The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved the $1.9 billion merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, marking a significant shift in the Biden administration's approach toward airline consolidation. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that this approval includes enforceable consumer protections, such as maintaining frequent flyer rewards and ensuring service continuity on critical routes. The merger is expected to help stabilize Hawaiian Airlines' financial struggles while allowing Alaska Airlines to expand its operations. This decision contrasts with the administration's previous opposition to airline mergers, as seen in the blocked JetBlue-Spirit deal. Both airlines have committed to preserving essential services in rural areas and maintaining current flight levels for the next six years, with some final approvals still pending for international operations. The merger positions the combined entity as the fifth-largest airline in the U.S., with nearly 400 planes.