Will Continental try to hook up with United?

Of course, that would mean muscling U.S. Airways aside. Business Week says Continental-United is a better merger, though.

Continental and United belong to the Star Alliance marketing group and have a joint venture with Deutsche Lufthansa AG for trans-Atlantic flights.

So, and especially since the two had exploratory talks in 2008, it would make sense, right? Especially since a larger airline would result:

Together, Houston-based Continental and UAL Corp.’s United would surpass Delta Air Lines Inc. for the top spot in global passenger traffic.

But, maybe that's part of why United went with Airways, as well as the fact that Continental was the one who eventually scrubbed the 2008 talks. Maybe United thinks an airline that big, especially with a new administration, wouldn't pass antitrust scrutiny.

Bag-check fee catches on — and $2 a pop for pop!!

No. 2 airline United and No. 7 U.S. Airways have joined No. 1 airline American in charging $15 for fliers’ first checked bag.

I’m betting, still, that Southwest doesn’t join the stampede, and winds up using this to actually increase its profit margin.

And, no more free sodas on U.S. Airways — it’s $2 a pop for pop now.