Earn American Airlines AAdvantage Miles With Dollar Rent A Car

Award:
Quadruple miles per day (200 miles vs. 50 miles per day)

Dates:
Through December 31, 2014

Offer:
Rent a Compact car or larger vehicle for three days or longer from Dollar Rent A Car and earn 200 miles per day. Use promo code AAWT.

Terms and Conditions:

Valid at participating locations. Valid from October 15, 2012, through December 31, 2014. 24-hour advance reservations required. Renter must meet minimum age, driver and credit requirements. You must present your AAdvantage number and promo code AAWT.

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Earn American Airlines AAdvantage Miles At The eShopping Mall

The AAdvantage eShoppingSM mall wants to show you some love. That's why now through February 21, 2014, you can earn 500 AAdvantage® bonus miles for every $150 you spend — up to 1,500 miles.

Find great gift ideas for the ones you love at over 900 online stores this Valentine's Day.

Dates:
January 27 – February 21, 2014

Offer:
Up to 1,500 miles

Terms and Conditions:
*From January 27, 2014, through February 21, 2014, 11:59 PM ET receive a one-time additional bonus of up to 1,500 miles when you spend a cumulative amount of $450 or more with the AAdvantage eShoppingSM mall. Spend a cumulative amount of $150 - $299.99 to earn 500 miles; spend a cumulative amount of $300 - $449.99 to earn 1,000 bonus miles; or spend a cumulative amount of $450 or more to earn 1,500 bonus miles. Purchases made at FTD.com through the AAdvantage eShopping mall, returns, shipping, taxes, gift card purchases, and certain products are not eligible for bonus; please see site for coupon code or usage restrictions. Please allow 8 -10 weeks from end of promotional period for bonus miles to post to your account. Void where prohibited by law.

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Earn American Airlines AAdvantage Miles With FTD

Shop FTD and make this Valentine's Day special. Earn 30 miles per $1* on red roses, mixed bouquets, chocolates, jewelry and more.

Dates:
January 6 – February 15, 2014

Offer:
30 miles per $1 spent

Or call 1-800-SEND-FTD (1-800-736-3383) and mention promo code 25035

Terms and Conditions:
*Exceptions Apply: Where a promotion references a special collection only, the promotion applies only to that collection. For purchases where miles or points may be awarded, such awards are not applicable to any products featured under “Add Special Gifts,” FTD Gold Membership fees, or other fees such as service fees and shipping fees or applicable taxes. For promotions where discounts are available, discounts are applied to the standard retail prices set forth on the FTD.COM website (standard retail prices shall not include sale prices), and discounts are not applicable to (a) any products featured under “Add Special Gifts,” (b) FTD Gold Membership fees, (c) other fees such as service fees, shipping and handling fees or applicable taxes, or (d) the following collections: Steuben, Nambé, Baccarat and Ultimate Roses, and any other special collection added by FTD.COM in its sole discretion. Redemption of vouchers, gift certificates, gift cards, or reward codes may be subject to additional or different restrictions; please refer to those products for their terms and conditions. This offer is not available in retail stores and is available online only or, if offered, through the special toll-free number. Promotion cannot be combined with any other promotions, gift certificates, coupons, discounts or affiliate programs (including reward programs). Same-day delivery is available in most locations if order is placed before 1:00 p.m. in recipient's time zone. Visit FTD.com for more information on delivery policies. Quantities may be limited. Offer subject to change without notice.

WWW.FTD.CA website is designed and available for Canadian residents.

Please allow 6-8 weeks for posting of AAdvantage miles to your AAdvantage program account by FTD. Arrangement prices include delivery, but do not include service fee or tax. American Airlines reserves the right to change the AAdvantage program and its terms and conditions at any time without notice, and to end the AAdvantage program with six months’ notice. Any such changes may affect your ability to use the awards or mileage credits that you have accumulated. Unless specified, AAdvantage miles earned through this promotion/offer do not count toward elite-status qualification or AAdvantage Million MilerSM status. American Airlines is not responsible for products or services offered by other participating companies. For complete details about the AAdvantage program, visit aa.com/aadvantage.

American Airlines, AAdvantage, the Flight Symbol logo and AAdvantage Million Miler are marks of American Airlines, Inc.

