The U.S. Justice Department's Antitrust Division and the Department of Transportation announced on Thursday they have opened a broad public inquiry into the state of competition in air travel on topics including previous airline mergers, aircraft manufacturing, airline ticket sales, pricing and rewards practices.

The Details: The agencies have issued a Request for Information (RFI) and seek the public's input on anticompetitive conduct, consolidation and issues affecting the availability and affordability of air travel options.

"Competition in air travel is a vehicle for better quality, better fares and better choices for Americans," said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan...