Conversely, it's common for contracting firms to include a clause requiring the subcontracting firm to indemnify the contractor. So United would be able to push it back onto Republic.
I don't fly within the US just because fuck the TSA (I'll take a train to Canada if I need to fly internationally), but I'm going to be more careful now about checking the subcontracted airline to make sure they're not in bankruptcy.
I might be completely wrong but thats what I always though, please correct me.
I was implying that if you see tickets and they're subcontracted to another airline, look up that airline and don't book if they're bankrupt.
Probably leaves United in a bad spot, considering Republic is bankrupt and United depends on them for services.
Unless of course the ticket contract with paying customers makes it a clause that United isn't responsible.