Don't be too sure about UAL bro, they have been looking for quite some time now for someone to purchase them. The for sale sign has been out for at least two years.
WD
UAL wants to merge, not necessarily be acquired and it must make sense. The deal has to bring value to the transaction for UAL as well as for LCC. Most of the LCC system does not extend UAL's market. What good does a PHX hub do for UAL, not much. UAL would be interested in a deal in which they get more east coast exposure, particularly the south east. JMO.