States in ‘Spirit’ual fight

California and three other states Friday joined the US Justice Department lawsuit aimed at preventing JetBlue Airways from buying rival discount carrier Spirit Airlines for $3.8 billion.

In addition to California, Maryland, New Jersey and North Carolina signed on to the lawsuit filed in early March.

The Justice Department sued on March 7, seeking to stop the transaction, saying the planned merger “will lead to higher fares and fewer seats, harming millions of consumers on hundreds of routes.”

Other parties challenging the deal are Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut and the District of Columbia.

JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes defended the deal, saying it would save consumers money and boost available seats.