I'm using TED on our next flight (used them on our July flight). While a part of UniTED, after reading the article, I don't think they are affected. I believe United is focusing on the smaller, less popular routes. TED/United has been wonderful about informing me of flight changes. I think they have called me about 5 times for my October trip. I do try to log into "my itineraries" once a month to check on any time changes. TED only uses their Airbus fleet, so there is no problem with seat change. The only time we've encountered seat changes on United is when they change the equipment and we are moved to a larger plane.