As an outsider, I put forward the following
First Rule of Business- Value is set in the transaction, i.e. I might think my product is worth $10, but if I can only sell it for $4, that's the value.
UAL's and other major's business models need to change. Are there too many employees, too many aircraft, overpaid employees, underutilized employees, excess taxes, fear of terrorism, a bad (abysmal!) economy, and a pending war.....yes it's a combination of all these factors.
I fear for the livelihoods of all the employees for all the majors. In UAL's case the fixes will be so drastic that I'm afraid they won't be implemeneted in time, even if accepted. The lack of trust between labor and management (well deserved it seems) can't be in place at a much worse time for the industry.
Clearly something has to change- or give.
Over millions of miles, I've had great service from UAL, Continental, and in the past- Delta, and I wish them well.