We still feel like we're far apart on key issues, namely the two-tier system on wages and benefits, and wage parity with the rest of the industry.

On the critical issues, the parties feel that they are far enough apart that it would be beneficial to bring in a mediator to provide a fresh perspective.

Airports are by far the highest utilized locations in our roaming system because the benefits are so strongly recognized by business travelers. Our goal is ubiquitous airport coverage, and we continue to work with our valued roaming partners to add airports of all sizes to the network.

They're going to try to make an argument that simply cutting wages, slashing benefits, etc., is not the only way to go. Whether the bankruptcy judge buys that remains an open question.

The critical issues here concern what is right, what is just -- not the balancing of benefits.

But we're also far enough apart, ... that we could end up in the ditch tonight.