Originally Posted by
LAX-1K
I agree with the pilots who believe in the "false advertising" aspect, especially since the flights are sold as United flights; passengers check in at United desks/kiosks with United agents; the flights operate out of United gates; and so on.
United sells the flights, partly handles the passengers, is responsible for any irregular operations situations, and the aircraft are painted with the word UNITED in bold text. However, when it's convenient for United to do so, they justify any improper treatment of their customers with the excuse, "They're not United Airlines, they're an independent carrier."
Indeed. It was especially hilarious watching DL, who was touting it absorbed NW and is the largest carrier in the world, constantly say the Christmas Day bomber was on a Northwest flight, when the A330 was painted head-to-toe in DL colors.
And then of course, Continental shifting blame from themselves on the Colgan crash, with the image of CO's globe burning with the houses.