• Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
Live and Let's Fly
  • Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
Home » News » United Spent $600K in 4Q Government Lobbying
NewsUnited Airlines

United Spent $600K in 4Q Government Lobbying

Matthew Klint Posted onMarch 23, 2010 Leave a Comment

The AP reports that United spent $600,000 lobbying government officials in the Fourth Quarter of 2009. Among United’s concerns:

1. DOT Tarmac Delay Guidelines

United’s lobbying disclosure report doesn’t say which side it took on the legislation, but most airlines opposed new Transportation Department rules about tarmac delays that are set to take effect April 29. Airlines have said the new rules will further complicate matters when a plane is stuck on the ramp.

And who can blame them? I still think the the tarmac delay limits will hurt passengers more than it will help them.

2. House bill that would set standard limits for the size of carryon bags

I recently had a heated debate with an Australian colleague about the size of carryon bags. Some airlines and countries, New Zealand in particular, strictly limit the weight and size of carryon bags. Currently, U.S. airlines are free to regulate carry-on bags as they see fit.

I hate restrictions on weight and size because I hate checking bags. One of the reasons I love United is because I can take (almost) whatever I want onboard. Why shouldn’t airlines be able to set their own guidelines for carryons? Yes, there is a safety concern with items that weigh more. But the risk is worth it. How often is turbulence bad enough that an overhead bin flies open, a carryon flies out, and hits someone hard enough to injure them? I oppose paternalistic government intervention that unduly restricts the free flow of commerce in the name of protecting people from themselves.

3. Flight Deck laptop prohibition for pilots

I’d be interested to know what side UA lobbied for, though I can’t imagine they would expend resources to support a ban.

4. Cap and Trade Bill

United also lobbied on the cap-and-trade bill, which would put a price on each ton of pollution and allow businesses to buy and sell permits for their emissions. Airlines have opposed it because they say it would amount to a tax on fuel-intensive industries.

5. Bills aimed at ending price speculation in energy markets

United blames speculators for driving up the cost of fuel, which cost them a lot of money last year. Poor hedging strategies didn’t help…

UA lobbied Congress, the White House, FAA, and DOT, but this is nothing new. UA spent only $150K less on lobbying than they did in the 4Q of 2008. With UAUA trading around $20/share, UA can afford the extra $150K!

So what do you think about UA’s lobbying?

Get Daily Updates

Join our mailing list for a daily summary of posts! We never sell your info.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Previous Article Initial Observations on United’s New Unlimited Domestic Upgrade Program
Next Article Spanair Lounge + Madrid to Copenhagen via Frankfurt on Lufthansa

About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

Related Posts

  • United Airlines Mango Lassi

    United Airlines Rolls Out Aperol Spritz, Mango Lassi, And New Hawaii Menus

    July 4, 2025
  • hot airplane cabin toddler

    “United Airlines Tried to Cook My Toddler!” Overdramatic Dad Upset About Hot Cabin Temperature

    July 3, 2025
  • United Airlines pre-arrival snack

    United Airlines Adds Pre-Arrival Service On Transcontinental Flights

    July 2, 2025

Leave a Reply

Cancel reply

Search

Hot Deals for July

Note: Please see my Advertiser Disclosure

Capital One Venture X Business Card
Earn 150,000 Miles Sign Up Bonus
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Earn 100,000 Points
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Earn 75,000 Miles!
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Earn 75,000 Miles
Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Earn $750 Cash Back
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Earn 120,000 Membership Reward® Points

Recent Posts

  • United Airlines Mango Lassi
    United Airlines Rolls Out Aperol Spritz, Mango Lassi, And New Hawaii Menus July 4, 2025
  • a blue passport on a black surface
    All The Patriotic Quotes In Your U.S. Passport July 4, 2025
  • hot airplane cabin toddler
    “United Airlines Tried to Cook My Toddler!” Overdramatic Dad Upset About Hot Cabin Temperature July 3, 2025
  • Wearing Leggings Airplane
    Why Wearing Leggings On A Plane Could Be A Deadly Mistake July 3, 2025

Categories

Popular Posts

  • Qatar Airways Economy Class Breakfast
    Economy Class Breakfast On Qatar Airways June 7, 2025
  • Favorite Airline Commercials
    My 10 Favorite Airline Commercials June 15, 2025
  • Israel Flight Cancellations
    Major Carriers Extend Flight Cancellations To Israel: Here’s The List June 6, 2025
  • Qantas Lounge Review Hong Kong
    Review: Qantas Lounge Hong Kong (HKG) June 14, 2025

Archives

July 2025
M T W T F S S
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031  
« Jun    

As seen on:

facebook twitter instagram rss
Privacy Policy © Live and Let's Fly All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Live and Let's Fly with appropriate and specific directions to the original content.