Republished with full copyright permissions from The San Francisco Press.

The recent news of the Department of Justice blocking the proposed merger between JetBlue and Spirit Airlines has sent ripples through the aviation industry. The DOJ’s decision to prevent the consolidation of these two low-cost carriers has been praised as a victory for consumers.

The partnership between JetBlue and Spirit Airlines aimed to offer consumers cost-saving benefits. However, this narrative quickly unraveled when internal documents revealed JetBlue’s intention to significantly increase ticket prices, casting doubts on the merger’s true intentions. The DOJ’s intervention comes as a welcome relief, signaling a commitment to preserving healthy competition and safeguarding consumer interests.

The significance of this decision cannot be understated. As the DOJ expressed concerns about the potential consolidation leading to an even further oligopoly and its detrimental impact on consumers, the blocking of this merger represents a small loss for oligarchy and a substantial triumph for consumers’ rights.

In an era where monopolies have been known to burden the average American with additional expenses, the DOJ’s action to thwart this potential merger is a step towards protecting consumers from bearing the brunt of such consolidation. It is estimated that back in 2019, monopolies cost the average American an additional $300 a month, and the impact has likely increased since then.

Despite the relief of this decision, it is important to remain vigilant in upholding consumer rights. While the prospect of flying with JetBlue or Spirit Airlines separately remains promising for consumers, it’s essential to consider the current context. With high COVID rates, opting for a staycation might be a safer and more responsible choice at this time.