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Back to To the Point

To the Point

Will the United-Continental Merger Mean Friendlier Skies?

Two years ago, Continental Airlines backed away from merging with United. Last month, United began a flirtation with US Airways. Suddenly, Continental had a change of heart, and over the weekend completed what some airline experts are calling a shotgun wedding.

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By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

Two years ago, Continental Airlines backed away from merging with United. Last month, United began a flirtation with US Airways. Suddenly, Continental had a change of heart, and over the weekend completed what some airline experts are calling a shotgun wedding. United and Continental now plan to become the world's largest airline, if they get past anti-trust laws and union contracts. But it's a marriage of convenience, not love. United is known for canceled flights, lost baggage and surly employees. Continental is famous for customer satisfaction. Can those cultures merge? Is consolidation the only way airlines can stop losing money, when Southwest is gaining market share and showing a profit? Since de-regulation, most mergers have not gone smoothly. We hear the pros and cons of the next one.

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

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    Katie Cooper

    Producer, 'One year Later'

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    Christian Bordal

    Managing Producer, Greater LA

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    Karen Radziner

    Managing Producer, To the Point & Which Way LA?

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    Jad Mouawad

    Airline Correspondent, New York Times

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    Loren Steffy

    Houston Chronicle

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    Severin Borenstein

    faculty director, Haas Energy Institute at UC Berkeley

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