We hear a lot of bad things about the Boeing 737 MAX 9, so I was surprised at what a positive reception the aircraft received by passengers around me on a recent flight. Earlier this week, I flew from...
How United Airlines Honored George H.W. Bush
In my final post on the life of George H.W. Bush, I want to highlight how United Airlines honored the late president at the airport he’s named after. For the last two days, gate C41 at Bush Intercontinental Airport...
When George H.W. Bush Flew United Airlines First Class
As the world remembers the life of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, I was made aware of a story that took place in 2010 aboard a United Airlines flight to Beijing. Reader Ken sent me the following e-mail,...
Former NBA Player Sues United Airlines For $10MN, Claiming Racism
A former NBA player is suing United Airlines for discrimination after an exit row incident onboard a flight to Newark. Eric Murdock was a on a United flight from Las Vegas to Newark with his son. He was seated...
United’s Position In Philadelphia: Strength Or Weakness?
United Airlines is cutting service between Philadelphia and Washington Dulles in January. The carrier has also abandoned service to Philadelphia from Cleveland, Los Angeles, and Newark. But United insists it is growing, not shrinking in Philadelphia. Some background first....
When Will United’s LAX Polaris Lounge Open?
United’s Polaris Lounge at LAX has still not opened…but it won’t be long. United’s Polaris Lounge at LAX has been delayed by more than a year. Set to open late in 2017, it has yet to open. In fact,...
United CEO Gives Up His Seat In First Class For Elderly Woman
United CEO Oscar Munoz recently gave up his first class seat for a senior citizen, a wonderful gesture of kindness. Rebecca Kuchar Krutz witnessed the encounter and shared it on Facebook: I’m a pretty loyal Delta Airlines customer. But tonight I...
United’s New Service From Denver To Frankfurt Puts Spotlight On LAX
United Airlines will begin year-round service between Denver and Frankfurt next year, giving all United hubs in the Continental U.S. a nonstop flight to Germany, except for one… Let’s not turn good news into a complaint. The new service...
A $365 Upgrade From Sydney To Los Angeles On United That Wasn’t Meant To Be…
At Award Expert, we do our best to be discerning. If a client tells us they want economy class but we see a great deal for business class, we are going to alert them. A long-term client asked me...
The Totally Clueless United “Global Services” Passenger…
I spent Thanksgiving weekend in Carmel, California with my family. As always, we stayed at the Highlands Inn, a Hyatt property. During brunch on Sunday, two couples seated at the table next to us began speaking about airline travel....
United Announces Pain-Free Paine Field Schedule
United Airlines announced it will start service to Paine Field next March. While that’s not a surprise, United’s chosen aircraft is a welcome and pain-free surprise. Over a year ago, I wrote about United’s plan to return to Paine...
Great United Airlines Sale: Save Up To 50% On European Awards
United Airlines has discounted economy class awards by up to 50% for Cyber Monday. Savings range from 20-50% based upon whether you hold a Chase co-branded United credit card and your MileagePlus elite status. Saver Award eligibility Members Premier...
My Revealing Conversation With A United 1K…On Hong Kong Airlines
Earlier today I wrote about my flight from Hong Kong to Los Angeles on Hong Kong Airlines. One conversation I had onboard was quite revealing. The only way I am ever able to get unobstructed cabin pictures is to...
United Flight Attendants Plan Day Of Protest
Mark your calendars. United flight attendants are planning a systemwide “day of action” on December 13th. I’ve written quite a bit recently about the labor situation at United Airlines between flight attendants and management. United Airlines May Add “Satellite...
Pictures: United Airlines 787-10
United’s new Boeing 787-10s are set to enter service in January on premium transcontinental routes. Later in 2019, the airplane will fly international routes from Newark. United will take delivery of 14 787-10 aircraft over the next two years....
Thanksgiving Letter from United CEO
United CEO Oscar Munoz’s annual note to employees on Thanksgiving is much shorter than last year’s letter. Dear United family, As our U.S. colleagues celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to extend my personal thanks to all of you for your...
In Defense Of The “Naked” United Airlines Pilot
A United Airlines pilot faces indecent exposure charges for standing naked in front of his hotel window at the Denver International Airport. I’m rather sympathetic to his case. Andrew Collins was at the Westin Denver Airport. Apparently, he was...
United Hopes To Improve Flight Attendant Service Through Seminars…
Through a series of 33 seminars in the Chicago area, United Airlines hopes to improve the flight experience for passengers in 2019. Earlier today I wrote about the potential addition of three new FA bases in the Untied network....
United Airlines May Add “Satellite Bases” For FAs In Three Cities
United Airlines is seeking to add “satellite” flight attendant bases in Orlando, Phoenix, and San Diego. Here’s what it means for you. I’ve written a lot about United’s internal employee relations lately because I believe that crew morale directly...
The Perfect Airline Meal Hot Or Cold
Each week, my Meal of the Week feature examines an airline meal from my travels over the years. This may be a meal from earlier in the week or it may be a meal served over a decade ago. Some meals...