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Earn Double Miles On Flights To Japan And South Korea With American Airlines

 

Participating Airlines:
American Airlines (includes codeshare flights marketed by Japan Airlines and operated by American Airlines)

Award:
Double Miles

Offer:
You can earn double AAdvantage® miles when you fly between the U.S. and Tokyo or between the U.S. and South Korea. Simply purchase a qualifying First Class, Business Class, or Select Economy Class fare ticket on any of the following routes and then fly from December 1, 2013, through February 28, 2014.

Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
Los Angeles (LAX)

There’s no limit to how many bonus miles you can earn, but don’t forget to register before you travel.

Offer Dates:
December 1, 2013, through February 28, 2014

Promotion Code:
JPKR1

Register prior to travel by selecting the REGISTER button below.

Opening the door to the best of Asia
We're bringing you convenient options to top cities in Asia and beyond by expanding our international footprint with new nonstop routes. Plus, along with our fellow oneworld® members, enjoy easy access to more than 145 unique destinations in Asia, with smoother transfers, better connection times and even more service options. Whether you're in the air or on the ground, enjoy cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art amenities and more to stay comfortable and connected throughout your travels.

Not an AAdvantage member?
Join today. Enroll at aa.com/Enroll

Terms and Conditions
Registration prior to travel is required. AAdvantage double miles offer is valid on American Airlines or codeshare flights marketed by Japan Airlines and operated by American Airlines (booked under the JL flight number) for travel between Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) or Los Angeles (LAX) and Tokyo Narita (NRT); and between Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Seoul, South Korea (ICN) from December 1, 2013 through February 28, 2014. Offer applies only to AAdvantage members who purchase and fly on purchased, published First Class or Business Class fares booked in F, A, P, J, R, D or I; Economy Class fares booked in Y, B, H, K, M, L, V, S, N, or G on American Airlines operated flights; First Class or Business Class fares booked in F, A, J, C, D or I; Economy Class fares booked in Y, B, H, K, M, L, V, S, N, or G on Japan Airlines marketed flights. Flights operated by other codeshare partners are not eligible for this promotion. Bonus miles do not count toward elite status qualification or AAdvantage Million MilerSM status. Double miles will be calculated at 100% of the base miles earned.

View the original article here

Earn American Airlines AAdvantage Miles With Budget Car Rental

Offer: With Budget, all signs point to a getaway: Up to 30% off and up to 1,500 miles

Take the vacation of your dreams. It’s easy because right now, the longer you get away – the more AAdvantage® miles you’ll earn.

2-day rental: earn 500 bonus miles3 or 4-day rental: earn 1,000 bonus miles 5 day rental or more: earn 1,500 bonus miles

Just use BCD # U072411, coupon # MUAZ014 and your AAdvantage number when reserving.

Award:Up to 1,500 AAdvantage miles

Dates:February 5 – May 31, 2014

Terms and Conditions:

500 AAdvantage bonus miles offer valid on a qualifying rental of minimum consecutive two days at participating Budget airport locations in the U.S., Canada, Latin America and Caribbean. Mention coupon # MUAZ014 to get this offer.1,000 AAdvantage bonus miles offer valid on a qualifying rental of three consecutive days, maximum four consecutive days at participating Budget airport locations in the U.S., Canada, Latin America and Caribbean. Mention coupon # MUAZ014 to get this offer.1,500 AAdvantage bonus miles offer valid on a qualifying rental five consecutive days or more at participating Budget airport locations in the U.S., Canada, Latin America and Caribbean. Mention coupon # MUAZ014 to get this offer.AAdvantage number must be mentioned at the time of reservation or at the rental counter to earn AAdvantage bonus miles.AAdvantage miles offer valid on all car groups.Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for AAdvantage bonus miles to post to the AAdvantage member's account.An advance reservation is required.Offer may not be used with any other coupon, promotion or offer except your BCD discount.The savings of up to 30% applies to the time-and-mileage charges only. Use BCD # U072411.Taxes, concession recovery fees, vehicle license recovery fee, customer facility charges ($10/contract in CA) and fuel charges are extra.Optional items such as LDW ($29.99/day or less except in Louisiana $49.99/day) and other surcharges may apply and are extra.Offer is subject to vehicle availability at the time of rental and may not be available on some rates at some times.Car rental return restrictions may apply.Offer subject to change without notice.Renter must meet Budget age, driver and credit requirements.Minimum rental age may vary by location.An additional daily surcharge may apply for renters under 25 years old.Rental must begin by May 31, 2014.

