In February 2021, American Airlines and JetBlue announced their plans to form a strategic partnership, which would include codesharing on flights and coordinated schedules. However, the partnership was met with opposition from the Department of Justice (DOJ), who filed an antitrust lawsuit against the airlines in November 2021. Despite losing the case, American Airlines and JetBlue have stated that they plan to maintain certain connections.
The DOJ argued that the partnership would reduce competition and lead to higher fares for consumers. The lawsuit specifically targeted the airlines’ plans to coordinate schedules and pricing on certain routes, as well as their codesharing agreement, which would allow customers to purchase tickets for both airlines on a single itinerary. The DOJ claimed that these actions would limit consumer choice and make it more difficult for smaller airlines to compete.
However, in January 2022, a federal judge ruled in favor of American Airlines and JetBlue, stating that the DOJ had not provided sufficient evidence to support its claims. The judge noted that the partnership would likely benefit consumers by providing more flight options and lower fares.
Despite this victory, American Airlines and JetBlue have stated that they plan to maintain certain connections with other airlines to address concerns about reduced competition. Specifically, the airlines have committed to maintaining their existing codeshare agreements with Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, which allow customers to purchase tickets for flights operated by all three airlines on a single itinerary.
In addition, American Airlines and JetBlue have stated that they will continue to offer connecting flights to smaller cities through their respective hubs. This will allow customers to access a wider range of destinations without having to book separate flights on different airlines.
Overall, while the antitrust lawsuit was a setback for American Airlines and JetBlue, the airlines have stated that they plan to move forward with their partnership while also addressing concerns about competition. By maintaining connections with other airlines and continuing to offer connecting flights through their hubs, the airlines hope to provide customers with more options and lower fares.
