In 2004, United Airlines introduced p.s. (premium service) onboard its transcon flights between New York Kennedy and Los Angeles/San Francisco. This enhanced domestic product mimicked an international flight with menus, enhanced meals, and a premium business and first class...
Will Emirates Squeeze United Out of Athens?
Emirates announced it would offer daily non-stop service between Newark and Athens effective March 26, 2017, the carrier’s latest Fifth Freedom route. The new route puts United and Emirates on collision course — who will blink first or can both survive?...
The Trip Home from DC…Washington to Los Angeles via Frankfurt
As if our busy inauguration day was not enough, John and I detoured to Germany on our way home from Washington. A number of factors were to “blame”. A prefect storm brewed—procrastination and sold out flights with the specter...
UA Christens First 777-300ER “New Spirit of United”
United Airlines has christened its first 777-300ER the “New Spirit of United”, a name meant to highlight UA’s optimism it is turning the corner from a stormy past. Indeed, CEO Oscar Munoz added– This special aircraft represents not a commemoration of the...
United Announces Final 747 Flight
UDPATE: Final United Boeing 747 Flight Will be SFO-HNL on November 07, 2017 Scott Kirby promised a proper send off for the Queen of the Skies and with United’s schedule update, it appears that will be on October 29, 2017. Retirement...
I’m On an Uber from Newark Airport to Washington, DC…
Maybe the inauguration wasn’t such a good idea after all… United Airlines has a serious problem with its intra-terminal bus transport system at Newark Liberty. Long story short, we missed our connection to Washington National this morning because of...
Minneapolis to be Launch Market for United Basic Economy
In a call with investors yesterday, United Airlines President Scott Kirby announced that United will begin selling Basic Economy tickets next quarter and Minneapolis (MSP) will be the launch market. Kirby stated MSP will be the launch city because it...
The Cheeseburger is Recommended: EWR-IAH UA663 in United First
Earlier this month I wrote that cheeseburgers are back on the United economy class BOB menu in January. I mentioned how much I enjoy them and for this installment of Matthew’s Meal of the Week I will explain why....
Review: Houston to Lagos in United Airlines 787 Business
I flew United’s 787-8 for the first time from Houston to Los Angeles just weeks after it was introduced in 2012, but almost two years passed before I had the chance to fly it again, this time from Houston to...
United CEO Oscar Munoz Reflects on Dr. King
While I did not intend to write two posts on Martin Luther King Jr. today, a friend just passed on a letter United CEO Oscar Munoz sent to employees concerning Dr. King. I cannot help but to share and comment...
Everything You Need To Know About Basic Economy on United
United Airlines will soon roll out “Basic Economy” fares in select markets that carry important restrictions. Here’s everything you need to know about these new United fares. What is the Difference Between United Economy and United Basic Economy? Let’s focus on the restrictions...
United Airlines on Display at Saks Fifth Avenue in NYC
United Airlines has partnered with Saks Fifth Avenue to provide bedding in its new Polaris business class. This week, the partnership is on full display in the windows of the department store’s flagship Manhattan store. Walk by Saks and you’ll be...
Tasty: Here’s the United Polaris Lounge Menu
United Airlines’ opened its first Polaris Lounge in Chicago O’Hare last month to complement its new Polaris onboard premium product. Today, United introduced full service sit-down dining menus in the ORD Polaris Lounge. For the last month, food has been served...
United Accelerates 747 Retirement to 2017
Last week I wrote about United’s plan to retire its 747-400 fleet by the end of 2018. Today, UA President Scott Kirby announced plans to accelerate the retirement of the fleet by a full year. In a letter to...
Sore Losers: NFL Team Trashes United 767-400
The New York Giants lost their Wild Card Round playoff game to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday…and took out their anger on a United Airlines 767-400. Airlines are happy to lease out their planes and crews if the...
Cancelled: United Cuts Planned Second Daily Flight from LA to London
I knew it was good too be true. United has removed the planned second-daily Los Angeles to London Heathrow flight from its schedule. Set to begin on April 4, 2017, the new service would have doubled premium capacity and added...
United Boots Unaccompanied Minor Off Last Flight of Night
I’d call it a comedy of errors, but there is no comedy in this story. A 13-year old boy traveling alone was booted off a United Express flight from Albany to Washington Dulles due to a weight/balance issue, leaving him stranded....
United Denies Rumor It Will Cut Hot Food from Lounges
A rumor sprang up on Flyertalk this afternoon that hot food would be cut from the United Clubs in Chicago O’Hare and not expanded to additional airports. United informed me that no such decision has been made. United’s lounge...
My First International Business Class Meal: SFO-LHR on UA930
For this week’s Matthew’s Meal of the Week, I remember my first international flight. In September 2006 I travelled to Europe for the first time, a United 747-400 from San Francisco to London. I had just turned 20 and it was...
A Love Affair with United Airlines
It began when I was four years old on a preschool field trip to Burbank Airport. United Airlines hosted us and although I don’t remember much, I remember receiving a set of United wings and proudly wearing them around...
