Critics warned of ‘higher ticket prices, more fees, and fewer options’ for passengers if two travel giants try to combine

The CEO of United Airlines is said to have pitched a blockbuster merger with American Airlines during a meeting with Donald Trump, floating the combination of the world’s two largest carriers.

Scott Kirby, who leads United, raised the prospect during an encounter with the US president in late February, Reuters reported, citing two unnamed sources. Such a deal would overhaul the global air travel industry – and likely face intense competition scrutiny.

United declined to comment. American and the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Including international flights, United and American were already the world’s two biggest airlines by available capacity last year, according to OAG, the aviation data group.

Anyone else remember when airlines competed on service quality?