Been giving some thought to this...

With the expected bankrupcy filings of DL and NW this week...and the real possibility a 100% leveraged Delta will be unable to recover, it seems the two other flagship partners of this alliance are in no shape to compare with CO

Also, most of us can agree that CO's total product is leagues ahead of what DL and NW currently offer - in my opinion, there appears to be a mismatch

I am concerned that CO's continued association with Skyteam is akin to remaining onboard a sinking ship. None of the other member carriers are renowned for their product offerings or financial health (except possibly AF)

Here is my provocative thought: little mention has been made recently of the previously rumored takeover of UA by CO. Folding both carriers into a master holding company.

In my opinion, Star Alliance seems like a much better fit for CO, given its global presence, partners and partner quality standards. Assuming SA and UA give US the boot after its merger with America West, it might be the perfect opportunity for CO to join Star Alliance instead, and possibly set the stage for an easier integration with UA, should those merger rumors come true.

I would hate to see the other two key members of Skyteam collapse around CO and leave that alliance in shambles when better opportunities might be available elsewhere.