SEATAC, Wash. — Alaska Airlines currently carries more than half of all travelers going through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, according to the Port of Seattle. But on Sunday, Alaska Airlines made a $1.9 billion deal to buy Hawaiian Airlines, and if a merger gets greenlit by U.S. regulators, the Seattle-based airline could get even bigger.
"I saw it and I was like 'Woah, did this just come out?'" said Emily Elliott, an Alaska Airlines customer.
Alaska customers like Elliott want to know what a merger would mean for Washingtonians.
"It's going to be challenging to try and figure out and guess what's going to happen to rates," said Jimmy Anderson, a partner at the law firm Krutch Lindell. Anderson also teaches Aviation Law at Central Washington University.
Both Alaska Air and Hawaiian Airlines lead the market when it comes to travel to the islands and back. Some are worried this could lead to less competition for keeping fares in check.
When KING 5 asked Anderson about potential airfare impacts, he said, "I think the answer is: It's impossible to tell."
Still, one thing is certain: in this time of high inflation, Washington's Alaska customers said they hope to score better deals.
"We all want to see the world, and we want it to be reasonable, right!?” said Erika Swan, a traveler on Alaska. Swan said she hopes airfare decreases as a result of this potential merger.
Alaska Airlines' newsroom said the acquisition would lead to a greater choice between their high-value, low-fare options.
"I could use more of my miles, points, and the points that I have if there were other cities that they flew more places," said Swan.
Alaska Airlines said their options would combine into a "larger network," which is welcome news for Elliott, who has the Alaska credit card.
"You fly more, you get more miles, and you climb the chain for your credit card, yeah," she said.
The two airlines expect the deal to close in 12 to 18 months.
A merger will need to be greenlighted by U.S. regulators, and it's up against scrutiny.
Currently, the Biden Administration is working to block another airline consolidation: JetBlue’s proposed purchase of Spirit Airlines. They are doing so out of concern that it would lead to higher fares, especially because Spirit is a bargain airline.