A strengthened US Airways could become a more formidable competitor along the East Coast, but the proposed merger of Tempe-based America West Airlines with the bankrupt carrier is not likely to have much of an impact to the U.S airline industry, experts said Friday.

Here are some frequently-asked questions about the merger.

WASHINGTON - A federal panel on Friday approved a bid by US Airways Group Inc. and America West Holdings Corp. to merge, clearing a hurdle to the companies' goal of combining to compete against lower-cost rivals.

For weeks, ever since the public learned that America West Airlines and US Airways were in serious merger talks, the potential deal has been bashed.

ATLANTA - Not too long ago, Delta Air Lines Inc. and Northwest Airlines Corp. seemed all but certain to announce a combination soon.That still could happen in the next few days, but an impasse over seniority involving the pilots' unions has jeopardized a deal.

US Airways chief executive Bruce Lakefield joked that his company’s marriage to America West Airlines began as a "blind date" more than a year ago, but it’s clear he and his airline had an eye on the Tempe carrier for a while.

Washington -- The CEOs of American Airlines and US Airways told a Senate Judiciary subcommittee last week that not only would a merger of their airlines not hurt Phoenix, it could bring more international flights to the city.

OK, the big question for most of us — employees excepted — is how will the merger between US Airways and American Airlines affect the price of a ticket?

OK, the big question for most of us — employees excepted — is how will the merger between US Airways and American Airlines affect the price of a ticket?

PHOENIX — City and airline officials say fears that the Phoenix airport would lose its major US Airways hub when it merges with American Airlines are overblown.

DALLAS — Directors of American Airlines' parent company likely won't make a decision when they meet Wednesday to consider a possible merger with US Airways, even as momentum for a deal is building.

According to the Chicago Tribune , the US Airways Group has made a formal merger proposal to American Airlines on Friday.

NEW YORK — American Airlines is weighing various options for its future, but most analysts say the nation's No. 3 airline only has one viable choice: combine with No. 5 US Airways.

Consolidation talks between United Airlines and Tempe-based US Airways appear to have fallen apart, The New York Times reported late Tuesday, citing unnamed people with direct knowledge of the discussions.

Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines are close to a deal that would create the world's largest carrier and could jump-start what is expected to be the biggest airline consolidation wave in decades.