United, Continental name merged management team, wins EC approval

This is the 1st airline merger that does not present a monopoly on any routes. Therefore, it makes sense to merge - providing the two cultures can come together. They are two very different companies. However, CO has gone through two bankruptcies and is probably flexible enough to cope. UA (with the more entrenched culture) has only been through one. Let's hope that it is enough.

I suppose the financial center of the company will be Chicago and the operating center, Houston. Chicago's a bit on the expensive side but, hey, everything can't be perfect.

Yeah, let's get all "merger happy" until there is only one airline left. Then, it will be time to pay our "contributions" in overpriced air fares. Wake up and quit celebrating "the- less-choice-the-better" non-sense !

After numerous bankrupctys maybe they got it right this time,giving their creditors pennies on the dollar,shafting their employees pensions and health benefits,repainting their planes in mid-bankruptcy with new logos.
American in contrast paid their bills,stayed with employees and their benefits,never declared bankruptcy and is sill losing money.
Lesson: Keep in business at any cost,business ethics? there aren't any.

United has problems with employees. Continental is looking to shave off management and may pull some smiles out of its Flight Attendants.
Lots to consider on this merger, UAE is eating everyones lunch on Global market and others Foreign carriers are ramping up faster than these 2 companies can get a plane off the ground on time!

I say More Virgin, less merge

I guess the above email proves the point as to why United is such a poor airline to fly anymore. Its all in the way that it is delivered. If you want the flying public to understand what it is that you are going thru then you need to adjust your attitude.

I work for one of the wolds largest corporate travel agencies and I get an earful everyday about how shabby service has become at United and having travelled with the airline recently I totally agree. You have low fare carriers with somewhat happy employees Virgin - JetBlue - Southwest - and they run the airline with a very tight reign with most of the same "restrictions" that you are whining about. AND they do it with a smile and people come back ! If they are dealing with harsh conditions as described above and can get the job done and also get rated as one of the best why cant you.

The WHOLE COUNTRY is dealing with unemployment - lower pay - less benefits but costing more and higher out of pocket for healthcare etc BUT guess what - we suck it up and are happy that we can wake up an go to a job. A job that pays most of the bills and has benefits.. maybe not what it used to be back in the golden age of travel ... but get over yourself we are all in the same boat. However if you cant - then step aside and let one of the 10% of the population that is out of a job that is qualified to take your place. I can assure you they will be very happy to greet a passenger with some courtesy and a smile and a much better attitude than you present in the email above.

I for one can only hope that Continental whom for many years back in the days of Texas Air Corp was one of the worst carriers in this country. A refresh of talent and good management turned them around. Lets hope that when the airlines merge that the negative attitude you have portrayed above does not metastasize its way thru what really should be the NEW Continental.

I suggest if you are not happy you should be looking for a new career - its obvious you are not "truly" a customer oriented person or you would never have written the above. I wish I could suggest something for you that might work but to be honest I am at a loss of what you might be suited for.

PS: Anon and Chris in BKK - you have proven my statement and no, I am not an Employee of United Air Lines, Virgin, American, Delta, Singapore, Continental...etc. Kindness goes a long way and it is a two way street.

I actually have numerous Friends who are, which is why I stated what I stated. The "Flying Public" has a mind set that we're still living under "Regulation and the CAB", which ended in 1979. U.S. Airlines are no longer supported by the Federal Gov. and told where to fly and what to charge by the CAB. I grew up in this industry, remember Pan Am? I work in the "Travel Industry".

However, the Federal Gov. continues to tax the Airlines as if they are the Golden Cow - with endless resources, ie: the passengers to off load the "Cost" of said taxes, etc.

The point I am attempting to make concerns the treatment of All Airline Employee's - period. However, the last two comments prove my point. The flying Public isn't able to "LOOK" outside their own World. My point was to be considerate of others, be a bit more Respectful and think about those who are there to protect, assist and save your "life" in an Emergency situation... The Worldwide Airline Industry as a whole, has gone through a total shift in the last 12 years. Yet, the Flying Public still expects everything for nothing... These are businesses - moving an aircraft and your "Person" from point A to B cost money and to keep the charging "Ticket Prices" at 1991 levels is helping you, the Flying Public and truly hurting those who "Serve" you. Take a moment to think about that... and ponder this, "Do you like having a Living Wage - Do you enjoy the fruits of your Labour? Do you appreciate when someone takes a moment to thank you for your service, your thoughtfulness, etc?" Kindness goes a long way, as does consideration.

I assure you that the poster that responded to you is not one of the people hired AFTER the ESOP as I am. Personally, the most griping I hear is from the people who have been here the LONGEST and are out of touch with how the world outside the airline business actually works. That's because the majority of the ones who are complaining have been at United since THEY GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL. How else can you be 50 years old and have worked here for 32 YEARS?? And, while they're griping about how "things used to be", they're making those of us who are happy to have a decent paying job miserable. Granted, United doesn't start new hires off high on the pay scale BUT as of date of hire we get medical, dental and FULL flight benefits ANYWHERE the airline flies and are able to take advantage discounted rates on other carriers as well.

I started here in 1997 and, yes, things are not the way they used to be... NOTHING anywhere is how it used to be. Get caught up with how things are NOW or get left behind.

Please forward to me the name and address of the vice-president of United/Continental Airlines in charge of Customer Service. Thanks.