Everyone was convinced United was a goner a few years ago. That didn't happen.

United is based in Obama's home town. Thousands of jobs at stake, as well as political capital. Can you imagine the embarrassment of this huge airline failing in Obama's back yard, long after he promised unemployment wouldn't go above 9%? Look for the "too big to fail" platitude to be rolled out again.

Look for either a bailout, "stimulus" money, or re-regulation. At the very least, a government backed loan at cheap interest rates.

United will survive.