The most frustrating part of booking an award trip is when a telephone call to the airline is required. Some agents are quicker than others, but generally telephone awards just take a long time to book. I type this...
Aeroplan Points Devalued: No More Domestic First on Business Class Awards
Effective 06 September, two-cabin flights coded as “first class [O]” require three-cabin first class redemption rates when using Air Canada Aeroplan miles. I discovered the new policy while attempting to book a relatively straightforward award trip for a client...
Last Day to Purchase Lifetime United Club Membership
Tomorrow marks the final opportunity to purchase lifetime membership to the newly-branded United Clubs through Continental Airlines. As of today, the lifetime membership options have been removed from Continental’s site, but will still be available for purchase over the...
United Airlines Unveils New Million Mile Flyer Program
Since the United/Continental merger was announced last year, uncertainty has clouded the status of the combined carrier’s million-mile program. Which program would survive? United offered million-mile flyers Premier Executive (Star Gold) status for life and presented MMers with two...
United Airlines Releases Details on 2012 MileagePlus Program
After weeks of speculation, United Airlines finally revealed some specifics about its 2012 MileagePlus program. I am frankly gleeful to state that the changes are tolerable and United Airlines will remain my airline of choice in 2012. Here is...
A Battle with United Reservations Over Award Routing Rules
Considering I book multiple awards per week, mostly from US carriers, I have become intimately acquainted with award routing rules on the legacy carriers like United, Delta, American, and US Airways. You would not believe how often the agents...
Wi-Fi Arrives on Delta Regional Jets
Delta is already one of the leading U.S. carriers when it comes to in-flight internet access and now has become the first U.S. carrier to offer wireless internet access on its regional fleet: Delta Air Lines announced Wednesday that...
PJs, Duvets, and Slippers Coming to American Airlines First Class
I really do think many travelers suffer from the “grass is always greener on the other side” syndrome when comparing U.S. airlines to those carriers outside the U.S. Sure, the Southeast Asian carriers like Singapore and Cathay Pacific offer...
A Closer Look at United Airlines’ $550MN in Onboard Product Improvements
Fozz already nicely summarized the $550MN enhancements coming to United Airlines’ onboard product, but here’s a closer look from Scott O’Leary, Managing Director of Customer Solutions at United with my commentary below: Improved long-haul comfort with more flat-bed seats....
You just won 25,000 United Mileage Plus miles!
Last night I received the following text message from my brother: Dad and mom went to United Mileage Plus promotion at the Americana. Mother won two RCC passes. Dad won 25000 mp miles. While I don’t believe in luck,...
Thinking Critically About Rumored Changes to United Mileage Plus Program
News about the rumored changes to the United Mileage Plus program came as quite a shock to me. Although the final details will likely not be released until after Labor Day, it will still be advantageous to analyze each...
United Eliminates Special Meals on Domestic Flights on 10/1/11
Effective 01 October 2011, special meals will no longer be available on most United domestic, Canadian, Central American, and Caribbean flights. Special meals will still be available on transcontinental flights between LAX/SFO-JFK/EWR and Hawaiian flights. Furthermore, the following special...
More on Leaked Changes to United Mileage Plus Program
In all honesty, it is 0305 on Sunday morning, I have driven over 500km today to attend a wedding in Baden-Württemberg, just spent an hour on the phone booking an award with British Airways, and I just do not...
Leak: United to Completely Overhaul Mileage Plus Program?
Ben brings us the following changes under consideration for United Airlines’ Mileage Plus program from what he terms a “reliable” source: Class of service bonuses: Class of service bonuses for full fare tickets and paid premium cabin tickets will...
That’s One Way to Get to Cuba!
A United Airlines flight from Washington Dulles to Cancun was diverted to Havana on Sunday when crew members reported a “strong odor” in the cabin. Some later reported that a burning smell (Cuban cigars perhaps?) was emanating from the...
United Pilot Refuses to Fly until His Crew Meal is Loaded
Was it right for a United pilot to delay a three-hour domestic flight for more than 45 minutes because he did not get the crew meal he was expecting? Flyertalker CaliC shares the following story: So last week on...
United Systemwide Upgrades Can Now Be Used on Continental Flights!
Ben reports that United systemwide upgrades (SWUs) can now be applied on Continental flights. For now, you have to call to request the upgrade, but within the coming days this should be available to request online. I gave Continental...
New Chase United Visa Card Ushers in Changes to Mileage Plus Program
Yesterday, Chase unveiled its new United “Mileage Plus Explorer” credit card, which will replace the current Chase Continental and United credit cards. The sign-up bonus is not all that exciting: 25K miles after your first purchase, 5K for adding...
Tom Stuker Earns Titanium Global Services Status on United
As an aspiring million mile flyer, I find it necessary and proper to offer my congratulations to Tom Stuker, United’s most frequent flyer and a true “Up in the Air” figure. After 29 years of flying, he crossed the...
Reminder: United Airlines Award Chart Changes Tomorrow
United Airlines’ updated mileage award chart comes into effect tomorrow and for the most part, the changes are good. There are a few award regions that will see an increased mileage requirement, however, so it might be wise to...
