The directive only applies to US airlines, but other regulators are now expected to follow suit.
While most US airlines voluntarily assist affected passengers, compensation is arbitrary and varies from airline to airline.
European carriers can only own 25% of US airlines at present, while US carriers can take 49.9% stakes in their European competitors.
The directive from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) means US airlines can begin using the planes again, provided their battery systems are replaced.
Under the "open skies" deal, US airlines would be free to fly to major airports in the European Union and from there to other internal destinations.
Current rules that impose heavy fines on US airlines for tarmac delays will be extended to cover international flights and non-US carriers operating in the United States.
Flying to and from the US, I fly major US airlines when I have a choice, as well as the airlines of the major industrialized countries of the world.
The provisionally agreed deal could also still be blocked by US lawmakers, who would need to approve new legislation to allow foreign owners to increase their stakes in US airlines.
Yet the Bush administration does not support substantial government help for US auto companies similar to the cash bailouts to help ailing US airlines, so the future of some plants rely on state-level intervention.
While Airbus announced a much smaller order from Turkish Airlines, some US airlines like Jet Blue and Delta have been hiking fares and even charging fuel surcharges on certain routes to compensate for rising fuel costs.
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In a debate reminiscent of concerns raised over Dubai Ports World taking control of key US ports, some airlines and unions say that giving foreigners more of a say in the running of US airlines could be a threat to national security.
At present, only four airlines can offer flights between Heathrow and the US and more airlines from the two countries want access to the lucrative market.
The Air Transport Association (ATA), the powerful industry group that represents the country's largest commercial airlines, such as Delta, US Airways and Continental Airlines, has given the FAA's proposal only a tepid reception.
There is also the added problem of rising oil prices and slow demand from US and European airlines.
Currently there are limits to foreign ownership of US and EU airlines.
The new deal, which follows the first open skies agreement of 2007, is designed to make it easier for US and European airlines to buy each other.
In the US only United Airlines currently has 787s in its fleet, but there are a total of 50 owned by airlines around the world, and 840 are on the order books.
In addition to Delta Airlines, US Airways and Virgin America, Gogo is expected to launch ATG-4 service on American Airlines and United's p.s. fleet in 2013.
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Following this theory, the American Airlines-US Airways merger will bring about less competition, less choice and higher prices.
It looks as if US Airways and American Airlines are going to merge very soon.
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American Airlines and US Airways posted June traffic numbers with increases of 1.3% and 2.5% year-over-year respectively.
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Participating airlines include Airtran, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways.
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This lousy viewing experience makes us wonder why the airlines bother at all.
American Airlines and US Airways have announced plans to merge, in a deal that would form the world's biggest airline.
American Airlines and US Airways languished in the shadows as these new behemoths lured away highly profitable corporate travel accounts.
Smaller airlines could grab additional routes following the merger between American Airlines and US Airways, according to industry sources.
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Help us help you, airlines pleaded with customers, asking them to urge Congress to keep down fuel prices by curbing speculation.
Investment bankers and lawyers still hold sway, and the regulators still must approve the merger of American Airlines and US Airways.
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How they will open could hinge on a raft of corporate earnings from the likes of DuPont, US Airways and Delta Airlines.
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