Just to set the record staight: I like flying CO. It's just that I'm realistic about their strong and weak suits.

I have not been an OP elite since 2006 and I have flown CO since then only when it makes the most sense for me.

What that has meant is that I fly CO domestically when it's the most convenient and the cheapest. As a result, I have not flown CO domestic mainline once since 2006, but only CoEx from EWR, to places such as GSP, a lot to YQB, and other similar locales.

I also fly TATL and I try to fly J when possible. Since I am not Donald Trump, I am always looking for the best deal, and for me this heas meant flying EC (OpenSkies) since I do a lot of business in Paris.

Otherwise, I will fly CO BF, during one of their great sales, and I have found the CO BF is outstanding, especially considering the value.

CO is not perfect, but it is generally an outstanding choice for air travel. I believe that the entry into *A and the close integration of the product with UA can only be for the better, especially if it convinces Smisek that E+ is a good idea.