Do we have a definitive answer on whether or not *Aliiance carriers, say UA or LH, will continue to honor any ticketed award travel using US miles if -- gasp-- the worst case scenario happens and US folds this winter?

I know there's been plenty of speculation here, but does anyone have definitive info to share with us all? I recall having read some time ago that when Ansett Airlines of Australia collapsed into thin air after decades of fine service that those pax who had already cashed in award mileage for flights on other *A carriers had no trouble with those flights; however, those who still had miles in the Ansett "bank" lost them all.

Now this clearly is an example of what might happen, but it is not a guarantee. I guess one major piece of the equation that I don't understand is at what point the ticketed carrier receives compensation from the award carrier. I suppose that would make a significant difference.

Lastly, does anyone have any definitive comments on whether or not to insist on paper tix for UA award travel in Q1 2005? Or can we feel certain that we're protected on e-tix for award travel on UA only?