Each time American and British Airways have tried to strengthen their ties, they’ve been presented with the obstacle of forfeiting time slots at the United Kingdom’s biggest international hub.

Now, they’re considering the exchange and hoping that both the European Union and the United States Department of Transportation will allow them to carry on without breaking any anti-trust laws.

Rivals like Virgin Atlantic oppose the deep consolidation, citing the potential demise of competition, and possible downfall for customers if prices are raised.

An alternative is being negotiated: If AA, BA, and Iberia give up time slots in London, it will allow for other airlines to claim two extra daily flights from London to New York and Boston, and one more daily flight from London to Dallas and Miami. If other airline agree to the compromise, then the European Union may drop the anti-trust case.

Currently, these three carriers organize scheduling with each other in mind, and would now like to expand their ties by merging capacity and pricing on flights to Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Switzerland.

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