Summary Box: Airline venture should win approval

WHAT'S HAPPENING?: The Department of Transportation is proposing American Airlines get antitrust immunity to work more closely with some of its international partners. That's providing the carriers give up some of their takeoff and landing slots.

WHY?: DOT believes the airlines' plan would create competition with other international alliances, including Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER?: There's been a surge over the last few years of U.S. carriers seeking joint ventures with foreign carriers. Those ventures allow the airlines to share costs and revenue on certain flights regardless of which company owns or flies the aircraft. Those tie-ups could affect fares.