Viewpoint: When Bigger Is Better and When It's Not

One voice can be powerful, but a collection of strong voices will always prevail. That's why we're a member of Consumers International, a federation of more than 240 advocacy groups from more than 100 countries, all fighting for consumer rights and empowerment.

In November, members gathered in Brazil for an annual meeting to discuss opportunities and challenges. Marta L. Tellado, Consumer Reports' president and CEO, delivered a keynote address, encouraging members to seek innovative ways to serve and connect with consumers.

"This is a critical, rich time for us to reach a new generation," Tellado said, "as we ourselves regenerate."To learn more about the mission of this worldwide watchdog, go to consumersinternational.org.

Is bigger better? In 2015, companies spent about $3.5 trillion on mergers and acquisitions to take over competitors. Those transactions bring joy to boardrooms, but consumers can be left with fewer choices and higher prices. That's why Consumer Reports uses its muscle to help keep the marketplace fair, whether that means stepping between merging cable conglomerates, such as Comcast and Time Warner Cable, or giant pharmaceutical firms.

The latest example: the airline industry. The hectic holiday season always makes millions of Americans aware of the pitfalls and problems created by merging airlines (price gouging, crowded cabins, etc.). In fact, the Department of Justice recently sued United and Delta for collaborating to cut out competing airlines from airports in the New York City area. Specifically, United floated the idea of giving John F. Kennedy International Airport tarmac slots—or licenses that allow a plane to take off and land at a destination—to Delta. In return, Delta would fork over slots at Newark Airport, giving United even more control over that airport.

According to the DOJ, United already controls 73 percent of the slots at Newark and grounds many planes instead of flying them or allowing other carriers to fly. But bigger isn't always better, and we are committed to making sure that there's a level playing field. Go to justice.gov/atr to learn more about the case, and share your complaints about ticket costs with us at ConsumersUnion.org/airlines.