Federal Judge Gives American, JetBlue More Time to End Northeast Alliance

The federal judge who ruled against the Northeast Alliance between American Airlines and JetBlue Airways has provided the carriers with more time to end their partnership.

According to The Associated Press, United States District Judge Leo Sorokin from Boston ruled on Monday that American and JetBlue would have “21 days after he issues a final judgment” to end their alliance.

While it remains unclear when the final judgment imposing terms on the airlines would be issued, both carriers were facing a deadline next week, just 30 days after the judge’s original decision on May 19.

Monday’s ruling from Judge Sorokin came after American and JetBlue asked that some aspects of their partnership be permitted to continue, including code-sharing and reciprocal frequent-flyer benefits.

The U.S. Department of Justice sued to break up the deal initially, but said the carriers should be allowed to honor tickets they have already sold on each other’s flights to avoid impacting travelers.

The government claimed the deal reduced competition and would cost “consumers an additional $700 million a year.”

In May, American CEO Robert Isom said the carrier would appeal the ruling. While JetBlue declined to comment on the case, Isom said, “We’ve got a legal system that allows for appeal, and we’re going to do that.”