Sept. 4, 2012: A federal bankruptcy judge reverses his earlier ruling and lets American cut pay and benefits for pilots, who had rejected the company's last contract offer. The decision is followed by a surge in canceled and delayed flights, which American blames on an illegal work slowdown by pilots.

Oct. 2, 2012: American and the Alllied Pilots Association agree to resume contract talks; all other union groups have accepted cost-cutting contracts.

Feb. 13, 2013: The boards of American and US Airways approve a merger creating the world's biggest airline.