Please allow me to interrupt this I-told-you-so "necktie party" to add a matter of practical importance to everyone. To wit, if/when United really is cash strapped, it will attempt to raise cash rashly, which will create opportunities to buy stuff cheaply. And by "stuff" I mean, flights, upgrades, seats, etc. Be good little consumers and watch for these opportunities—if you can suppress your bloodlust long enough to do so.

RNE, looking out for the little guy.