View the original article here

Earn Double Miles On Flights Between San Diego And Tokyo With American Airlines

Participating Airlines:
Japan Airlines (includes codeshare flights marketed by American Airlines and operated by Japan Airlines)

Award:
Double Miles

Offer:
Explore Japan via nonstop service between San Diego and Tokyo Narita and earn double AAdvantage® bonus miles.

There's no limit to how many bonus miles you can earn. Simply register prior to traveling and purchase a qualifying Business Class or select Economy Class fare.

Offer Dates:
Earn double miles when you fly from San Diego to Tokyo Narita on the following dates:
December 1, 2013, through December 11, 2013
December 25, 2013, through December 31, 2013
January 8, 2014, through February 28, 2014

Earn double miles when you fly from Tokyo Narita to San Diego on the following dates:
December 1, 2013, through December 25, 2013
January 5, 2014, through February 28, 2014

Promotion Code:
JPSAN

Register prior to travel by selecting the REGISTER button below.

Opening the Door to the Best of Asia
We're bringing you convenient options to top cities in Asia and beyond by expanding our international footprint with new nonstop routes. Plus, along with our fellow oneworld® members, enjoy easy access to more than 145 unique destinations in Asia, with smoother transfers, better connection times and even more service options. Whether you're in the air or on the ground, enjoy cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art amenities and more to stay comfortable and connected throughout your travels.

Not an AAdvantage Member?
Join today. Enroll at aa.com/Enroll

Terms and Conditions
Registration prior to travel is required. AAdvantage double miles offer is valid on Japan Airlines or codeshare flights marketed by American Airlines and operated by Japan Airlines (booked under the AA flight number) for travel from San Diego (SAN) to Tokyo Narita (NRT) on December 1, 2013, through December 11, 2013; December 25, 2013, through December 31, 2013; and January 8, 2014, through February 28, 2014, and from Tokyo Narita (NRT) to San Diego (SAN) on December 1, 2013, through December 25, 2013; and January 5, 2014, through February 28, 2014. This offer applies only to targeted AAdvantage members who purchase and fly on purchased, published Business Class fares booked in J, R, D or I; Economy Class fares booked in Y, B, H, K, M, L on American Airlines marketed flights; Business Class fares booked in J, C, D, X or I; Economy Class fares booked in Y, B, H, K, M, L on Japan Airlines operated flights. Flights operated by other codeshare partners are not eligible for this promotion. Bonus miles do not count toward elite status qualification or AAdvantage Million Miler status. Double miles will be calculated at 100% of the base miles earned.

View the original article here

Earn American Airlines AAdvantage Miles With Citi Visa | aa.com

Click OK to login and restart your reservation.

Click Cancel to continue with your reservation without logging in.

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Experience the new plane smell on American Airlines Airbus A321

Upgrading your flight experience in every cabin

To celebrate the delivery of our newest plane, the Airbus A321 Transcontinental, we're excited to offer you the opportunity to earn up to 15,000 bonus miles for round-trip travel between New York's JFK International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) from January 7 through March 31, 2014.

Class of ServiceBonus Miles for Round-Trip Travel

Offer Dates: January 7 through March 31, 2014

Promotion Code:
TR15K

Register prior to travel by selecting the REGISTER button below.

We're adding flights on the new aircraft each month, and by summer 2014, the A321T will fly 13 daily flights between JFK and LAX.

Experience the latest amenities in air travel:

Inflight Wi-Fi to keep you connected from coast to coastPersonal in-seat entertainment with enough content to last 15 round-trip flightsUniversal AC power outlets and USB jacks at every seatThe option to upgrade to Main Cabin Extra seating offering up to six more inches of legroom

With the introduction of the new A321T on January 7, we will be the only carrier to offer you Three-Class service between JFK-LAX, with 13 daily flights by summer 2014 on this plane. Beginning in March, the A321T will also fly JFK-San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Want to travel on the new A321T? You can now book a seat for travel beginning January 7, 2014. Just look for "32B" under plane type and be one of the first onboard.

