In an unexpected move, United Airlines announced today that CEO Jeff Smisek, along with two top lieutenants were “stepping down” (translation: fired). With record profit on the books and relative harmony between labor and management, what happened? Apparently, New...
Here’s How to Smartly Use Your Lufthansa Miles
So, here’s the story of how I saved my family trip and even scored a business class seat using my Lufthansa Miles & More points. If you don’t want to read the background, skip down to the Use Lufthansa...
United Airlines Closing Honolulu and Detroit Call Centers
Mention “Honolulu Call Center” to any frequent United Airlines flyer and you will see a smile and hear a story about how Team HNL has worked magic or gone the extra mile to save a trip. For United’s valuable...
Preview of New United Airlines Safety Video
We’ve seen airline safety videos evolve from tedious reminders of onboard safety to comedic works of art and full-scale productions. Perhaps it is no surprise, then, that United has released a trailer for its upcoming new safety video, entitled...
United Cuts First Class to Australia; Will Exclusively Use 787 for LAX International Flights
@airlineroute reports that by Spring of 2016 United Airlines will abandon first class service to Australia and use 787s for all longhaul international routes out of Los Angeles. First Class to Australia on United Airlines Axed from SFO and LAX...
United FAs Get iPhone 6s Filled with Info About YOU!
Although I have not seen them in use yet, United Airlines has recently equipped all flight attendants with an iPhone 6 Plus to “deliver an even higher level of flyer-friendly service and will offer our flight attendants simple, one-touch access...
Official Clarification from United on 2016 Lounge Access Policy
I wrote about an upcoming change to United’s lounge access policy in 2016 which will limit admittance to only those with a same-day boarding pass, even if they are members. The new policy left many unanswered questions and United...
Lady Dragged Off United Airlines Flight for Refusing to Put Dog in Pet Carrier
Get ready for a good laugh. It seems a woman was kicked (well, dragged) off a United Express flight for refusing to place her dog in a pet carrier. Police come onboard to remove her and she went crazy,...
United Will Restrict Club Access to Same-Day Travel Only in 2016
UPDATE: See the update from United on the new change. Unlike in much of the world, where airport lounge access is granted solely on the basis of traveling in premium cabins or airline loyalty, the U.S. legacy carriers have...
Humorous New Delta Air Lines Safety Video
Delta is out with a new safety video giving Air New Zealand a run for the money in the humor department. Well actually, the previous one did — I personally like it much better: My favorite part — the...
United Improves Pre-Arrival Meals on European Flights
The butt of many jokes for many years, United Airlines is retiring its (in)famous pre-arrival premium class meals on transatlantic westbound flights. Why does this merit a post? Because we’ve been served something like this for five years, with...
United Airlines To Offer Swanky Cowshed Amenity Kits
United Airlines is teaming up with Cowshed Spa, a division of Soho House, to offer brand new amenity kits in intercontinental premium cabins and United lounges. Beginning Aug. 1, 2015, United will exclusively offer Soho House’s Cowshed skin-care products onboard...
The Significance of American Airlines’ Starwood Transfer Bonus
As the mantra goes, miles and points are a depreciating asset and are better burned than stored for future use. American Airlines is offering a generous 20% transfer bonus on points from Starwood Preferred Guest. Essentially, that means instead...
Was the Muslim Passenger Who Accused United FA of Bigotry Lying?
Truth is a funny thing — it is immutable, but it can hide. History is written by the victors and beyond the trite but accurate cliche that there are two sides to every story, sometimes we should all be...
United Airlines Leaves JFK, Moves p.s. to Newark
Big news for New York City travelers, as United announced plans to move its premium service (p.s.) flights from JFK to Newark and discontinue service to JFK starting on October 25, 2015. United cuts p.s. because it was not...
FA Who Told Muslim Passenger She Could Not Have Unopened Soda Can for Security Reasons is Sacked
Another week, another drama at United Airlines. This time on a United Airlines Express flight operated by Shuttle America. Let’s review the situation: Tahera Ahmad, Director of Interfaith Engagement at Northwestern University who was also wearing a hijab,...
Family Should Apologize for Forcing United Airlines Diversion
The trending story of a family thrown off a United Airlines flight from Houston to Portland beckons us to consider how airlines should compassionately and effectively accommodate disabled travelers while balancing concerns of safety and the comfort of other...
New Beta Edition of United.com Available to All
I have been testing the beta version of the new united.com for over a month now via special invitation but now United has opened its beta site to everyone, with a planned launch date of the “new and improved”...
FOIA Request from U.S. DOT Arrives over United Danish Kroner Mistake Fare
After the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) sided with United Airlines, allowing the carrier to rescind super-cheap first class fares that exploited a pricing glitch on its Danish website, I was curious to see how cozy the relationship...
Video: Deceptive New United Airlines Commercial?
For an airline that was woefully behind the curve in introducing Wi-Fi to its fleet, it is a tad ironic that United Airlines has released a new commercial touting its onboard Wi-Fi and streaming video entertainment. Nevertheless, United has come...
