The two have talked about merging before, but a deal between Continental Airlines and United Airlines might come to fruition under new Continental CEO Jeff Smisek. The Internet is abuzz with talk that officials from the two airlines have reopened discussions. The New York Times blog DealBook verified the talks this afternoon through unnamed officials who'd been briefed on the matter.

CultureMap tweeted about the possibility of the merger yesterday — and there'd been more discussion in the general social media world on the subject over the last few days than in actual newspapers. United had previously been in negotiations with US Airways, as commercial airlines face increasing pressure to consolidate.

Talks are reportedly still in the early stages, but tell us: Do you think a merger with United would be beneficial or detrimental to Forbes' most admired airline? Do you think Continental's service standards would endure such a team-up?