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 —...
United Airlines Will Unveil New Business Class Seat Today
In an event that will seemingly mimic an Apple WWDC, United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz will hold a “major media event” this evening in New York City’s Gotham Hall. Expect the unveiling of a “totally new premium product experience” including a...
United Airlines Team USA Amenity Kits
Earlier this week I wrote about a new United Airlines safety video that celebrates United’s partnership with Team USA in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games. A flight attendant passed on news to me that beginning this month United...
United Airlines 2016 Olympics Safety Video
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...
