Agree...but...when a company loses the passion of its employees and refocussed to simply cost containment, the game is over. The last ten years have seen a ridiculous rise in the number of CFO's, money "men" running companies.

The easiest position I have held is cutting costs, the most difficult is service, marketing and sales where creativity and positive attitude are a must. United and the other airlines are so focussed on seat per mile costs that they will sacrifice their very existence for a few management bonuses...especially when they have no stake, years of experience or intentions to stay at UAL...the goal is to grab the big money and run.

So...the frustration from many is that UAL could be great, but the stockholders and management simply choose to not be so. How crazy that I can receive status/miles by flying AA or DAL by using a UAL VISA!