✈️ From heated rivalry ... a merger?

Rumored United and American Merger

A United Airlines and American Airlines merger would change travel for Chicagoans, big time.

Reports swirled this week that United CEO Scott Kirby has been floating the idea to senior government officials. He also told employees that United could benefit from consolidations in the industry more broadly, considering rising oil and fuel prices due to the war in Iran. The potential combination would create the world's largest airline.

Although it is only speculative and would need to be approved by regulators, the potential merger is raising concerns. The amalgamation would control over a third of the market, which could result in fewer options for travelers and higher flight fares.

What does this mean for Chicago? The airlines have the most overlap in Chicago, controlling most of the gates at O’Hare. Aviation analysts predict a merger could cut flights in the city. O’Hare just ranked as the busiest airfield, with over 860,000 takeoffs and landings in 2025. Mayor Brandon Johnson called the ranking a point of pride, saying, “It reflects our city’s enduring strength as a global economic engine.”

It’s personal: Before he was CEO at United, Kirby was president of American. The airlines were the center of drama earlier this year when they were fighting over gate space at O’Hare.

Also at O’Hare: Southwest is ending service at the larger airport and is set to lay off 107 workers. The airline will continue to dominate Midway.

Summer travel isn’t looking so hot: The Federal Aviation Administration is also pointing to the possibility of fewer flights and more delays during the peak travel time this year. TSA was struggling due to the partial government shutdown in February. Funding for agents has been reinstated even though the partial shutdown continues, but security lines across the country still vary.

If we have to deal with long lines and (even more) expensive flights… maybe traveling by bus isn’t so bad.

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• While you still can: Wander through Ford City Mall. [City Cast Chicago 💻]
• Listen: Will Chicago Ever Have Another Ford City Mall? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

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• Another way to help keep sewers from overflowing? Reduce water consumption on rainy days. [City Cast Chicago 💻]

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• Related: Not everyone is a fan of the new bike lanes. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

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• Don’t forget: Record Store Day is Saturday!
• Related: A trip to one of Chicago’s oldest record stores. [City Cast Chicago 💻]