You'll note my earlier gripes regarding the extra charge planned by United Airlines for checking a second suitcase. And I trust you've read about Mark Evanier's excruciating experience in traveling via United from Los Angeles to San Francisco. (If you haven't, click Mark's link to the left. It's fast, it's fun, and you'll be sooooo glad you weren't trying to make that trip with him. Sorry, Carolyn!)

So I wonder about this United Airlines press release of Feb. 19:

"United also announced the appointment of Cynthia Szadokierski, a 23-year United veteran, as vice president operational services, United Express and Ted. Szadokierski most recently was vice president of Airport Operations -- O'Hare, overseeing operational performance, customer processing, baggage handling and ramp operations at the company's largest hub. In her new role, Szadokierski will oversee United Express, United's $3 billion regional affiliate operation, and direct United's day-to-day operations, including systems operation control, flight dispatch and operations analysis. She will report to Pete McDonald."

Could Szadokierski possibly influence "United's day-to-day operations" as well as the more limited influence on United Express and Ted? The story sorta indicates she might. And this would seem to be a good time for someone to influence things ...