This is Patti Carson and today is Friday, December 20th.

There’s been a lot of talk and speculation this week about our Chapter 11 filing, so I’d like to explain our current talks with the union coalition.

We are now discussing the specific changes necessary to build a durable and successful airline. The concessions proposed earlier in our ATSB proposal were ones that would allow us to stabilize the company in the near-term. The changes we are seeking now, by necessity, go further. They are intended to transform United fundamentally and enable the company to be successful for the long-term.

Glenn Tilton has made it clear all along that the restructuring process would be difficult. And, it should be no surprise that this will require big sacrifices for all of us. In order to meet our debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing terms, we need to move quickly.

There are plenty of rumors circulating, which can be harmful and destructive. Chapter 11 is a complicated process, and I encourage you to visit the restructuring site on SkyNet for answers to your questions.

Although we’re all concerned about our own futures and that of the company, it’s essential that we continue doing our very best work. Despite everything that’s going on, our operational performance is exceptional! So far this year, United is tracking number one in the Department of Transportation’s on time :14 performance category. If we maintain our operational excellence through December, we’ll earn the 2002 title of most reliable airline in the United States. We’re running a great airline and it’s time to show the world that United does it better than anyone else.

It’s important for all of us to remember that our customers are watching us most of all. Our load factors are historically the highest during the Christmas holiday season. People traveling today are evaluating whether they want to trust us with their future vacation or business travel. They’ve bought their ticket for today – we have to earn their ticket for tomorrow. They’re watching our operational performance and comparing us to our competition. They’re listening to our conversations with them, and with each other

During this holiday season, let’s do our very best to welcome our guests beginning with a warm welcome and assistance with carry-on baggage. As you well know, this time of the year brings increased carry-on baggage levels with gifts and winter apparel. You can also expect to see a lot of families traveling, and they’ll need assistance getting their children settled and baggage stowed. Whether you’re working on board an airplane or traveling as a passenger, I ask that you do what you can to help our customers and each other.

We’re working hard to entice customers to travel on United. For example, we just announced a major fare sale to encourage customers to buy tickets on United for travel from January through the beginning of April. You’ll be seeing printed ads in national newspapers that say: Thanks for all your support. Just returning the favor with some low fares.

We’re also supporting our dedicated Mileage Plus customers by extending the elite qualification period. This applies to members who are within 10,000 miles or 10 segments of reaching Premier, Premier Executive or Premier Executive 1K status. For a $25 service charge, members have three more months in which to reach elite status.

As I close this week’s message I’d like to tell you about the feedback I’m getting from customers. At a time when criticism and skepticism are prevalent, flight attendants are performing at a wonderful level. I have received a lot of correspondence from customers offering words of praise and support.

They tell me that you are enthusiastic and working as a team. They feel flight attendants are doing what it takes to ensure that customers continue to fly on United. While your service and commitment has never wavered, it’s remarkable that our customers are telling us now -- more than ever -- how much they appreciate your efforts.

During these times, it is humbling to know that our customers care so much about United Airlines. Everything you do, no matter how ordinary or routine you believe it might feel, makes a difference in the eyes of our customers. Remember, you are absolutely the difference.

Thank you for all of your hard work. I wish you and your loved ones the very best during this holiday season. And, I continue to say… take care of our customers and take care of each other. Thanks for dialing in.