Delta talks with Northwest, United are confirmed by Congressman

Delta officials are formally discussing merger possibilities with executives from both Northwest and United, U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar, D-Minn., confirmed in a Tuesday interview with the Minneapolis Star Tribune (free registration). Oberstar says he met with two high-ranking Northwest executives Tuesday, saying: "They confirmed that Delta is looking at a Northwest option and a United Airlines option for a merger. Northwest sees a benefit to them of a merger with Delta." And if Delta opts for a United option, "then Northwest clearly feels a pressure to protect itself in the marketplace and will look for a [new] partner," says Oberstar, who is also chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

I made platinum on Delta. Wonder if I'll get to use it? Ugh, I hate United's program.