DOT locks in consumer protections ahead of Alaska-Hawaiian airline merger

Zoom in: The conditions — designed to protect consumers and ensure service to rural communities — represent a more proactive approach to merger reviews, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told reporters. For example:

• Alaska and Hawaiian promised not to devalue their rewards programs and to ensure consumers get to keep the benefits and status they've earned.
• The combined airline must maintain critical inter-island service and key routes between Hawaii and U.S. mainland.
• They must also promise not to interfere with other airlines' access to Honolulu's airport.

The big picture: Airlines have faced tough scrutiny lately, including a federal judge's blocking of JetBlue Airways' purchase of Spirit Airlines and the Justice Department's lawsuit requiring Jet Blue to unwind its Northeast partnership with American Airlines.