Originally Posted by ContinentalFan

I think that the quote above needs a little bit of clarification. The closest thing United has to "$5.5 Billion in the bank" is $4.0 billion in cash and cash equivalents as reported in its March 31 10-Q. AMR has $167 million in cash and $4.986 billion in short-term investments. Continental reported $2.2 billion in cash and $270 million in short term investments for the most recent calendar quarter.

It's good to examine the three financial statements in concert to get an overall picture of each carrier. United hasn't yet published its second quarter results. They may be available as early as Monday. Right now, Continental is in the strongest position of the three carriers you mention. The trend in monthly traffic and lot factor data support the claim.

Originally Posted by United.com

Cash and short-term investments at the end of the second quarter are estimated at $5.1 billion, of which $0.9 billion is restricted, representing a total increase of $500 million from the end of the first quarter 2006.

Originally Posted by AA.com

AMR also was able to grow its cash balance, ending the period with $5.7 billion in cash and short-term investments, including a restricted balance of $525 million.