They may ding me for a domestic $200 F-upgrade here or there the way CO always has to their top tier, but they will be losing ~$10,000-$15,000 in premium cabin international fares to earn that.

Initially, Continental will request the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to allow it to join United -- along with Lufthansa, Air Canada and six other carriers -- in their already established antitrust immunized alliance. This will enable Continental, United, Lufthansa, Air Canada and other immunized Star Alliance carriers to work closely together as other antitrust immunized alliances do, and to establish trans-Atlantic and other international joint ventures so they can deliver highly competitive flight schedules, fares and service. The planned trans-Atlantic joint venture, in which Continental, United, Lufthansa and Air Canada will pool revenue, will permit the carriers to compete more effectively with the proposed joint venture involving certain SkyTeam members that was recently granted antitrust immunity. The trans-Atlantic joint venture will combine the strength of the carriers to create a more efficient and comprehensive trans-Atlantic network for the carriers' customers.

United Airlines, Continental Airlines and All Nippon Airways have received the final order from the U.S. Department of Transportation giving the airlines antitrust immunity in a trans-Pacific joint venture. The airlines plan to partner to develop flight schedules and sales activities, to give customers more convenient flights and a broader range of fare and product options.