It's official: United Airlines and Continental are going to merge.

• Continental and United are combining in a merger of equals to form a new airline which will be called United Airlines and will use the Continental logo and colors as its marketing brand.
• The planes will be painted in Continental’s livery, including the globe tail.
• No changes will be made until the merger closes, which is expected near the end of 2010.
• More info here: http://www.unitedcontinentalmerger.com 

Remember that this merger must clear antitrust hurdles, as well as a bunch of other key factors that need to happen before it's finally final, etc.

But first things first...

Let's all offer a BIG and warm welcome to all Continental Flight Attendants that will be joining us!  You are about to join a unique, interesting, dramatic, fun, and wonderful family.  Welcome aboard!  You better buckle up tight, that's for damn sure.  You can join some interesting discussions going on right now at our Facebook page.

For those of us current United employees, here's some helpful resources:

• United and Continental to merge article (CNN)
• Official merger website: http://www.unitedcontinentalmerger.com
• Rights and Protections in a Merger (AFA)

NOTE TO CONTINENTAL EMPLOYEES: The JSN Crew Lounge will not be available to you until you have an official United Airlines file number---which will not happen until the operations are finally merged and combined.  You can, however, join the JSN Facebook page and meet some of your future United flying partners.