The deal was approved with the caveat that Delta and USair would have to divest a certain number of slots they receive to carriers that had little presence at those airports. Not only would USair only keep 30 of 42 slots in DCA (for 125 in LGA), they would have to sell the remaining DCA slots to southwest/jetblue/airtran/spirit, or straight up lose em all together.... Not exactly a good deal. I'm sure both airlines are trying hard to convince the DOT to change the terms during the public discussion period, but I'm guessing the politics behind the ruling will keep. Both will just maintain their operations for a while and try again in a year or two.