Not an AAdvantage Member?
Join today. Enroll at aa.com/Enroll

*Excludes fares booked in O and Q

Bonus Mile Offer Terms and Conditions
AAdvantage bonus mile offer is valid for round-trip travel on American Airlines marketed and operated nonstop flights between New York (JFK) and Los Angeles from January 7, 2014, through March 31, 2014. Half the bonus shown will be awarded for one-way travel. Offer applies only to AAdvantage members who purchase and fly on eligible published fare tickets (excludes fares beginning with O and Q). Bonus miles will be awarded based on the booking class purchased. Registration prior to travel is required.

View the original article here

Buy, Gift, Share Miles | American Airlines

Limited time offer: Up to 30% bonus miles

Cozy Valentine's Day getaway, spring break or just a weekend trip...plan your escape! Now through February 28, you can earn up to 18,000 bonus miles.

Terms and conditions

View the original article here

Earn 4X Miles And Save Up To 35 Percent With Hertz | American Airlines

Award:
4x Miles

Dates:
Now through June 30, 2014

Offer:
Earn four times the miles per $1 spent (instead of the usual 1 mile per $1 spent) plus, save up to 35% when you rent any vehicle for one of more days in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom through June 30, 2014.

Terms and Conditions:
Your discount CDP# 217692, PC# 169676, and your AAdvantage number is required at reservation. Advanced reservation is required. Offer value in local currency upon redemption. This offer is redeemable at participating Hertz locations in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada, Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Promotion Code (PC) must be provided at time of reservation or offer is void. Hertz age, driver and credit qualifications and daily rate restrictions for the renting location apply. Taxes, tax reimbursement, age differential charges, fees and optional services charges, such as refueling, are not included. Discounts apply to time and mileage charges only. Standard rental qualifications, rental period and return restrictions apply. This offer has no cash value, may not be used with Pre-Pay Rates, Tour Rates or Insurance Replacement Rates and cannot be combined with each other or with any other certificate, voucher, offer or promotion. The CDP savings of up to 35% applies to time and mileage charges only, discounts vary by rental date, location and vehicle type. Modifying your reservation may result in a change in your rate and/or invalidate this offer. Miles will not be awarded on travel industry rates, wholesale tour packages, insurance/dealer replacement, and any other promotional rates or group travel. For rentals in Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom this offer is valid on Affordable Non-Prepaid Rates at participating locations. Manual shift only, however, exceptions do apply. Offer valid for vehicle pick-up through June 30, 2014. AAdvantage rules and restrictions apply.

View the original article here

American Airlines AAdvantage Miles With Thrifty Car Rental

Award:
AAdvantage Bonus Miles

Dates:
Through December 31, 2014

Offer:
200 miles per day - that's Quadruple Miles!

Terms and Conditions:
Valid at participating locations. Valid from October 15, 2012, through December 31, 2014. 24-hour advance reservations required. Renter must meet minimum age, driver and credit requirements. You must present your AAdvantage number and promo code AAWT.

View the original article here

Save And Earn American Airlines AAdvantage Miles With Avis

You deserve an extended vacation. So no matter where in the world you're headed, add a few days to your stay - more days means more AAdvantage® miles.

2-day rental: earn 750 bonus miles3 or 4-day rental: earn 1,500 bonus miles5 day rental or more: 2,500 bonus miles

Book today and use AWD # K817165 and coupon # MUAA017 with your AAdvantage number.

Dates: Through May 31, 2014

Offer:Up to 2,500 bonus miles

Book Now

Terms and Conditions:

750 AAdvantage bonus miles offer valid on a qualifying rental of minimum consecutive two days at participating Avis airport locations in the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Mention coupon # MUAA017 to get this offer.1,500 AAdvantage bonus miles offer valid on a qualifying rental of three consecutive days, maximum four consecutive days at participating Avis airport locations in the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Mention coupon # MUAA017 to get this offer.2,500 AAdvantage bonus miles offer valid on a qualifying rental five consecutive days or more at participating Avis airport locations in the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Mention coupon # MUAA017 to get this offer.AAdvantage number must be mentioned at the time of reservation or at the rental counter to earn AAdvantage bonus miles.Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for AAdvantage bonus miles to post to the AAdvantage member's account.Bonus miles offer valid on all car groups.An advance reservation is required.Offer may not be used with any other coupon, promotion or offer except your AWD discount.The savings of up to 35% applies to the time and mileage charges only. Use AWD # K817165 to receive this discount.Taxes, concession recovery fees, vehicle license recovery fee, customer facility charges ($10/contract in CA) and fuel charges are extra.Optional items such as LDW ($35.99/day or less) and other surcharges may apply and are extra.Offer is subject to vehicle availability at the time of rental and may not be available on some rates at some times, including some online rates at avis.com.Car rental return restrictions may apply.Offer subject to change without notice.Renter must meet Avis age, driver and credit requirements. Minimum rental age may vary by location. An additional daily surcharge may apply for renters under 25 years old.Rental must begin by May 31, 2014.

