United Airlines launched a new website called United Airtime today that invites both customers and employees to provide feedback and promises a level of engagement in which United will respond honestly and candidly to tough questions. Front and center on the...
New 2015 United Airlines Safety Video is Out!
United Airlines has released its new 2015 in-flight safety video after a month of teasers. Here it is– I like it — a little corny, but well done and not as cheesy as Delta’s new safety video. The runaway...
No More Gogo All-Day Passes On United And Why That May Be A Good Thing
Beginning on 01 November 2015, the use of a GoGo All-Day Pass will no longer be possible on United Airlines. Sounds horrible right? I think it might be a blessing. United Will Manage In-Flight Wi-Fi Sales Instead of Gogo...
New United CEO Shares 9/11 Thoughts
A FA friend at United sent me the following letter received by all employees today from new CEO Oscar Munoz concering the 9/11 attacks. Dear fellow employees: This day – Sept. 11 – is a significant and emotional day....
New United Airlines Domestic First Class Seats
Yesterday Travel Skills broke news of a new United Airlines domestic first class seat and today United has made it official with more details. Here’s a look at the new seat: The seat will debut on an Airbus A319...
Who is Oscar Munoz?
Oscar Munoz, 56, was named United Airlines’ new CEO yesterday. Though a Board Member of United Continental Holdings since 2010 and involved in the Continental organization since 2004, I had never heard of him prior to yesterday’s news of...
Analysis: A Letter from United’s New CEO Oscar Munoz
United named Oscar Munoz as CEO today, tapping another insider to head the company. In a letter to employees, Munoz laid out the news and his leadership vision. Here’s my analysis of it. Dear fellow employees: No more “co-workers”?...
The Real Reason United Fired Jeff Smisek
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...
