Any potential deal is still several weeks away, the executives said.

America West said that it had been talking to a number of airlines about potential deals.

He would not comment on the terms or the timing of the potential deal.

Until the announcement was made, the terms of any potential deal had not been known.

An official from one of the teams said the potential deal, though complicated, was likely to happen soon.

For the American companies, the potential deals could be worth $15 billion through 2010, according to industry advocates.

Is it best to book now or hold off for potential late deals, I'm just not sure?

The terms of any potential deal are very much in flux, several participants said.

Money would also be a factor in the potential deal.

Any potential deal is likely to be weeks if not months away.