I generally like IAH, though after being a CO flyer since 1998, I defected back to AA about 2 years ago.

I remember when Terminal E opened and seeing those CO signs/logos at both ends of the central walkway. They weren't decals. I'm sure they were plastic, but made to look like brushed aluminum. They impressed me as looking like something done by a proud company that cared about their image. I also remember how silly I was and probably the only passenger to think the way I felt about them.

Then the merger. Those large signs were replaced with the Newnited logo/name. They were in CO blue and even from a distance looked like cheap plastic. I swear they even seemed to be slightly "see thru" the plastic was so cheap. I can hear the discussion at HDQ .. "we gotta change out our name/logo all over the airport" ... "it's just our name, use the cheapest material you can find".

I don't connect thru IAH anymore. Sad to hear the plastic UA image has been covered by ads