In 2022, JetBlue and Spirit Airlines announced a merger, which was sued by the US Department of Justice in March 2023. The DOJ argued that the merger would lead to higher prices and fewer choices for travelers due to a decrease in competition. However, the author of the article believes that the DOJ’s legal standing is weak, particularly as the combined market share of the two airlines is still lower than that of their competitors. The judge assigned to the case also has a favorable view of mergers due to their appointment by President Reagan, who was known for being pro-corporate mergers. The merger is expected to benefit Spirit Airlines more than JetBlue in the short-term, although JetBlue may benefit in the long-term. However, given the risks and uncertainties, the author recommends a hold for JetBlue and a buy for Spirit Airlines.