United Airlines’ President Scott Kirby is a smug man. I don’t even use that term in negative way. Such bravado has served him well at American and now United. But did he step over the line during a recent dressing down...
United Flight Diverts When Passenger Rushes Cockpit
A United flight was forced to turn around after a distressed passenger made a rush for the flight deck. United 898 was scheduled to leave Houston at 9:43p on Saturday evening for a short flight to New Orleans, but...
A Dishonest Smear in the Fight Over Gulf Subsidies
Earlier this month, Delta released a “documentary” attacking the Gulf Carriers. I didn’t even write about it because it represents unadulterated propaganda. But now a friend was attacked for criticizing it and I feel obligated to weigh in. Be warned: in the...
United FAs Now Empowered to Issue Onboard Compensation
One of the biggest problems of the failed Smisek era at United Airlines was that FAs and gate agents lost much of their flexibility. Rules were strictly enforced with consequences for bending them, but anti-customer policies were also implemented....
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: July 17, 2017
I’m hardly in full relaxation mode, but after another week in beautiful Germany I’ve acclimated back nicely to a life of paying in cash and not being able to buy groceries on Sunday! As we start thinking about the...
Surprisingly Delicious Meals out of Tel Aviv on United
Don’t ask why, don’t ask how, but I recently found myself in economy class (at least in Economy Plus with an open middle) on a 15hr flight from Tel Aviv to San Francisco on United Airlines. For my weekly Meal of...
United Airlines Trims Three European Routes
United Airlines is cutting back service to two cities in the United Kingdom and one in Ireland. Service to Birmingham, England will end on October 5th and the station will close: Last outbound flight departs Newark – EWR on...
Revealed: United 767 Polaris Cabin Layout
United Airlines is in the process of retrofitting its current 767-300 and 777-200 fleet to install new Polaris Business Class seats. The first 767 is now out of the factory and will enter service this summer on an unspecified...
Why MileagePlus Go Card is Actually Great
Critics have come out against the MileagePlus Go Visa Prepaid Card early and often. But I think many of their criticisms are unfair and don’t accurately reflect the wider market for this product. This card is a great value...
United CEO Blasts Qatar CEO for Sexist Remarks
Yesterday I wrote about blatantly ageist remarks made by Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker that ridiculed US-based flight attendants. Now United CEO Oscar Munoz has come out swinging against him. In a note to employees, a YouTube link to Akbar’s...
United 777-300ER Current and Future Routes
United Airlines ordered 18 777-300ER aircraft. The first 14 will be delivered during 2017 with the four additional aircraft coming in 2018. What routes can you find the new aircraft on? What’s So Good About the United 777-300ER? The United...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: July 09, 2017
I’ve escaped the Los Angeles heat and am basking in the cool summer rains of Germany. (sigh of contentment) Oddly, I’ve encountered horrible jet lag the last couple days — this despite flying nonstop to Europe in the evening...
United Status Matched Me to 1K!
I have previously noted that American Airlines has gutted their Advantage frequent flyer and because of that I am leaving American. Loyalty is a two-way street and American has worked hard to make it a one-way street, well I’m...
Victim: United Threatened Me to Deter Lawsuit Over Employee Assault
Last month, I wrote about the a man who was assaulted by a United employee at Houston (IAH). The assault happened in 2015 and many questioned why it took him two years to come forward. A shocking new allegation...
United Airlines’ Plan to Bankrupt Alitalia?
United Airlines will serve Rome year-around from its Newark hub. Might this be a plan to hasten Alitalia’s demise? Currently, United offers seasonal service to Rome from the following hubs: Chicago (ORD) Newark (EWR) Washington Dulles (IAD) While ORD and IAD...
United Airlines Steals Seat from Child, Forcing Him Into Mother’s Lap
A mother traveling on United Airlines to Boston was forced to hold her two year old on her lap even after purchasing a ticket for him when his seat was given away to a standby passenger. In the United States,...
Here’s Why United’s Award Booking Rules are Just Stupid
I run Award Expert, a boutique travel consulting agency that specializes in the effective use of miles and points. Consequently, my team and I are well-acquainted with the nuances of every loyalty program worth talking about. Not surprisingly, we deal with United...
Cool New United Airlines Museum Exhibit at SFO
If you’re flying through Terminal 3 of San Francisco International (SFO) in the coming months, factor in an extra 15 minutes to check out an amazing United Airlines museum-quality exhibit. The SFO Museum rotates collections twice per year in the long hallway...
United CEO Reflects on Independence Day
Happy Independence Day to my readers in the USA. United CEO Oscar Munoz sent the following note to UA workers this morning. Thanks to a FA friend for sharing it with me: Dear United Family, This Fourth of July, our...
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: July 2, 2017
Greetings from over the Atlantic on a rare overnight westbound flight. The week took an unexpected turn as I found myself on a very quick jaunt to Germany and Jordan. More details on that trip are coming. In the...
