I received this one when a recent EWR-ORD flight was late:
At 7:21 pm 17FEB, UA473 17FEB from ORD gate C21 is scheduled to depart at 8:08 pm and arrive into SNA at 10:37 pm. If you do not make your connecting flight you are confirmed on flight CO1487 18FEB departing 5:25 am from gate B3, ORD to SNA via IAH. The flight is now estimated to arrive SNA at 11:03 am. This flight is operated by Continental Airlines. Obtain boarding pass or view other options such as standing by for another flight at an airport kiosk, Service Center or your departure gate.
Hadn't seen an email like that from CO ever.