"these rumors" about Comair flow-through stem from an offer on the table a few years back for a flow-through/flow-back with DAL. For whatever reason, not least of which I'm sure was the flow-back, Comair said thanks, but no thanks.

And I'm sure someone will chime in about not having all the facts, (i don't), but the result is still the same...the only wholly owned that doesn't have an option to flow-through with Delta announcing hiring.

...but then, you already knew that!