View the original article here

Double Rewards In Hawaii With Hilton And American Airlines

Your Hawaiian paradise awaits with the R&R deserve and double rewards. Simply sign up for this offer to earn double miles with American Airlines when you complete a stay by March 31, 2014, at a hotel or resort within the Hilton HHonors portfolio in Hawaii.  Be sure to select American as your preferred Double Dip® Points & Miles™ Partner in your HHonors profile to qualify for this offer. With double the rewards, you’ll enjoy the tropical retreat you deserve, plus earn double AAdvantage® miles toward your next getaway.*

Award:
Double miles

Dates:
November 4, 2013 - March 31, 2014

Book Now

Terms and Conditions:
*To be eligible for this offer, you must (1) be a member of Hilton HHonors™; (2) select American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines as your preferred Double Dip®® Points & Miles partner in your Hilton HHonors account profile prior to completion of your stay; (3) select Points and Variable Miles or Points and Fixed Miles as your Double Dip Earning Style within your HHonors profile; (4) complete a stay at a participating hotel or resort within the Hilton HHonors portfolio in Hawaii from November 4, 2013, through March 31, 2014, and (5) register at HHonors.com/HawaiiDoubleMiles prior to check out. 

Bonus Mileage: Earn double miles at the participating airlines listed above for each qualifying stay at participating hotels.  There is no cap on the miles to be awarded during the promotion period.  Please allow up to six weeks after the promotion has ended for miles to be credited to your HHonors account. 

Airline Miles accrued and awards issued are subject to the Terms and Conditions of each participating airline's reward program, as applicable.

Hilton HHonors™ membership, earning of Points & Miles™ and redemption of Points are subject to HHonors Terms and Conditions.

View the original article here

Earn AAdvantage Miles With Fairmont And American Airlines

Enjoy up to 20% off or a free night. Plus an additional 5% off for Fairmont President's Club members. Not a member yet? Enroll today.

Award:
Double miles

Dates:
Through April 30, 2014

Learn More

Terms and Conditions

View the original article here

Still Time To Get On Board Spirit Airlines After Hitting Two-Year High

The airlines are flying high and so are their stocks. Spirit Airlines (SAVE) recently posted record third quarter results as revenue jumped double digits over a year ago. This Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) is expected to see double digit earnings growth in both 2013 and 2014.

Spirit Airlines operates a low-cost airlines based on ultra-low base fares which allows customers to buy the extras they value. The company has a $9 Fare Club program that costs $59.95 per year but gives customers access to special low fares and deals on baggage fees.

Spirit operates about 250 flights to 50 destinations in the U.S., Caribbean and Latin America. It is one of the few airlines offering service from the United States to the expanding markets of Panama and Colombia.

On Oct 30, Spirit reported its third quarter results and blew by the Zacks Consensus by $0.10. Earnings were $0.79 compared to the Zacks Consensus of $0.69. It was the fourth earnings beat in a row.

Revenue jumped 33.4% to $456.6 million. Total revenue per available seat mile (“RASM”) was 12.55 cents, up 8.9% compared to the year ago quarter. The gain was due to higher load factors and higher average passenger yields. Adjusted pre-tax margin rose to 20.3%, the highest quarterly adjusted pre-tax margin in the company’s history. Spirit is expected to have strong double digit earnings growth of 57% in 2013 and another 20.2% in 2014.

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In the third quarter, Spirit added one new A320 aircraft, bringing its total fleet to 51 aircraft. It recently started several new routes, including Dallas/Fort Worth to Phoenix Sky Harbor, Phoenix Sky Harbor to Chicago and Minneapolis/St. Paul to Tampa.

After another solid earnings beat, shares jumped to new highs.

Even though shares are hitting new highs, the stock isn’t super expensive. It trades with a forward P/E of 18.9 but given its strong earnings growth it has a PEG ratio of just 0.7. A PEG under 1.0 usually indicates that a company is undervalued.

