Sometimes I could kill myself for not anticipating problems before they occur. Last Thursday (after my redeye nightmare) I flew from Chicago to Frankfurt on United. My upgrade to business class cleared, I had an aisle seat assigned, and...
United Airlines Shuffles Board as Oscar Munoz Readies Return
Two news items from United Airlines. First, Oscar Munoz will be back soon. Second, three new independent members to the Board have been appointed. Is there a link? Munoz is already back in a decision-making capacity but will resume...
United Airlines Defends DCA Perimeter Rule
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, just minutes from downtown Washington DC, is subject to a perimeter rule that restricts all but a handful of flights beyond 1,250 miles. A push this week to extend the perimeter to 1,475 miles...
How Does United’s New illy Coffee Taste?
United has partnered with illy to provide coffee in its worldwide network of airport lounges and eventually all flights. Great concept, great company, but how will it taste? I’m pleased to report that it tastes wonderful. I was on...
United Brings Back Early Boarding for Families with Children
Starting Monday, 15 February 2016 United Airlines will bring back aircraft pre-boarding for families with young children aged two and under. The new boarding priority will be: People with disabilities / active-duty members of the military in uniform / families...
United Airlines Announces San Francisco to Singapore Route on 787-9
United Airlines has announced plans to offer daily non-stop service from San Francisco to Singapore beginning 01 June 2016 on its 787-9 aircraft. The new route will be one of the world’s longest at 8,446 miles (second only to...
United Global Services and 1K Members Now Get Free Food in Economy Class
Rumors have been swirling over the last few days that United Airlines’ top-tier elite members would receive complimentary food in addition to complimentary alcoholic beverages when flying in economy class. I reached out to United for confirmation on Monday...
United CEO Oscar Munoz Receives Heart Transplant!
United CEO Oscar Munoz, who suffered a heartback and was forced to temproraily step down just weeks into his tenure, recevied a heart transplant on Wednesday. United isssued the following statement: Our president and CEO, Oscar Munoz, underwent a...
New "Economy Plus Essentials" and "Economy Plus Enhanced" Bundles on United
Airlines are in the business of profiting from ancillary fees and both Delta and American have already introduced bundled packages for economy class passengers that include perks like extra legroom, lounge access, checked baggage, and priority security and boarding....
Big Metal Bird: A New Show About United Airlines
United Airlines has introduced a new in-house show “that takes you inside how we get up in the air and down to business” called Big Metal Bird. The 3-4 minute program is lighthearted but instructive at the same time,...
United Will End Dubai Service on 23 January 2016, Blames Emirates and Etihad
When I wrote that United’s departure from Kuwait City was predicated upon expulsion by the Kuwaiti government, my insider source also mentioned offhandedly that Dubai would be shut down soon after because of stiff competition from Emirates. With United denying my...
United is Bringing Free Snacks Back to Economy Class!
United Airlines is bringing back complimentary snacks back to economy class on flights within North and Latin America beginning in February 2016 and it will be more than pretzels! Building on news that illy coffee will be brewed onboard...
Video: Chinese Man Dragged Off United Flight After Being Busted for Self-Upgrading
I hesitate to generalize, but I have spent some time in China and one thing is clear — the rich and the powerful live by a different set of rules. I suppose that is true in any nation. That...
Will United Airlines’ Million Miler Program Go From Best to Worst?
United Airlines has a pretty sweet Million Miler program right now — Compared to American and Delta, it is quite generous (with lifetime Star Alliance Gold status at 1MM for the member and a companion) but perhaps that is...
United Quietly Eliminates Award Holds and Why It Matters
United Airlines rolled out a new website earlier this year that offered customers the ability to hold award space if they had insufficient miles, a tremendously helpful feature to eliminate the risk of buying or transferring miles. Despite assurances...
Hilarious United Airlines Holiday Video
Thanksgiving is just around the corner and Christmas is not too far off. United is getting a jump start on the holidays this year with a video that is both hilarious and touching: Seriously, I love this video. I...
Why United Airlines Should Bring Back Cappuccino and Espresso
Yesterday United introduced illy as its new coffee partner and paradoxically, included this picture in its press release— You see, United does not offer cappuccino or mocha onboard its flights. Not that it couldn’t, mind you. Much of...
United Airlines Chooses illy as New Coffee Provider
United flyers can finally breathe a sigh of relief — the despised coffee currently found onboard and in United Clubs is on the way out and Italian coffee maker illy is on the way in. Starting next month we...
New Coffee Coming to United Airlines
While I love a good cappuccino, I rarely drink plain coffee — why drink an addictive beverage that stains your teeth and keeps you up at night? I realize I am in the minority here, particularly among the traveling...
U.S. Justice Department Blocks Newark Slot Deal Between United and Delta
United has already abandoned New York Kennedy in a deal in which United traded its Kennedy slots for 24 of Delta’s Newark slots. Today, the U.S. Department of Justice said not so fast, suing to block the deal on anti-competition...
