Last week, United Airlines proposed a megamerger with American Airlines. United Airlines’ CEO Scott Kirby brought up the idea of a merger between the two U.S. airlines with Trump administration officials, arguing the merger would make both airlines greater competitors on U.S. outbound flights.

But it was more than just American Airlines that wasn’t in favor of the idea. Two U.S. senators released a joint letter April 20, heavily reprimanding the notion. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Mike Lee (chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights), stated, “A United-American merger could lead to increased prices for consumers, at a time when airlines are already squeezing flyers through higher fares and fees. In addition, a combination of United and American could likely cut routes.”

Then, on April 21, President Trump responded to questions relating to the proposed merger, stating, “I just heard it a few days ago. I know them both very well. I don’t like it, no.”

And if the president’s remarks weren’t enough to dispel talks of a merger, American Airlines finally responded to the proposal in an official statement saying, “it is not engaged with or interested in any discussions regarding a merger with United Airlines … a combination with United would be negative for competition and for consumers.”

American Airlines also added, “Our focus will remain on executing on our strategic objectives and positioning American to win for the long term.” After rejecting the merger idea, American Airlines’ stock went down 3 percent on April 21.

If approved, the merger would have created the world’s largest airline.

Alternatively, to the United/American merger, Trump suggested, “I’d love someone to buy Spirit, for example. You know Spirit’s in trouble.” Allegedly, Spirit Airlines has sought aid from the Trump administration in recent days.

Since filing for bankruptcy protection in August 2025 for the second time in less than one year, the airline has struggled. Spirit is slated to come out of bankruptcy by mid-2026 after cutting service and selling aircraft. But recent increases in fuel price greatly affected the budget airline.

As for the United-American merger, it doesn’t seem too likely at the moment.

What are your thoughts on this proposed merger? Do you think United Airlines and American Airlines should be allowed to merge? Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.