[bdeutsch]

IMHO, I think further consolidation in the airline industry is inevitable. I would further propose that United will more than likely consolidate with another carrier.

Consolidation will likely lead to higher ticket prices and perhaps allow the airlines to make some kind of a profit. I think my favorite quote about the airline industry came from Charles Branson (owner of Virgin Airlines). He was asked about what it takes to become a millionaire. He simply stated that the best way to become a millionaire was to be a billionaire that buys an airline...might have the specifics wrong, but you get the basic idea.