US carriers are now involved in a number of partnerships, joint ventures and alliances with European carriers (including Lufthansa). These carriers, will see any sustained travel disruption flow through their passenger loads. Just take a look at some of the large airline alliances in place. The Star Alliance includes many of the top airlines in the world including Continental Airlines (NYSE:CAL), United Airlines (NASDAQGS: UAUA) and US Airways (NYSE:LCC). The recent Atlantic-Plus Plus joint venture arranged for joint capacity, marketing and sales between Lufthansa and carriers such as United, Continental and Air Canada. When it approved Continental's application to join Atlantic Plus-Plus the US Department of Transportation did so on the basis of increased service and lower fares.