Under the recently introduced open sky rules, United Airlines and BMI may merge their transatlantic services, according to reports.

The move would be a significant one for UK holidaymakers heading to the states with a greater offering launching from Heathrow.

According to a report in the Times, the two carriers have applied to the US Department of Transportation in order to form a transatlantic agreement.

BMI wants to increase its transatlantic presence and believes an alliance with United Airlines will strengthen its position at the UK’s largest airport.

Nigel Turner, BMI chief executive, said: “This paves the way for an alliance; it does not guarantee it. We want to put in place all the steps now to fully take advantage of open skies.”

BMI holds 12 per cent of Heathrow’s take-off and landing slots but is restricted under current legislation from the popular North American route ñ something which an alliance would remedy.

Despite both carriers remaining independent, such an agreement would mean passengers can deal with just one airline when they book US flight tickets.

A good travel insurance policy is crucial in attaining peace of mind on a US holiday.