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...
Which United Clubs Have Showers?
The beautiful new United Club at LAX has opened and although it has received great praise, many are disappointed that it does not offer shower facilities. Say you are flying from Melbourne to LA and then on to Washington. You...
First Look at the Super Cool New United Club at LAX
I had the privilege of attending a special opening ceremony of United’s brand new United Club at LAX yesterday. Underscoring the significance of this event, both CEO Oscar Munoz and President Scott Kirby were present and their remarks were noteworthy....
Should a Vocal Trump Supporter Have Been Kicked Off My United Flight?
We are (hopefully) just a day away from the end to one of the most bitter presidential contests in U.S. history. As polls and statisticians predict a victory for Hillary Clinton, one die-hard Donald Trump supporter tried to make...
How to Beat United’s Draconian New Routing Restrictions
I am going to get into a lot more detail below, but will first offer a summary of the recent changes to the United MileagePlus program that sadly constitute a massive devaluation of your United miles. Award searches must...
Sneak Peek at United Polaris!
Last night United Airlines hosted an event in the Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco to highlight its new Polaris (Business Class) product that will begin to rollout later this year. On December 01, 2016 a new soft product including...
United Airlines Boasts of Its Great Summer
United Airlines claims it just had its “best summer every in company history” for on-time performance. To demonstrate, it presents this infographic: (click to enlarge) And indeed, the numbers look great. In my own United flying I encountered few...
Can You Use United Miles to Cuba?
On November 29, 2016 United will resume service to Havana, with daily non-stop service from Newark Liberty and weekly service (Saturdays) from Houston. The new flights are already bookable on united.com and prices are very reasonable, with business class...
United Gate Agent Caught Stealing $130K Worth of Passenger Jewelry
He’s no Frank Abagnale, Jr. A United Airlines gate agent in Denver has been charged with felony theft for stealing $130K of jewelry from a passenger’s bag, including a pearl encrusted bracelet and diamond earrings. The passenger was traveling from...
Buy a United 747 on eBay!
United’s first 747-400 was retired in 2014 and sent to the boneyard in 2015. Now you can own it for $300K. Appearing on eBay, we see a cabin still filled with economy, business, and first class seats as well as...
Let’s Give Scott Kirby a Chance
Scott Kirby made the odd pivot from President of American Airlines to President of United Airlines yesterday. Walking away with a $13MN severance package from AA without a non-compete clause, he has already begun work for United, where he...
The Real Reason LAX is Still a United Hub
A spirited discussion commenced last week on the hub status of United Airlines at Los Angeles International Airport. I argued that LAX remained both a de facto and de jure United hub while Cranky argued that United had abandoned...
Should United De-Hub Los Angeles? No, And It Won’t.
Cranky Flier argues that United has abandoned its Los Angeles hub in a piece entitled Should United De-Hub Los Angeles? It Already Has. The article is worth a read and presents some fascinating stats, but Cranky ultimately gets his analysis...
Odd New Commercial from United Airlines
United Airlines has released a commercial highlighting its new Polaris Business Class product, which will begin to roll out later this year. The commercial is well-done with great music and visuals but the strangely exotic, British narration strikes me...
United Surprise and Delight Program Surprises and Delights Me
United Airlines began a “Surprise and Delight” program last year as an effort to surprise “High Value Flyers” (HVFs — essentially those who spend a lot of money on tickets) with complimentary upgrades, sometimes cleared weeks in advance. The program...
Sneak Preview of United Polaris Dining Menu
“240 new entrees. 96 new appetizers. 48 new salads.” United describes its new Polaris Business Class menu as a “complete redesign of the culinary experience”. Earlier today, a group of FAs in Chicago had a chance to sample the...
Unpacking the Latest United MileagePlus Changes
United has announced “enhancements” to its United MileagePlus program starting this fall and as usual, the enhancements are anything but enhancements. Here’s what I do not understand — why can’t United just call a devaluation a devaluation? Claiming stopovers...
United Pilot Calls For Hillary Clinton to be Executed
A United Airlines pilot has suggested via Twitter that Hillary Clinton should be hanged for treason. First Officer Michael Folk serves part-time in the West Virginia House of Delegates and part time flying for United Airlines as a First Officer. Folk’s...
Why I Love International Connections at Washington Dulles
Some airports needlessly receive a bad wrap and Washington Dulles is one of them. IAD is often attacked by United flyers for the unsightly “temporary” terminal that has now been present for more than two decades. It’s true —...
