United Airlines has released a new Olympic-themed safety video ahead of the 2016 Summer Olympic games in Rio. Apparently it has been around for a few weeks, but it did not appear on any of my flights until just...
Reflections on Captain Denny Flanagan
Captain Denny Flanagan walks out of O’Hare Airport on May 26, 2016 On Tuesday May 31, Captain Denny Flanagan will pilot his final flight for United Airlines. The four-hour flight from Seattle to Chicago will be filled with family,...
Remembering My Million Miler Flight on United Airlines
In the 757-200 Flight Deck prior to my Million Miler flight with United Airlines for the obligatory staged photo taken by Captain Denny Flanagan Earning Million Miler status with United Airlines just after turning 27 was no easy feat,...
United Cuts Service to Lagos, Last Link to Africa
Faced with depressed demand thanks to persistently low fuel prices, United is suspending its flight from Houston to Lagos, Nigeria effective June 30, 2016. Having already abandoned Accra, Ghana, United will lose its last link to Africa. United will...
United Rolling Back International Economy Meal Service Downgrades
With much fanfare, United Airlines announced upgrades to its international economy class meal service last year that included new menu options, better quality entrees and salads, ice cream, and crackers & cheese. In exchange for the enhanced menu, complimentary...
Letter from United CEO Oscar Munoz Promises More Improvement
An e-mail letter went out to United MileagePlus members today from CEO Oscar Munoz which you can read below followed by my commentary. Dear MileagePlus member, Since the year began, a lot of exciting things have happened, and I...
United Global Premier Upgrades Now Work on ANA
United Airlines and ANA are Star Alliance, codeshare, and joint venture partners. Now United Global Premier Upgrades (GPUs) can be used on ANA flights to upgrade from economy to business or business to first, wtih some caveats… Here’s the...
United Airlines Garage Sale in Houston
If you are in the Houston area today near IAH, head down the street to the Chelsea Catering Company (United’s in-flight kitchen) for a chance to support charity and buy some unique United swag. A “garage sale” will be...
Order Pizza from Chicago United Club
United Airlines is refreshing its airport lounge network and bringing innovation in an area that has long been lacking — dining. You can now order food from Giordano’s from the comfort of your armchair in United’s newly-renovated lounge near B18 in...
Video: United Captain Surprises Son
File this under heartwarming. A United Airlines Captain caught wind that his son was flying home on a military charter serviced by United and made arrangements to pilot the flight. Sneaking onboard, he had a FA distract his son...
Two Flights to Las Vegas for the Price of One!
Last night I was already tired. I started the day early flying from Hamburg to Newark to Chicago on United with a friend, then was to fly from Chicago to Las Vegas on United on a late evening non-stop flight....
My Airfone Adventure on United
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....