For investors looking for a way to play the low-cost airlines, Spirit is one to keep on the short list.

—
Tracey Ryniec is the value stock strategist for Zacks.com. She is also the editor of the Turnaround Trader and Value Investor services. You can follow her on twitter at @TraceyRyniec.

Each week Zacks’ Executive VP, Steve Reitmeister selects the most compelling trades and serves them up to you in a new program called Zacks Confidential. Click to learn more.

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Final Glance: Airlines companies

NEW YORK (AP) -- Shares of some top airlines companies were mixed at the close of trading:

Delta Air fell $.58 or 2.1 percent, to $26.88.

JetBlue Airways Corp. rose $.12 or 1.6 percent, to $7.64.

Southwest Airlines Co. fell $.07 or .4 percent, to $17.80.

US Airways Group fell $.28 or 1.2 percent, to $22.40.

United Continental Holdings Inc. fell $1.03 or 2.9 percent, to $34.49.

View the original article here

Midday Glance: Airlines companies

NEW YORK (AP) -- Shares of some top airlines companies are mixed at 1 p.m.:

Delta Air fell $.18 or .7 percent, to $27.28.

JetBlue Airways Corp. rose $.06 or .8 percent, to $7.58.

Southwest Airlines Co. fell $.12 or .7 percent, to $17.75.

US Airways Group fell $.33 or 1.5 percent, to $22.35.

United Continental Holdings Inc. fell $.70 or 2.0 percent, to $34.82.

View the original article here

Early Glance: Airlines companies

NEW YORK (AP) -- Shares of some top airlines companies are up at 10 a.m.:

Delta Air rose $.07 or .3 percent, to $27.53.

JetBlue Airways Corp. rose $.11 or 1.4 percent, to $7.63.

Southwest Airlines Co. rose $.22 or 1.2 percent, to $18.09.

US Airways Group rose $.09 or .4 percent, to $22.77.

United Continental Holdings Inc. rose $.06 or .2 percent, to $35.58.

View the original article here

Did American Airlines And US Airways Get A Green Light To Merge?

On Monday, both US Airways (LCC) and American Airlines (OTC:AAMRQ) saw their shares rally sharply after talk that the government might actually be open for a settlement and it might give the two companies a conditional "green light" if they agree to make some concessions. This is the first time since the announcement of the DOJ lawsuit that the government is willing to negotiate as the court case is scheduled to start in a couple weeks.

When the Department of Justice first announced the lawsuit it was going to pursue against the two airline companies, some analysts downplayed it by saying that the government would end up sitting down with these companies and settling on terms. Back then, the government officials said that they had absolutely no interest in settling with the two companies and they wanted the merger to fall apart regardless of what concessions the airline companies could come up with.

On Monday, the U.S. attorney general Eric Holder said that the government would be fine with settling with the airline companies if they agree to give up on some take-off and landing spots in several airports including Reagan National at the nation's capital. This is the first time ever the government openly said it would be ok with the idea of a merger and the government's tone is a lot different than how it was a few months ago. As the government shutdown slowed the hand of the government, it probably found itself in a position that is difficult to defend in court.

The government will still look for solutions that are likely to alleviate its concerns, such as decreased competition, too much pricing power and too many spots to be held by the merged company in certain airports. For the next two weeks, negotiations will be going on to determine the best course of action and the best case scenario calls for a settlement before the court date.

It is very surprising to hear Mr. Holder talk about the case before the court date. A lot of people predicted that the government would be negotiating with the airline companies for a solution before the court date, but no one really expected the government to be vocal about it.

A lot of investors are taking this development as a green light from the government for the merger. The shares of American Airlines rallied by about 25% and US Airways appreciated by another 5% in the earlier hours of trading but ended the day up by only 1%. While I agree that this is a huge development, there is still a lot of work to do in the next 2 weeks before a settlement can be reached.

I have been covering this merger for nearly a year and US Airways has been one of my best performing stocks this year. In the last 52 weeks, the shares of US Airways rallied by 82% and since early 2011, investors saw the value of their shares appreciate by 410%. While some of the rally was fueled by the merger speculation, much of the rally could be attributable to the success of US Airways CEO Doug Parker. Under Mr. Parker's management, US Airways was able to grow its earnings by more than 300% in the last couple years. Even after multiplying in the last couple years, US Airways is still cheap with a trailing P/E of 8 and forward P/E of 7. This is why I kept insisting that the company was cheap regardless of whether the merger happened or not.

