American Airlines, U.S. Airways to Discuss Possible Merger

A possible merger between American Airlines and U.S. Airways that would create the nation's largest carrier could be in the works and announced as soon as next week.

The two airlines have been discussing a potential deal for months and sources say that the board of directors of AMR Corp., American’s parent company, will meet on Monday to consider a possible merger.

"If this makes a stronger American Airlines and U.S. Airways, they are going to have more money and that means they can invest in their product," said Rick Seaney, CEO of farecompare.com. "When we buy our next ticket we'll be flying that was built this century and maybe even a few of us will be on something that was actually built this decade."

AMR Corp. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2011 and has been grappling with the decision to either merge or climb out of bankruptcy, remaining an independent airline.