite a while. If you're really nervous, ask US Airways for a refund, and wait until January to buy another ticket. <BR> <BR>I won't beat you up about buying your tickets so early (guess you've learned your lesson).

I wouldn't panic. The latest news here in Pittsburgh is that USAir is nowhere near bankruptcy and expects to merge with someone eventually. It seems like your tickets are safe.

Thank you all for your blessedly civil, even kind, replies. I expected a royal roasting for impulse buying, but decided an answer, however scathing, was worth the flames. As consensus appears lacking, it seems my best approach right now is to just sit still and keep both ears pricked for news. (You may have already surmised that sitting still is not something I do gracefully. It will take a mighty effort to contain this dose of the fidgets.) Thank you again for helping, for demonstrating what Fodors is really all about.