I have to agree with most of what Rhino said. I think that many factors came together in the right order to bring UAL to this point. Whereas 9/11 might have brought it about sooner than it would have naturally occurred, the road that UAL was headed down even before that would have led to the same destination I believe. I am not pointing a finger at anybody, or any one circumstance. A string of bad management decisions, and bad labor/managment relationships have led to where UAL is today.
It seems that bankruptcy is a certainty now. I know that when the groups involved finally realized the brevity of the situation, they fought very hard to avoid this, but in the end, it was too little too late. However, I hope now that everyone understands this, the people that remain at UAL can put all of the past aside, and work together to come back leaner and stronger. I also hope that management will reward labor for their sacrifices and hard work when this happens, and the ship is righted. I know most of the time that does not happen, but CO is an example of what can happen in this scenario.
Anyway, I want to wish everyone directly involved with the airline the best. As an investor, I have lost a lot in it. As a customer, I will be loyal as long as you are flying.
Best of luck to all,
CAETravlr