Paper or plastic? United Airlines finally has a permanent solution for its ice cream bowl issue…plastic. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, read here. In a nutshell, United’s glass ice cream bowls were cracking, prompting the...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: February 25, 2018
Hello from the American Express Lounge at San Francisco International Airport. I’m on my way home from FTU after a great weekend in Seattle. It was an honor to meet many readers. Remember, there are four upcoming Frequent Traveler...
United FA Compels Passenger to Change Seats: Ridiculous or Justified?
My brother Andrew commutes weekly between Southern California and the Bay Area. Since United Airlines brought mainline service back to Burbank, he has switched his business from Southwest to United. He shared this story with me from his flight yesterday. As...
Why Latest United Airlines Promo May Not Make Sense for You
United Airlines is running an attractive promotion on award redemptions to four incredible destinations. But before you jump on the bandwagon, make sure you practice due diligence. Now through March 2, 2018 you can save 20% on economy class...
First 10 United 737 MAX 9 Routes Announced
United Airlines will soon take delivery of its first 10 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft and has revealed what routes these new aircraft will fly on. What’s a MAX 9? It’s the latest version of the 737 from Boeing,...
Surprisingly Delicious United Airlines First Class Salad
United is currently in a period of cutbacks in terms of domestic first class meal service. Thus, I was quite surprised to find an apparent upgrade to meals on a recent transon flight. That’s the subject of this week’s...
Cathay Pacific Chairman: No Budget Airline (Thanks to Disgraced United CEO)
While legacy carriers across Asia have introduced their own budget carriers, Cathay Pacific steadfastly refused. Ironically, credit may go to the disgraced former CEO of United Airlines. In a university speech last week, Cathay Pacific Chairman John Slosar told students...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: February 11, 2018
A pleasant Sunday evening to you from Los Angeles. It was a quiet week on the blog, but a busy week in life. I’m looking forward to the week ahead, but especially looking forward to a special family trip...
Impressive “Olympic” Menu Upgrades in United Clubs
United Airlines is the official airline of Team USA. In celebration of the 2018 Olympic Games in PyeongChang, UA is offering special food and drink items over the next two weeks in United Clubs across the USA. To mark the opening...
My Conversation with United CEO Oscar Munoz
I hate to disappoint you, but rather than not saying anything I do want to provide an update on my recent conversation with United CEO Oscar Munoz. Last week I asked What Would YOU Ask United CEO Oscar Munoz? I...
United CEO Offers Insight on Black History Month
United CEO Oscar Munoz penned a letter to employees reflecting upon Black History Month. It brought my attention M’Lis Ward, the first female African-American captain for a major U.S. airline. She is Denver-based Airbus A320 pilot for United. Here is...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: February 4, 2018
Hello from 35,000 feet. I’m on my way to New York for a quick business trip. I trust I’ll be back home, though, by the end of the day tomorrow. Who would have thought a little story on a...
United Airlines Honors Ancient Paper Ticket
I’m old enough to remember paper tickets when I was a kid, but it has been many years since I have seen one. One man recently found a 19-year-old paper ticket from United…and successfully redeemed it. I deal with...
United Cracks Down on Emotional Support Animals
Following Delta’s move after the recent peacock incident, United Airlines is tightening up the requirements to bring an emotional service animal onboard. Here’s what changes, effective March 01, 2018: The customer must provide confirmation that the animal has been...
Meet the Woman Who Claimed Her Peacock as an Emotional Support Animal
Earlier this week I wrote about United Airlines refusing to allow a woman to bring her peacock onboard as an emotional service animal. New details have emerged about the passenger and her bird. The incident occurred last Sunday at...
Why You Should Always Book Directly with the Airline
This week we learned about a sad case, a tragedy really, involving a woman who was denied boarding enroute to her mother’s deathbed due to a ticketing snafu. It’s a reminder to always book directly with the airline, when...
What Would YOU Ask United CEO Oscar Munoz?
I’ll soon have a chance to speak to United CEO Oscar Munoz. I have a few questions in mind, but want to give you a chance to help me formulate excellent questions. Last time I spoke with him, I...
United Airlines Denies Boarding to Emotional Service Animal…a Peacock
Recently, I argued that airlines must crack down on the abuse of emotional support animals. Passengers continue to twist federal law to bypass pet cargo fees and bring animals onboard who do not belong onboard. > Debate: The Abuse...
Will United Fight Emirates at Newark or Retreat?
Emirates wants United’s bread and butter routes…and it likely will prevail unless United chooses to fiercely compete against the popular Gulf Carrier. American tried and failed. Delta tried and failed. But United maintains service to both New Delhi and...
United Airlines Gambles on Increased Capacity
United Airlines will increase capacity 4 to 6% each year, thru 2020. Is this a wise strategy or a fool’s errand that will inevitably trigger a price war? We know what the market thinks. In response to the capacity increase...
