U.S. DoT requires Alaska, Hawaiian Airlines to adhere to certain protections

the U.S. Department of Transportation secured binding, enforceable public-interest protections from Alaska Airlines (ALK) and Hawaiian Airlines (HA)prior to the close of their merger. The protections, necessary for the Department’s consideration of the airlines’ needed approvals, are aimed at preventing harms to the traveling public, rural communities, and smaller airline competitors. As the merger moves forward, Alaska and Hawaiian are required to protect the value of rewards, maintain existing service on key Hawaiian routes to the continental United States and inter-island, preserve support for rural service, ensure competitive access at the Honolulu hub airport, guarantee fee-free family seating and alternative compensation for controllable disruptions, and lower costs for military families. “Our top priority is protecting the traveling public’s interest in this merger. We have secured binding protections that maintain critical flight services for communities, ensure smaller airlines can access the Honolulu hub airport, lower costs for families and service members, and preserve the value of rewards miles against devaluation,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “This more proactive approach to merger review marks a new chapter of DOT’s work to stand up for passengers and promote a fairer aviation sector in America.”