In 2024, we saw Washington clamp down on the airline industry with a slate of regulations, investigations and merger decisions. Now, as Donald Trump is set for a second term, we could see a loosening in regulations and more merger activity.
After the Justice Department said it would launch an inquiry into the state of airline competition, the airline and travel industries criticized the move as politically motivated.
United’s issue is its multiple business agreements with Hawaiian — including one on loyalty. Alaska CEO Ben Minicucci has previously said he envisions a loyalty program that would house the two brands if the merger is approved.