After the merger, each share of US Airways will become a share of the new American Airlines (the company's name will be American Airlines) and these shares will make up 28% of the new company. If the merger happens, the combined company is expected to generate $40 billion in revenues and $2-3 billion in net earnings. Even if we take a conservative P/E ratio of 8 to value this company, we would be looking at a new American Airlines that's worth $20 billion. If US Airways makes up 28% of the new company, this values US Airways at $5.6 billion, which is far above the company's current value of $4.4 billion. After the merger, the shares of US Airways should be worth $28-30. If the merger doesn't happen, US Airways should still be worth around $25, given its low valuation. The company's current market value is $4.4 whereas its cash and short term investments alone total $3.5 billion. I currently have some shares of US Airways in addition to some calls. I used to sell covered calls every month in order to increase my overall return (which brought my breakeven price to far below $10). However, I haven't done that recently. Regardless of the merger, US Airways continues to offer strong value to investors. The next couple weeks will be very busy and exciting for the management and shareholders of US Airways as the merger story will end one way or another.

Disclosure: I am long LCC. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. (More...)

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United Airlines Begins Offering Electronics-Friendly Cabins

CHICAGO, Nov. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- United Airlines is now offering its customers electronics-friendly cabins on all domestic mainline flights. The airline received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to begin allowing passengers use of their portable electronic devices during all phases of flight. United will immediately implement the benefit for its customers.

With this change, United customers can safely use their lightweight, hand-held electronic devices – such as tablets, e-readers, games and smartphones – in non-transmitting mode from gate-to-gate, unless instructed otherwise by a crew member. Larger electronic devices, like laptops, must still be stored securely in an overhead bin or another approved stowage area during takeoff and landing.

"I want to thank the FAA and Administrator Huerta for working with us so quickly to offer this great benefit to our customers," said Jim Compton, vice chairman and chief revenue officer at United. "Safely expanding the use of portable electronic devices is one of the many ways United is working to deliver a more user-friendly travel experience for our customers."

Currently, only United customers traveling on mainline flights arriving or departing within the 50 United States may operate portable electronic devices below 10,000 feet. However, the airline is working with its regional partners to extend the benefit, and expects to allow customers gate-to-gate use of their electronic devices across all United Express flights operating within the 50 United States by the end of the year as well.

Passengers may still be asked to turn off their electronic devices in certain situations, such as low-visibility operations, and are reminded to carefully follow crew member instructions at all times. Voice calls from cell phones or VoIP-enabled devices are also still prohibited during taxiing, takeoffs, landings and while the aircraft is in flight.

About United

United Airlines and United Express operate an average of more than 5,300 flights a day to more than 360 airports across six continents. In 2012, United and United Express carried more passenger traffic than any other airline in the world and operated nearly two million flights carrying 140 million customers. United is investing in upgrading its onboard products and now offers more flat-bed seats in its premium cabins and more extra-legroom, economy-class seating than any airline in North America. In 2013, United became the first U.S.-based international carrier to offer satellite-based Wi-Fi on long-haul overseas routes. The airline also features DIRECTV® on more than 200 aircraft, offering customers more live television access than any other airline in the world. United operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft and has made large-scale investments in its fleet. In 2013, United continues to modernize its fleet by taking delivery of more than two dozen new Boeing aircraft. The company will have launched 14 new international and 19 new domestic routes, including the addition of seven new cities to its network, by the end of 2013. Business Traveler magazine awarded United Best Airline for North American Travel for 2012, and readers of Global Traveler magazine have voted United's MileagePlus program the best frequent flyer program for nine consecutive years. According to the 4th annual Switchfly Reward Seat Availability Survey published by IdeaWorksCompany in May 2013, United has the most saver-style award-seat availability among the largest U.S. global airlines. Air Transport World named United as the Eco-Aviation Airline of the Year Gold Winner in 2013. United is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 195 countries via 28 member airlines. More than 85,000 United employees reside in every U.S. state and in countries around the world. For more information, visit united.com or follow United on Twitter and Facebook. The common stock of United's parent, United Continental Holdings, Inc., is traded on the NYSE under the symbol UAL.

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