United is currently in merger talks with US Airways, but still discussing service agreements with Continental, the Houston Chronicle reported.

American Airlines and British Airways -- part of a carrier alliance called Oneworld -- have said they are willing to discuss service agreements with Continental.

Continental is attractive to other airlines because of its dominance in the New York City market and its connections to Latin America, the Chronicle reported.

Alliances also allow airlines to increase services without facing regulatory scrutiny involved in a merger.

"We are examining our alliance relationships as we think it's important that we be a major player in one of the three major global airlines alliances," Continental spokeswoman Mary Clark said this week.